When we think of traditional commercial landscaping companies and their services, we often think of lawn mowing, weed eating, hedge trimming, tending to garden beds, edging, and tree trimming and removal. These services are not limited to warm weather; they are offered year-round, even in inclement winter weather.
However, in inclement winter weather, landscaping companies demonstrate their adaptability. In many locations across the nation, but especially in the Northeast U.S., we are seeing more landscaping companies include a snow and ice removal service to the list of services they provide to commercial businesses and private residences.
Effective ice and snow management is not just a convenience, but a crucial safety measure for your business to operate in the iciest weather conditions. A reliable snow removal company can ensure safe driveways, walkways, and customer entrances, allowing your business to open and operate without the risk of a slip and fall. This service also ensures you can get to work, even when the ground is covered in feet of snow.
A great commercial landscaping company provides effective snow and ice management because it can help you prepare for a snowstorm by assessing the impact of a storm, developing an action plan, and pretreating your most essential areas and walkways. They will service assigned areas and clear ice and snow where it has accumulated. Then, they will clear out snow accumulations to help avoid refreezing which can create a greater hazard down the road.
The abnormally warm weather many parts of the Northeast have experienced so far this December have meant an extended season for many commercial landscaping companies. The lack of snow means more work doing outdoor living designs, but less work in another area of commercial landscaping services: Snow removal.
According to the New Hampshire-area ABC affiliate WMUR.com, commercial landscaping companies are all set for the winter weather whenever it decides to come. The extra time has allowed many businesses to check their snow removal equipment, ensure they have enough salt, and any other maintenance measures.
Most landscapers have certainly enjoyed the nice weather and opportunity to get ahead on projects they’ll be working on next spring, but some are ready for the weather to turn and their services to change.
“I feel it’s half the business, really,” said Ryan Connor, owner of Noble Landscaping and Snow Management in Hooksett. “Usually in a good season, you are doing plowing for a few months, so obviously when it slows down, it’s a little different. But it’s good to always have something else to do.”
One of the reasons landscaping is such a consistent business is because the value it provides homeowners. Approximately 97% of real estate agents recommended landscaping as a top five home improvement recommendation responding that a homeowner can expect a 215% return on investment. In addition, 83% of Americans think having a yard is important and 90% of those with a yard think it is important that it is also well-maintained.
The vast majority of upgrades people make to their yards are either substantial (58%), e.g., paving, new beds, building/upgrading structures, or a complete overhaul (29%), e.g., re-grading, terracing, re-landscaping. The majority of homeowners upgrading their outdoor spaces are addressing their backyard (64%).
While exact numbers are hard to determine, most experts agree landscaping can significantly raise the value of your real estate, which is why many people were wise to take advantage of this year’s extended season. That will start to change quickly going forward and many commercial landscaping companies are looking forward to it.
