Watch Out For The Bunnies When Doing Your Lawn

Spring and early summer bring a fresh burst of life to our yards, including the arrival of some unexpected visitors... bunnies. These cute, furry creatures can be a delight to watch, but they can also cause some challenges when it comes to lawn care. Whether you’re mowing, fertilizing or planting, it’s important to be mindful of these little neighbors to keep both your lawn and the bunnies safe.

 

Why Bunnies Are Attracted To Your Lawn

Bunnies are herbivores that love tender grass, clover and young plants. Your well-maintained lawn offers an inviting buffet, especially in spring when new growth is abundant. They also seek shelter in thick grass or garden beds, which provide protection from predators and harsh weather.

 

Potential Risks To Bunnies During Lawn Care

While bunnies are generally harmless, lawn maintenance activities can unintentionally harm them... 

 

• • Mowing: Rabbits often hide in tall grass or garden edges. A mower can injure or kill a bunny if it’s not noticed before cutting.
  • Fertilizers and Pesticides: Chemicals used to promote lawn health or control pests can be toxic to rabbits if ingested or if they come into contact with treated plants.
  • Trimming and Landscaping: Pruning bushes or clearing garden beds can disturb nests or young bunnies.

 

Tips To Protect Bunnies While Maintaining Your Lawn

Here are some practical steps to keep your lawn bunny-friendly and safe...

 

• • Inspect Before You Mow: Walk through your yard to check for any rabbits or nests hidden in tall grass or shrubs.
  • Adjust Mowing Height: Keep your mower blade a bit higher during spring and early summer to avoid cutting too close to the ground where bunnies may be resting.
  • Use Pet and Wildlife Safe Products: Opt for organic or natural fertilizers and pest control methods that are less harmful to wildlife.
  • Create Safe Zones: Leave some areas of your yard with longer grass or native plants to provide shelter and food for bunnies and other wildlife.
  • Be Gentle When Landscaping: Avoid disturbing dense brush or garden beds during bunny breeding season, typically spring through early summer.

 

Benefits of Sharing Your Yard With Bunnies

While it’s important to protect your lawn and garden, having bunnies around can be a sign of a healthy ecosystem. They help control weeds by eating certain plants and serve as prey for native predators, maintaining balance in your local environment. Plus, watching bunnies hop around can be a joyful experience for the whole family.

 

What To Do If You Find a Baby Bunny

Sometimes, you might come across a baby bunny that appears abandoned. Before intervening, remember that mother rabbits often leave their young alone for hours while foraging. If the bunny is not injured or in immediate danger, it’s best to leave it where you found it. If you suspect the bunny is orphaned or hurt, contact a local wildlife rehabilitator for advice.

 

By taking a few simple precautions, you can enjoy a beautiful lawn while coexisting peacefully with your bunny visitors. This spring and summer, watch out for the bunnies when doing your lawn... they’ll thank you with their gentle presence and help keep your yard lively and natural.