What Outdoor Plants Are Pet Friendly?

For many Michigan homeowners, their backyard is a haven for both their plants and pets. However, some common outdoor plants can be potentially dangerous for cats and dogs. Luckily, there are a wide variety of pet-safe options that complement your home. 

Whether you're developing a lush garden or just adding some greenery to your patio, selecting the right plants can help keep your furry friends safe while still enjoying your outdoor space. So, what outdoor plants are pet-friendly? Let’s take a look at some safe and stylish choices.

Shrubs That Are Safe for Cats and Dogs

Here are a couple of shrubs that thrive in Michigan and are safe for pets. Although these shrubs and bushes vary in color, size and species, all of them can be used to beautify your landscape without sacrificing your pet’s health. These include:

• Gold Mop Thread-Branch Cypress – Perennial, planted in Spring or Early Fall
• Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass – Perennial, planted in early Spring or Early Summer
• Dwarf Loropetalum – Perennial, planted in late Spring or Early Fall
• Dappled Willow – Perennial, planted in late Spring
• Coral Bells – Perennial, planted in late Spring

Pet-Friendly Flowers

Shrubs and bushes are not the only landscaping features that are pet-friendly. Many pet-safe flowers grow well in Michigan’s climate. These options can provide color to your green space: 

• Pot Marigolds – Annual, planted in late Spring and early Summer
• Snapdragons – Considered tender perennials but can grow as annuals, planted in late Spring
• Violets – Perennials, planted in early Spring
• Pansies – Short-lived perennials but can grow as annuals, planted in early Spring
• Sunflowers – Mostly annuals, planted in late Spring and early Summer

Groundcovers That Compliment Pets and Landscapes

There are several groundcover plants that thrive in Michigan and are safe for pets. While these groundcovers differ in texture, color and growth habits, each one can enhance your landscape without compromising your pet’s safety.

• Creeping Thyme – Perennial, planted in early Spring to early Summer
• Clover (with the exception of red clover) – Perennial or annual, planted in late Summer or early Fall
• Blue Eyed Grass – Perennial, planted in Spring or Fall
• Creeping Mazus – Perennial, planted in late Spring

Herbs That Are Safe for Pets

Luckily, there are a variety of herbs that grow in Michigan and are safe for pets. Incorporating herbs into your green space not only adds fragrance but also offers practical benefits like natural pest control and culinary use. Plus, when you choose pet-safe hers, you create a safer, healthier outdoor environment for your entire household. Here are some plants that are pet-friendly:

• Mint (with the exception of pennyroyal) – Perennial, planted in Spring
• Thyme – Perennial, planted in late Spring and early Summer
• Cilantro – Annual, planted in early Spring or in the Fall
• Lemon balm – Perennial, planted in late Spring and early Summer
• Sage – Perennial, planted in late Spring and early Summer
• Dill – Annual, planted in late Spring and early Summer
• Basil – Annual, planted in late Spring and early Summer

How Do I Know if Certain Plants Are Safe for Pets?

For Michigan homeowners, there’s a multitude of resources that can help them determine whether or not plants are pet-friendly. Michigan State University has a list of plants that are non-toxic for dogs. Some major home improvement stores even have online sections detailing which of their plants are safe for cats and dogs. 

However, to achieve the best results, it may be best to consult with a lawn care professional. Lawn care technicians have a wealth of knowledge, including what type of sunlight, space and soil conditions are needed for a plant to succeed. If your pet’s health is a concern, they can recommend plants that are not only pet-friendly, but work well with all aspects of your lawn or garden.

Looking for Lawn Care Maintenance? Visionary Fertilization Is Here To Help!

At Visionary Fertilization, we offer professional lawn care and maintenance services. Whether your goal is to maintain your greenery or build a thriving green space, we can help. Based in Shelby Township, we proudly serve Macomb County and the surrounding communities. 

Our team is here to answer any questions and guide you through the lawn care process to ensure long-lasting results. For more information, give us a call at 586-525-7992. To explore our full range of services including aeration and seeding or outdoor pest control, click the link here.