Illinois Homeowners, Avoid This Major Mowing Mistake This Spring

When you get outside to begin that spring clean-up in your yard soon, PLEASE keep an eye out for these three very important things.

Spring Is Coming Soon to Illinois

The first day of spring might not be until March 20, but spring fever seems to be taking over everyone in Illinois right now!

I'm very excited that warmer days, green grass, and sprouting flowers are just around the corner, and I have already begun a list of outdoor projects that I want to complete this spring and summer. As I stare out at my brown, dog poo filled yard invisioning green grass and pretty flowers I remember one tragic thing that happened to me a few springs ago.

What happened exactly? I'll just show you this picture...

Yes, my fur babies found a rabbit nest in our backyard, and I never want to deal with prying a nearly dead baby bunny from my dog's mouth OR have to clean up the remains of the bunny snack my other dog enjoyed EVER AGAIN!

In case you don't know what a rabbit nest looks like, this video should help...

If you do find a rabbit nest in your yard this spring, the best thing to do is place a laundry basket upside down over the nest and then put a heavy item like a brick on top of it. The slats/holes in the laundry basket will allow mama rabbit access to her babies, but the barrier will keep pets, (and hopefully other animals), out of it.

More Things to Check Your Yard For Each Spring

Trimming bushes/trees and cleaning up piles of old branches and leaves are some common spring yard maintenance tasks, and both of them can put wildlife in danger if you're not careful.

Every spring I'm reminded of this post shared by Hoo Haven Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Center a few years ago that bunnies aren't the only animals that like to build nests in our yards. Before your pull out the chainsaw or lighter, please take a few minutes to make sure squirrels or rabbits haven't claimed them as home.