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Safety
The following are tips and suggestions to consider for a safe garden environment:
| • | Fire-wise landscaping: This is critical if you live among chaparral, woodland, or forest areas. |
| • | Ordinance and code regulations: Check with your city or county planning department for current information on landscaping and irrigation, ramps, retaining walls, fence height, and structures such as sheds, gazebos, patios, and arbors. |
| • | Power lines: Ask your energy provider for a list of trees that are safe to plant under power lines. Perhaps a replacement and/or trimming program is offered for existing trees. |
| • | Utility meters, service pipes, and sewer lines: It is important to keep these areas clear for ease of access. Trim any vegetation and keep the area free of overgrown weeds and/or debris. Plant trees a minimum of ten feet away from these utilities to prevent roots from breaking, clogging, or otherwise, damaging service pipes. |
| • | Setback lines or restrictions: Be aware of minimum planting distances from structures, property lines, utility poles, etc. Check with the city or county building department if you are considering a shed, greenhouse, workshop, etc. Also, know where your property line is located to avoid complications with neighbors. |
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