Commercial Landscaping Safety: Protecting Your Property and People

As an HOA board member or property manager, the safety of your commercial property is a top concern. You might be worried about the potential hazards that could harm residents, visitors, or employees.

The good news is that there are effective ways to make your property more safe. By implementing regular maintenance practices, enhancing lighting, managing vegetation, and conducting safety audits, you can significantly reduce risk and create a secure environment.

Let’s explore the importance of commercial landscaping safety and several landscaping safety tips so you can feel confident in the safety of your commercial property. 

Learn more about:

• The Importance of Commercial Landscaping Safety
• Risks of Poorly Managed Landscapes
• Common Safety Hazards and Solutions
• Questions to Ask Your Contractor for Landscape Hazard Prevention

The Importance of Commercial Landscaping Safety

Commercial property safety is crucial for protecting both property and people. Ensuring a well-maintained landscape minimizes liability risks and legal issues, as businesses are responsible for accidents or injuries occurring on their premises. Companies can prevent costly lawsuits and insurance claims by keeping walkways clear, surfaces even, and vegetation properly managed.

Hiring a professionally trained landscape team that prioritizes safety ensures that maintenance is carried out correctly, without causing damage or making mistakes that could lead to future hazards. 

Additionally, a safe landscape enhances the well-being of employees and visitors. Proper lighting, clear pathways, and clear, visible signage reduce accidents and create a secure and welcoming environment. This commitment to safety not only boosts the appeal of your landscape but also positively impacts the company’s reputation. A well-kept property reflects your business’s values and attention to detail, fostering trust and reliability within the community.

Risks at Poorly Managed Commercial Landscapes

Poorly managed commercial landscapes pose significant risks, which may lead to accidents, injuries, and property damage. Overgrown vegetation, uneven pathways, or even inadequate lighting can create hazardous conditions where slip-and-fall incidents are more likely to occur. These accidents can result in serious injuries to residents, employees, clients, and visitors, potentially leading to costly medical expenses and legal claims.

In addition to personal injuries, neglected landscapes can cause substantial property damage. Overgrown roots can damage sidewalks, while untrimmed trees and shrubs can obstruct views leading to vehicle accidents. 

A poorly cared for landscape can also result in pest infestations and drainage issues, which creates an unsightly and unsafe environment. Proper landscape management is essential to mitigate these risks and protect both people and property.

Common Safety Hazards in Commercial Landscapes & Commercial Landscape Safety Solutions

Commercial landscapes, if not properly managed, can present various safety hazards. Let’s explore a few of the most common landscape safety issues and some methods of landscape hazard prevention.

1. Overgrown Vegetation and Poor Lighting

Overgrown vegetation, such as large trees or shrubs, can obstruct sightlines, creating blind spots and potential hiding places that compromise security. Additionally, it can cause trip hazards and block pathways. Poor lighting only increases these risks, making it difficult for employees and visitors to navigate your property safely after dark. 

Regular trimming and pruning of shrubs and trees are essential to maintain clear sightlines near intersections, driveways, and entrances. This service also helps to keep sidewalks and pathways clear and easy to navigate. Implementing adequate lighting especially in high-traffic areas and around entrances and exits, enhances visibility and security, further reducing the likelihood of accidents.

2. Poor Drainage

Poor drainage can lead to water accumulation, causing slippery surfaces and potential water damage. Mud washouts can also occur in areas with poor drainage, which creates a slip hazard for visitors and employees.

If drainage is an issue on your property, installing a robust drainage system is crucial. Proper drainage can redirect water to drains or streets to prevent pooling or property damage. In Houston, it may be necessary to use schedule 40 pipe with several catch basins to efficiently collect and move water, or installation of a French drain system may be an adequate solution in some cases.

3. Trip Hazards and Other Safety Issues

Trip hazards include landscaping problems like uneven turf, tree stumps, irrigation heads that are too high, or cracked valve boxes. Commercial landscape hazard prevention can also include inspecting trees for damaged limbs that could fall on the property.

Conducting regular safety audits is vital for identifying and addressing these potential problems. These safety audits help to create long-term solutions for all of the above hazards. The results of regular audits should be reported to you as the client along with recommended solutions. By addressing these common safety hazards through regular maintenance, audits, and the implementation of effective solutions, your commercial property can significantly reduce risk and create a safer, more welcoming environment for everyone.

Questions to Ask Your Contractor for Landscape Hazard Prevention

When hiring a landscaping contractor, it’s essential to ensure they prioritize safety and are well-equipped to handle potential hazards. Asking the right questions can help you gauge their expertise and commitment to maintaining a safe commercial landscape.

1. What specific safety protocols does your company have in place?

Remember that management and the leadership team set the vision for safety being a top priority for the company. Ask about specific safety policies that are put in place and how these policies are documented and tracked. 

Consider addressing how recurring safety hazards or trends are identified and what extra steps are added to train the team to prevent future incidents. Finally, ask what happens when accidents do occur. Is there an investigation? Are there any follow-up trainings or meetings?

2. How do you ensure your team is trained and up-to-date on the latest safety practices and standards

Companies that make commercial landscaping safety a priority will often have annual safety events. At Monarch Landscape Management, we hold an annual safety rodeo each Spring as we prepare for the growing season. An entire day is planned to train all employees on every aspect of safety. Each group visits nine different stations to train on topics such as equipment safety, first aid training, truck and trailer safety, or proper use of and safety when applying chemicals.   

In addition to annual training, weekly safety training should be a priority too. The National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP) encourages regular safety meetings and provides focused topics to companies. Consider asking if the contractor you are interviewing belongs to this association and utilizes this tool. Monarch tackles a safety topic from NALP weekly with all employees.

3. Do you have adequate insurance to cover potential accidents or damage on my property?

While this question may seem frivolous, unfortunately, some companies in our industry do not take safety as seriously as they should. This question can help you immediately rule out an unprofessional contractor.

4. Ask questions that directly pertain to safety problems you are battling at your property:

• How do you handle overgrown vegetation and ensure clear sightlines and pathways?
• What type of lighting solutions do you recommend for enhancing night time safety?
• How often do you perform safety audits, and what does your audit process entail?
• Can you provide examples of potential safety hazards you’ve identified and addressed in properties similar to mine?
• How do you manage drainage systems to prevent water accumulation and related issues?
• What is your plan for promptly addressing safety hazards that are reported or identified during inspections?

Choosing a Landscaping Partner that Puts Commercial Property Safety First

Safety at your commercial property is not just about preventing accidents; it’s about protecting your investment, avoiding costly legal issues, and maintaining a positive reputation. A safe, well-kept landscape reflects your commitment to the well-being of those who use the property and enhances the overall appeal of your commercial space.

Commercial landscaping safety starts with a well-trained landscape team that takes safety seriously, ensuring that all aspects of your landscape are meticulously managed and maintained. 

At Monarch Landscape Management, we prioritize safety above all else. Our team is committed to implementing the highest safety standards, conducting thorough training sessions, and performing regular audits to identify and address potential hazards. 

Ready to create a safer, more beautiful commercial property here in Houston? Get started by filling out our contact form for commercial landscaping in Houston, TX.