The Halloween Landscape Liability: Avoid Scary Accidents in Your HOA This Fall

Trick-or-treaters wander through a well-lit, safe neighborhood, collecting treats and enjoying Halloween night.

It was the night of the community’s annual Halloween block party. The HOA board had gone all out—string lights, hay bales, and festive decorations lined the walkways. But as dusk fell, a resident tripped over a raised root hidden under overgrown shrubs near the sidewalk. The fall sent her to urgent care with a sprained wrist—and the HOA’s board members spent the next few weeks dealing with insurance paperwork and upset homeowners.

The cause? A combination of poor lighting, untrimmed vegetation, and uneven pavement—small details that added up to a big problem.

This story isn’t unusual. Fall evenings bring more community foot traffic—kids in costumes, residents out walking dogs in cooler weather, and outdoor HOA events. Unfortunately, these same conditions highlight one of the biggest hidden liabilities for Tucson-area HOAs: unsafe common areas.

Lighting: Your First Line of Defense

Shorter days mean more activity after dark. Burned-out bulbs, poorly aimed fixtures, or tree canopies blocking light can all create trip hazards. Evaluate pathways, entrances, and mail kiosks for dark zones. Consider LED retrofits—while the initial cost is higher, LEDs reduce energy use and maintenance expenses over time. Learn more: Conservation Practice Standard Energy Efficient Lighting

Landscape Maintenance and Sightlines

Overgrown shrubs and low-hanging branches can block visibility or encroach on walkways. Keeping plants properly pruned isn’t just about aesthetics—it ensures safety and security. Fall is also an ideal time for selective thinning and shaping before winter dormancy. See local recommendations: Sonoran Desert Plant Pruning Calendar (AMWUA)

Trip Hazards: Pavement and Roots

Tree roots lifting concrete, eroded turf edges, and unlevel decomposed granite paths can cause injuries. Regular site walks—especially before community events—can catch these issues early. Work with your landscape partner to flag hazards, document them, and plan gradual corrections. See: National Safety Council – Preventing Trips and Falls Outdoors

Decorations and Temporary Displays

Seasonal decorations can unintentionally block irrigation emitters or create clutter along pathways. Encourage residents and maintenance teams to secure cords, keep inflatables clear of walking areas, and use non-flammable materials near lighting. Tip: NFPA Halloween Safety Guidelines

Protect Your Community Before the Holidays

A little preparation now can prevent both injuries and expensive claims later. Sonoran Oasis Landscaping offers Fall Safety Walks—a proactive inspection of lighting, walkways, and vegetation to help your community identify potential hazards before Halloween and the busy holiday season.

Schedule a Fall Safety Walk with Sonoran Oasis Landscaping today to ensure your property looks beautiful and keeps your residents safe. Call us at (520) 546-2994.

Author

Deborah Munoz-Chacon

Owner

Sonoran Oasis Landscaping