Fall Lawn Care Safety

Mowers

• The Minnesota Department of Agriculture recommends keeping your lawn about 2 inches tall throughout the fall so that the grass is sufficiently able to make nutrients for the coming winter and ward off disease. Before operating your lawn mower, do a walk through of your yard to look for any potential hazards, including rocks, toys, large sticks and other debris. Make sure your machinery is in good condition and there are no exposed wires or damaged parts. Wear closed-toed shoes with good traction, long pants and safety goggles to protect against flying debris. Wear ear plugs to protect your hearing. Never smoke around gas-powered mowers and do not run gas-powered mowers in enclosed spaces, such as sheds, to prevent carbon monoxide inhalation.

Leaf Blowers

• It’s a beautiful sight when deciduous trees lose their foliage in the fall, but clean-up can be tedious. Leaf blowers make the job of cleaning up leaves from your yard easier. Never attempt to clean yourself off using the leaf blower. Similarly, don’t direct the blower at nearby people or passersby. Inspect your blower before use for any exposed wiring or damaged parts and maintain your equipment regularly to prevent electrical shock. Wear appropriate safety gear, including goggles to protect against flying debris and ear plugs to preserve your hearing. Don’t use an electric blower around puddles or in wet conditions to protect against electrical shock.

Chemicals

• The fall, not long before the grass goes dormant, is an ideal time to apply one last dose of lawn fertilizer, and fall is the season to apply broadleaf weed control products. However, these chemicals can pose a safety hazard to you and others around you. Make sure people and pets are away from the area before you treat it, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for how long to wait before re-entering the area. Avoid exposure to your eyes, nose and mouth during application -- if necessary, wear protective gear such as safety goggles or a mask to prevent inhalation. Close all doors and windows to your home to prevent accidental contamination. Remove all pet food and water bowls and cover any bird baths and feeders in the area. Store these chemicals in a secure area away from children, pet food and medical supplies. Wash up and change your clothing after applying lawn and garden chemicals.

Considerations

• Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations when operating heavy machinery or applying chemicals. Read the owner’s manual and find out what personal protective gear and safety measures the manufacturer recommends for equipment such as mowers and blowers. Apply weed control chemicals and fertilizers according to the manufacturer’s specifications. Over saturation could result in undue environmental implications. If you accidentally ingest or inhale chemicals, seek out the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for the product or consult your doctor.