Whether you own a commercial property or lease a building, there are several property concerns to be aware of. Not only do you have to manage risks that can cause damage to property or the building itself, but also risks that put customers, employees, and other people at risk of injury. Everyone has the right to their safety on your property, and you have the legal responsibility as a property owner to identify and remedy any hazards. Luckily, good grounds management will help to identify these problems and can fix them before they lead to accidents or injuries.
Here are 4 common liability issues that can be handled with proper groundskeeping:
4 Property Liability Risks You Can Manage with Regular Grounds Management
Damaged or Uneven Walkways, Ramps, and Stairs
Damaged and uneven hardscapes are a common cause of rolled ankles, trips, and falls. This is especially true during winter where snow and ice can make even well-maintained surfaces hazardous. Damaged hardscapes are a huge liability risk and should be repaired quickly to reduce the risk of injury. Common hardscape problems include:
- Chipped, cracked, or missing pavers
- Collapsing paver edges
- Uneven pavers
- Sunken areas in paver walkways
- Cracked and shifting concrete
- Cracked or uneven stair steps
- Crumbling retaining walls
- Cracked or crumbling curbs
Poor Lighting
Inadequate lighting is a huge factor of property risk that is often overlooked. Poor lighting creates unsafe environments for two key reasons:
- Poor lighting makes it easier for criminal activity to happen on your property – theft, vandalism, and even assault.
- Inadequate lighting also hides hazardous conditions on your property, such as wet or icy areas, uneven walkways, and cracked or uneven stair steps.
Improving lighting conditions on the property will help to deter would-be criminals and create a safer environment no matter the time of day.
Damaged or Dead Overhanging Tree Limbs
Dead or damaged tree limbs can cause severe bodily harm or property damage, especially during high winds or winter storms when ice and snow can weigh them down. Deadwood has a few causes, including:
- Natural aging
- Mold or fungal diseases
- Pest or animal damage
- Water damage
Scheduled tree & shrub care will help all your plants stay healthy, removing dead or damaged limbs and helping to combat the root cause of the damage. Taking good care of your plants will help keep your property safer – and make it look better – for years to come.
Trash and Clutter
Trash and clutter is another two-fold problem for properties. On one hand, trash can make even the most expensive and well-designed landscapes look ugly and unkempt. But another factor that people may not consider is that trash and clutter can also present risks of injury. Broken bottles or metal cans can easily cause cuts and infections. Nails or screws leftover from construction can be hard to see, and when they’re inevitably stepped on it will require a trip to the ER. They can also cause flat tires if dropped in parking lots. Trash can also be a breeding ground for rodents and pests, which can become a serious health concern as well.
Regular groundskeeping will help keep your property trash-free, maximizing your curb appeal while also reducing the risk of injuries.
Want to Make Sure That You’re Minimizing Risk on Your Commercial Property?
The landscaping professionals at GroundMasters Landscape Services have the expertise you need to create and maintain a commercial landscape that will elevate your business’s image, safety, and productivity.
Our year-round landscape services include lawn care, sprinkler system maintenance, landscape enhancements, and tree & shrub care – along with storm cleanup and snow & ice removal for when bad weather hits.
To see what GroundMasters can do for your Denver area business or commercial property, give us a call at (303) 750-8867 or get in touch with us online to get started.