Summer is typically a season of relaxation with events like family reunions, vacations to the beach, and backyard barbecues. However, it’s important to be always aware of safety when it comes to grilling. Perhaps one of the most often overlooked aspects of grilling safety involves that done proximal to landscaping shrubbery and trees. If caution is not exercised, the landscapes we work so hard to achieve may be utterly destroyed in a comparatively short amount of time.
When it comes to grilling, it is important to make certain that sufficient distance is placed between the grill and surrounding objects. These objects may include a home, an outbuilding, such as a storage shed or barn, and overhanging limbs. For safety’s sake, it is widely recommended that there be at least 10 feet between the open flame of a grill and any surrounding objects.
Sufficient distance from the grill should also be applied to foot traffic. This includes anyone who is not directly responsible for grilling, children, and even pets. Each brings with it an element of the possibility for error with potentially disastrous results.
It’s also important to consider the surroundings in which the grilling takes place. Even with the recommended distance of 10 feet between the grill and other objects, danger may still exist. To lessen the chances of hazard, always grill on a surface that does not readily support a burning fire, such as concrete. Never grill in a garage or carport, near the eaves of a home, in a gazebo, or on a deck.
Likewise, always consider weather conditions before grilling as well. For instance, windy conditions may easily cause a fire to come into contact with brush, dry lawn clippings, or downed tree limbs and quickly become a danger to both life and property. For this very reason, never grill directly under a tree with weakened, dying, or dead limbs. An unfortunate wind may collapse onto the grill or the griller below. Enhance the overall safety of your property by securing the services of an Austin tree trimming professional to help rid your landscaping trees of such limbs.
Those doing the grilling should also take great care at all times, no matter how experienced he/she may be. Never presume that experience will prevent the sometimes unpreventable. It is advisable to keep alcoholic beverages, cigarettes, or any other combustible material away from the open flame in the event of inadvertent exposure, such as a spill. A wise cook will never leave a grill, and it’s open flame, unattended, either.
If you are considering the addition of a grilling area to your property, contact an Austin tree care service, who can assist with planning for safety and the preservation of your trees if digging or pruning are necessary to accommodate your design goals. And in the event that it is required, an Austin tree removal specialist can assist with the safe, complete removal of a tree and its stump, if so desired.
Before summer comes around, spend some time in careful thought about what measures can be taken to make your landscape safer. A little forethought can certainly make the days of summer more carefree and enjoyable.
About the Author: Andrew Johnson is the owner of Central Texas Tree Care, a leading provider of Austin tree service in Central Texas. Certified ISA Austin arborist services including: tree trimming, tree removal, tree care and oak wilt treatment. For more information on Austin tree service, please visit https://centraltexastr.wpengine.com.
