Your Landscape Walkway and Safety | Washington DC Area

A landscape walkway is a valuable element in your outside environment. Walkways provide useful access for getting around your site and add visual appeal by organizing your design. They also raise several safety issues that you’ll need to address.

Living in the Washington, D.C. area, you have to be prepared for snow and ice. It’s a good idea to clear your walkways of any debris or tools before a storm hits to make snow removal easier. Getting cracks and other damage repaired before the winter weather sets in will also help to keep problem spots and repair bills from growing. The amount of incline is another potentially dangerous factor. Steep rises and drops can be extremely hazardous when covered with ice. You may need to consider adding level landings or handrails in addition to using de-icing products.

Proper drainage is another factor. Melting snow and other water needs to be able to flow away. Otherwise it will cause puddles or freeze under the walkway and lead to cracks. One solution may be washes. These are slopes that tilt the walk slightly to one side so water drains off.

Texture and lighting are two more approaches for making walkways safer and avoiding accidents. Textured surfaces provide more traction so people are less likely to lose their footing. You may decide to use materials like flagstone or pavers instead of concrete.  Strategic lighting has similar safety benefits. Adequate illumination is especially necessary around steps and other critical points like landings, entryways and exits.

Johnson’s Landscaping Service creates custom landscapes to fulfill your wants and needs. We invite you to visit our photo gallery for more ideas about beautiful and functional steps and walkways, and contact us for a free consultation.