As winter fades and landscapes come back to life, multifamily properties start to look greener, brighter, and more welcoming. Trees sprout new leaves, shrubs expand, and lawns grow quickly. While that seasonal growth improves curb appeal, it can also introduce safety risks.

For property owners, landscaping isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s also part of your overall risk management strategy. Overgrown branches, hidden walkways, cracked sidewalks, and irrigation leaks can quietly turn into liability issues if they’re not addressed early. The good news? A proactive landscaping check this spring can help prevent accidents, property damage, and costly insurance claims later in the summer. Here are a few common landscaping risks to keep on your radar.

Tree Limb Hazards: When Branches Become a Liability

Trees provide shade, beauty, and environmental benefits. But poorly maintained trees can create serious safety risks, especially during summer storms.

Low-hanging branches can obstruct walkways, parking areas, or building entrances. Weak or damaged limbs may break during heavy wind or thunderstorms, potentially damaging vehicles, buildings, or injuring tenants and visitors. A spring tree inspection is a simple but effective way to prevent problems. Look for:

• Dead or cracked branches
• Limbs hanging over parking areas or sidewalks
• Branches touching roofs, siding, or utility lines
• Trees leaning or showing signs of disease

Regular trimming helps keep trees healthy and reduces the chance that a summer storm turns into a liability claim.

Landscaping That Blocks Visibility

Landscaping that looks great in early spring can become a problem by mid-summer. Shrubs and hedges grow quickly, and without regular trimming they can block important sightlines. Poor visibility can increase the risk of accidents in several areas:

• Parking lot entrances and exits
• Pedestrian crossings and sidewalks
• Drive lanes and loading areas
• Stairways and pathways

When drivers or pedestrians can’t clearly see what’s ahead, the chance of collisions or falls rises. Keeping shrubs trimmed and maintaining clear sightlines helps reduce these risks while still having attractive landscaping.

Roots + Walkways = Trip Hazards

As trees mature, their roots naturally expand. Over time, those roots can push up sidewalks, crack concrete, or create uneven walking surfaces.

For multifamily housing, uneven pavement is one of the most common causes of slip-and-fall incidents. Small changes in elevation may seem minor but can easily become trip hazards for residents, guests, and delivery drivers. During seasonal inspections, watch for:

• Raised sidewalks or pathways
• Cracked or shifting concrete slabs
• Pavement pushed up near tree bases
• Loose stones or walkway edges

Addressing these issues early helps maintain safe walking surfaces and reduces the likelihood of liability claims.

Irrigation Leaks and Hidden Water Damage

Automatic irrigation systems make landscaping easier to maintain, but they can also introduce hidden risks if they aren’t properly monitored. Leaks or damaged sprinkler lines can saturate soil near foundations, sidewalks, and parking areas. Over time, excess moisture may contribute to foundation movement, pavement damage, or slippery walkways. Irrigation leaks can also create water intrusion issues around building exteriors.

Before peak summer watering begins, it’s worth checking:

• Sprinkler heads for leaks or misalignment
• Irrigation lines for visible pooling water
• Areas where sprinklers hit building walls or foundations
• Drainage patterns around landscaped areas

Small irrigation issues are usually inexpensive to fix. Left unattended, they can contribute to larger property damage problems.

Landscaping Is Part of Property Risk Management

Well-maintained landscaping does more than improve curb appeal. It also plays a key role in creating a safer environment for tenants, guests, and staff. By addressing seasonal growth early, multifamily property owners can reduce liability exposure, prevent avoidable accidents, and protect their investment throughout the summer months.

If you’re reviewing property risks this season, your Millers Mutual agent can help you evaluate potential exposures and discuss insurance coverages that support your property’s long-term protection.