Landscape safety begins with using the proper tools, maintaining them correctly, and following safe work practices on every jobsite. At Details Landscape Art, employee safety is a top priority, and we believe accidents can often be prevented through proper training, planning, and common sense.
At Details Landscape Art, landscape safety is a top priority
Every landscaping project requires a variety of specialized tools, each designed for a specific purpose.
Hand Tools of the Trade
Shovels come in several styles. Round-point shovels are used for digging holes and penetrating existing soil. Flat shovels are used for moving dirt, gravel, and other materials. Trench shovels are useful for narrow irrigation trenches, while scoop shovels are ideal for moving lightweight materials such as bark mulch.
Picks are used to break up hard soil and excavate roots and stumps.
Rakes help smooth soil, spread bark, and gather leaves and debris.
A digging bar provides leverage when moving heavy rocks or working in difficult soil conditions.
Large hand trucks are indispensable for transporting boulders, flagstone, and boxed trees around a jobsite.
Axes are used to cut roots and remove heavy branches when clearing an area for landscape construction.
Hand Tool Landscape Safety
Before using any tool, inspect it carefully. Always purchase quality tools to minimize breakage and select the proper tool for the task at hand.
Inspect handles, blades, and moving parts regularly. Cutting tools should be sharpened and maintained properly. Always wear appropriate clothing and protective equipment, including safety glasses, gloves, sturdy footwear, and long pants when performing strenuous work.
Before beginning heavy activities such as digging, chopping, or moving materials, take a few minutes to stretch and warm up. This helps reduce the risk of muscle strains and other injuries.
Keep sharp edges and pointed tools away from the body, and never leave tools where they may become a tripping hazard. When tools are not being used, place them with the cutting edge or point facing downward.
Landscape Safety – Chain Saws
Occasionally landscape work requires the use of chain saws. Since chain saws are inherently dangerous tools, safety must always come first.
Before operating a chain saw, inspect the guide bar, chain tension, lubrication system, and all fasteners. A properly maintained chain saw is a safer chain saw.
Always wear personal protective equipment including safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, sturdy boots, and protective leg coverings when operating a chain saw.
When cutting, maintain a firm two-handed grip and avoid using the tip of the guide bar, which can cause dangerous kickback. Refuel only when the saw is turned off and has had time to cool.
Because Details Landscape Art is not an arborist company, we do not perform chain saw work from ladders or climb trees. Our chain saw use is limited to ground-level landscape work.
Landscape Safety – Rototillers
Rototillers are useful for breaking up compacted soil and incorporating soil amendments before planting.
Before using a rototiller, inspect the machine for loose or damaged parts and make sure all guards and shields are in place. Clear the work area of rocks, wire, irrigation components, and other obstructions.
Always wear safety glasses, hearing protection, sturdy footwear, and appropriate clothing. Keep children, pets, and bystanders away from the work area.
Never leave a running rototiller unattended. Disengage the tines when turning or transporting the machine and shut off the engine before making adjustments or clearing obstructions.
Common Sense Prevents Accidents
Most landscape injuries can be prevented through proper planning, good equipment maintenance, and common-sense safety practices.
Whether moving a wheelbarrow full of bark, digging an irrigation trench, installing a tree, using a chain saw, or operating a rototiller, landscape safety should always be the first consideration.
A safe jobsite protects workers, homeowners, and visitors while helping ensure that every project is completed successfully.