Outdoor Maintenance Tips
It’s the most wonderful time of year once again, but don’t let that distract you from hazards that can form when old man winter comes to town. Slips, trips, and falls are all too common during the holiday season, and the last thing you want is for yourself, a loved one or guest to get injured. That’s why we’ve come up with some essential outdoor maintenance tips to make everything from stringing Christmas lights to inviting party guests that much safer.
Clean the Walkway
If you’re someone who is content with having only the driveway cleared, think again. All it takes is a misplaced step on a hard chunk of snow or a slip on a hidden patch of ice to endanger someone, the risk of which will be much higher if you don’t keep your walkway clean. It’s also an excellent way to ensure everyone can get outside of the house safely in the event of an emergency.
Good Lighting
It might seem like it’s brighter at night during the winter, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t trip hazards waiting to be, well, stumbled upon. Illuminate pathways leading to your front door, garage, and shed with LED lanterns to ensure you can see what’s in front of you. Whether taking the dog out for a bathroom break or carrying in a load of heavy groceries, you’ll thank yourself later.
De-Icing Solutions
If there’s one risk to health and safety over the winter, it’s ice. Stock up now on salt and get a refill area set up inside near all doors you plan on using over the season, allowing you to quickly sprinkle salt onto paths or your driveway without any fuss. We recommend using an old margarine container or scoop, layering the salt evenly across the entire path in a back-and-forth shaking motion.
Eliminate Icicles
Notice icicles forming above your door or garage? Take care of them now, before they’re massive and terrifying. You do not want to knock one down when they’re big enough to damage property or seriously hurt you. It’s much safer to grab a broom handle and break off any forming icicles while they’re smaller and non-threatening.
There’s never a wrong time to be proactive about safety, especially during the holidays when it can be busier around the house. We hope that these tips can help you enjoy this time of year with reduced worry and more peace of mind. All of us at Hansen Lawn & Gardens wish you a happy holiday season!