Safety in the landscape does not get a big priority. Beyond railings on porches and fencing in swimming pools most people overlook many common hazards around their properties. Here are a few items to consider.

Asses your mature trees. Are there any dead wood or broken branches that could fall on people or cars? Are there any trees that threaten to take out power or phone lines in a blizzard? If you are not sure call a qualified tree professional to help assessing and identifying any tree hazards on your lot.

How is your front walk looking? Are there heaved up stones or pavers that could cause tripping and falling? Are there loose slippery slates? Is the path too steep and becomes treacherous with just a little moisture? If your answer is yes you probably need a new walkway. In the meantime try to repair the worst tripping hazards by resetting the bad sections. Install a temporary railing on sloped walks. For those loose slates try a paver adhesive to glue them in place. These are just band aid solutions to get you by till you can have your walkway replaced.

Standing water can be huge winter problem in the driveway or walkway. This “black ice” is often unseen and causes terrible falls. Of course you can salt or sand these spots but if possible roof liters should be piped away from paths and drives. If the ground is frozen you can install the pipe above ground in many situations until a thaw. Low spots in concrete, pavers, and blacktop can be raised/patched in some cases. A more permanent long term solution will be needed.

Line of sight should be considered when exiting your driveway onto the roadway. Are there any shrubs and trees that should be trimmed or removed? Remember just because you may be able to see ok in your truck or SUV does not mean your guest can in a small car can. This line of sight problem gets worse with a heavy snowfall. Make sure there is room to pile snow far away enough to maintain a good sight triangle from your driveway.

Proper outdoor lighting is essential to your entry sequence safety. Replace lamps and repair broken fixtures. Supplement with low voltage systems if you wish. Avoid extended use of extension chords outdoors and avoid draping them across walkways. Think about lighting the driveway parking area as well as the front pathway.

When icing occurs always apply a de icing agent and some form of a traction grit, even if you are not expecting guests. By doing this you help keep an un expected guest safe and prevent your path and drive from building up layers of ice in extreme conditions.

I hope this has got you thinking about any possible hazards around you yard. Lets all get out there and do a landscape safety check!