Safety Tips When Designing Your Landscaping for Your Yard Walkways and patios should be built level with surrounding terrain for easier mowing and maintenance, in addition to ensuring safe footing. Transitions between steps should be well-spaced and avoid the use of materials that are too-varied (provoking tripping feet) or smooth (potentially slippery when wet). Stairs should be as wide as practical and standard in height and pitch. Outdoor lighting enables you to enjoy your landscape and garden during the evening. New styles of wireless solar-powered LED fixtures have made placing illumination easier than ever. In traditional-style lighting, make sure to use longer lasting bulb types and fixtures that are weather protected. Here are some other general safety tips: • Sidewalks and walkways should be a minimum 36 inches wide and wider at turns. • Handrails should be provided at stairs and risers. • Elevated paths should have 3-foot high guard rails. • All walking surfaces and transitions should be level. • Adequate, non-glare lighting should be used where required. • Safety and security fencing should be part of your design. • Storage should be provided for landscaping tools and other items that might cause injury. • Surfaces should be free from standing water; adequate drainage areas should be provided. The proper design not will not only enhance your landscape and green space experience, it reduces risk and liability concerns that can accompany it. Call Battinelli Landscaping & Garden Center today and let us make your vision a reality. Battinelli Landscaping & Garden Center...Full Service Landscape Contractors 1611 Greenwood Lake Tpke • Hewitt, New Jersey   •  Open 7 Days A Week •  Garden Ctr Hours: M-F 9-5 • Sat 8-5 • Sun 9-4