As colder weather approaches, many landscaping businesses start to slow down. However, with the right strategies, you can extend your services beyond the typical growing season and keep your crews busy even in the off months. By offering cold-weather services, you not only keep your business running but also strengthen client relationships year-round.
Here are some practical tips for extending the landscaping season by adding valuable winter services.
1. Offer Lawn Winterization Services
Prepare Lawns for Winter Dormancy
One of the best ways to extend your season is by offering lawn winterization services. These involve preparing lawns for the colder months, so they stay healthy and ready to thrive when spring returns.
- Fertilizing: Apply a slow-release fertilizer to provide the necessary nutrients over winter.
- Aeration and Overseeding: If your region allows, aerate and overseed lawns before the first frost to strengthen the grass for spring.
- Soil Treatment: Testing soil and adjusting pH levels can help prepare the lawn for winter conditions and a better spring recovery.
Promote these services to existing clients as essential steps to maintaining the health of their lawn year-round.
2. Add Gutter Cleaning to Your Services
Protect Homes from Winter Damage
Clogged gutters can cause significant issues during winter, such as ice dams and water damage. By offering gutter cleaning services, you help clients protect their homes from these costly problems.
- Leaf and Debris Removal: Remove fallen leaves, twigs, and other debris from gutters to prevent clogs.
- Downspout Clearing: Ensure that downspouts are clear and allow for proper water drainage.
- Gutter Inspections: Offer to inspect gutters for signs of damage or areas that may need repair before winter storms hit.
Gutter cleaning is an easy add-on service that can be performed as part of a fall package or as a standalone job, helping to keep your crews busy longer.
3. Prepare Clients for Snow Removal
Offer Pre-Season Contracts
If snow removal is part of your service offerings, now is the time to start preparing. Many clients won’t think about snow removal until it’s too late, so offering pre-season contracts can lock in business ahead of time.
- Pre-Sell Snow Removal Services: Offer discounted rates or guaranteed spots for early sign-ups.
- Inspect Equipment Early: Ensure that your snow removal equipment is in top working condition, and stock up on necessary supplies like salt and de-icing materials.
- Create Tailored Plans: Develop custom snow removal plans for commercial and residential clients, considering driveway lengths, sidewalk areas, and any special needs.
Promoting these contracts early in the season will ensure you're ready to keep working when the snow falls.
4. Offer Seasonal Landscape Cleanup
Remove Debris and Prune Plants
Winter can take a toll on landscapes, so offering seasonal cleanup services is a great way to extend the season and keep properties looking neat through the colder months.
- Leaf and Debris Removal: Clear out fallen leaves and branches to prevent them from smothering plants and lawns.
- Pruning and Trimming: Trim trees and shrubs to prevent damage from snow and ice buildup.
- Prepare Flower Beds: Mulch flower beds and remove annuals to keep them looking tidy and ready for winter.
These cleanup services can be offered as part of a comprehensive winterization package or sold separately to ensure properties are well-maintained even in the off-season.
5. Winterize Irrigation Systems
Prevent Costly Damage
Frozen pipes and irrigation systems can be a headache for clients, so offering irrigation winterization can be an essential service as temperatures drop.
- Blow Out Pipes: Use compressed air to blow out irrigation lines to prevent freezing and bursting.
- Shut Down the System: Ensure all water sources are turned off and properly insulated to prevent leaks and damage.
- Inspect for Repairs: Offer to inspect the system for any potential damage or needed repairs before the spring season.
Clients will appreciate the proactive care, and you'll be able to fill your schedule before the ground freezes.
6. Promote Hardscape Maintenance
Keep Hardscapes in Top Condition
Cold weather can lead to cracked walkways, patios, and other hardscape features if they aren’t properly maintained. Offering hardscape inspection and maintenance services is a valuable addition to your winter lineup.
- Inspect and Repair Cracks: Repair small cracks in concrete, pavers, or stonework to prevent further damage from freezing and thawing cycles.
- Seal Hardscapes: Apply sealants to protect surfaces from moisture and ice.
- Clean Walkways and Patios: Remove debris and pressure wash surfaces to maintain their appearance through winter.
Hardscape services can be especially appealing to commercial clients looking to maintain a safe, polished look year-round.
Extending your landscaping season is all about diversifying your service offerings and addressing your clients' needs during the colder months. By offering services like lawn winterization, gutter cleaning, snow removal preparation, and hardscape maintenance, you can keep your crews busy and your business profitable even as temperatures drop. Start promoting these cold-weather services early to ensure a full schedule and a smooth transition through the winter season.