Retail property owners understand the upside to creating an attractive atmosphere for business. No one wants to shop in a run-down environment. But the concern goes deeper than that: neglecting the landscaping on your property can cost you more than just sales if someone gets injured. And nighttime just increases the dangers. So what are the top nighttime safety hazards that retail property owners need to be aware of?
Problem: Damaged Curbs and Walkways
Patios and walkways can separate or crack. Even during the day, these areas can cause problems. The perfect recipe for a tripping hazard is darkness and unevenness. At night, walkers might not be able to see an uneven sidewalk or a curb that has deteriorated. A trip- and-fall accident can equal a hefty lawsuit.
Solution:
Inspect your property regularly, and repair any cracks or unevenness as soon as possible. In the meantime, alert people to potential dangers through signs or caution tape. Also, make sure you have the proper lighting to minimize any potential hazards.
Problem: Obscured Views
Unpruned shrubs and trees can prevent drivers and pedestrians from seeing clearly (day or night), and can also scratch pedestrians.
Solution:
Regular pruning does a good job in clearing away overgrown brush and branches that hinder sight and can potentially injure pedestrians. And it’s better for the trees and shrubs too!
Problem: Winter Threats
Snow is beautiful, but snow and ice increase the likelihood of slip-and- fall accidents. After dark, ice and snow are much more difficult to see.
Solution:
Play it safe by hiring professional landscape service to oversee the management of the snow and ice on your retail property. But also keep some salt on hand to maintain walkways until your snow removal service is able to treat your property.
Problem: Trees
If you neglect the regular pruning of trees, you are increasing the chances of a dead or weak tree, or a dead branch falling off and injuring someone, damaging a car or creating a traffic hindrance. At night, these potential risks are magnified due to lower visibility.
Solution:
Prune trees properly and regularly. Periodically assess trees for health and promptly remove any dead limbs or trees.
Where to start?
Even in broad daylight, the threats posed by these landscaping trouble areas are not totally eradicated. The first step to make your retail property safer is to take is an assessment of your property. Do a thorough tour of your site with a landscape professional to look for potential safety hazards and liability issues. Have someone regularly maintain the property and alert you to any hazards that arise. Address them as soon as possible.
Additionally, proper lighting makes a huge difference. Consult a landscape lighting professional to see the impact good lighting can make to your property, both in terms of safety and ambiance. Landscape lighting done right makes a world of difference!
Located in Summerfield, NC Southern Exposure Landscape Management specializes in the design, installation, and maintenance of residential and commercial projects throughout the Greensboro Triad Area (High Point, Jamestown, Burlington, Reidsville, Oak Ridge, Brown Summit, Summerfield). We are the premier Greensboro mulch installer. With over 20 years in business, Southern Exposure has the experience and knowledge to create beautiful garden features and flower beds in the landscape. Southern Exposure is the leading landscape management firm in Greensboro, NC. With attention to detail and a solid knowledge of design, Southern Lights, (a division of Southern Exposure) has installed hundreds of outdoor landscape lighting systems and carries more certifications than anyone in the state in the state of NC and beyond. See why our clients choose us. Contact us today by web (online form) or phone (336.451.4969)
