Keeping Sidewalks and Walkways Safe

Sidewalks provide safety for pedestrians by separating cars and those walking or jogging. Well-designed, safe places for people to walk are important in the public sector, as well as in condo communities, apartment complexes, subdivisions, townhome neighborhoods, outdoor malls, businesses, industrial companies;  essentially along all public and private rights-of-way. 

Circulation is the main purpose of sidewalks. They are intended and designed as an efficient way to get people from one point to another on foot. Providing safe pathways where people may walk is an essential responsibility of property owners, and Crabapple LandscapExperts is here to help keep your residents and customers safe.

Ask for a walkway audit by the LandscapExpert Team for commercial, residential and industrial clients in order to identify high risk areas for trip, slip or fall incidents and then have us eliminate any hazards.

Sidewalks must comply with Federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines, including ramp accessibility and surface smoothness. The ADA defines a “trip hazard” as any vertical change of ¼ inch or more at any joint or crack. Since ADA demands strict compliance, trip hazards represent a legal liability for our clients. Owners, managers and Crabapple LandscapExperts are all concerned that the sidewalks be safe.  

Tree roots can cause sidewalk upheaval  

Unpaved pathways set off from the road may have exposed roots

“Cut-throughs” and side paths may have eroded gullies that catch rainwater.

Shoulders may not be wide enough to walk, to change a tire or fix a bike, or may need a guard rail

Sidewalks and paths may need additional lighting to provide safety, or may be in need of shrub pruning

Stepping stones may need to be leveled

Let your Crabapple LandscapExperts help you increase the safety level of the properties you manage by giving us a call at 770-740-9739.