Now that Christmas is behind us, a new year is soon to set in. With December comes snow, and although it’s fantastic news for skiers—many property managers and owners have to prepare for the effects of snowstorms and extreme temperatures on their commercial properties.

One of the most problematic aspects of winter is, understandably, snow removal. While everyone enjoys sledding or skiing, clearing the snow is almost unbearable, especially if you own a commercial property. However, many Canadian business owners are forced to do just that every year. That’s why hiring a reputable local commercial snow removal service like Seasonal Impact Landscaping Ltd. is the best choice.

According to the Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction (ILCR), winter storms have caused around $5.4 billion in damage to Canadians. To keep your busy commercial property free of snow and ice throughout the winter, follow these Commercial Property Maintenance Tips.

Commercial Property Maintenance Tips

While the needs of each commercial building will vary depending on the area and structure, keep the following maintenance tips in mind as you prepare your property for winters.

Pay Attention to Lawn Care

Every property owner’s dream is a healthy, lush, vibrant green lawn. Maintaining such a lawn, however, is no easy task. You may have to work in the soil for hours, learn the science behind it, and spend money on various lawn care products. Here’s why you should allow the professionals to take care of your lawn while you spend with your customers.  

• Wet grass can suffocate your turf and promote diseases, and it may cause pedestrians to trip and fall  
• Piles of leaves look messy, giving the impression that your property is unkempt.
• A slick layer of snow or ice on your landscape makes it even more dangerous.
• They can also clog drains, resulting in backed-up water that quickly turns into ice.

Book Snow Removal Service in Early June

Canadian winters are known for their heavy snowfall. The Greater Toronto Area generally observes snow at the beginning of November, but it can occur as early as October. The last snowfall of the season usually occurs in March or April, with some years extending till May. From June to September, Toronto is generally devoid of snow—the right time to book a commercial snow removal company.

Planning snow removal ahead of time is a win-win. For starters, the ground isn’t fully covered in snow, allowing for a thorough assessment. If you start the snow contract legwork now, you’ll also have more time to gather estimates, make an informed decision, and develop a solid snow and ice management plan.

Stock up on Sturdy Mats to Keep the Dirt Out

Remember that 80% of dirt enters a building via visitors’ feet, so keeping dirt out is the best way to save money on cleaning. Sturdy mats keep the dirt out, reduce the risk of slipping, and store dirt and water for later removal while also not crushing down. Matting should be ideally present both outside and inside your property. Keep out signs for your visitors to ensure they step at least three times with each foot on the mat as they enter.

Map It Out With Your Snow Removal Company

Map out the areas of your property that need to be serviced with your snow removal company. Here are some questions to consider:

• What are your top priorities? 
• What about the parking spaces for people with disabilities? 
• Do you want to take care of the sidewalks first? 
• Do you have any front doors? 
• Are there any slanted areas?

If you hire Seasonal Impact Landscaping Ltd. to get the job done, we create detailed maps for our customers after hearing their concerns, such as:

• When do retail establishments open their doors?
• What are the busiest shifts for clients working at industrial sites?
• What are the busiest times for their loading docks?

All of that forethought means that the snow and ice will be removed quickly and expertly when the time comes.

Think About Winter Landscapes

Nobody likes to witness a barren landscape during winters. Planning for winter maintenance while your garden and yard are still alive will be beneficial in the long run. Even when the temperature drops and the snow and frost have a firm grip on the area, your space will thrive. You might also want to look for pieces that give your holiday decor a swirl.

Fertilizing at the end of the summer and early fall is also a good idea. Lawn feeding should be done once a month as it is an excellent way to help your lawn and plants grow stronger. As winter approaches, you can prepare your trees, shrubs, and flowers for the cold by aerating, overseeding, and adding protective barriers.

Fix Your Drainage Issues

After heavy rainstorms in summers, you may have noticed areas with puddles— poor drainage could be the one to blame.

Now, if we talk about Canada, commercial properties with faulty or damaged drainage systems face serious problems when the city is covered in snow and ice. Remember that your plants and grasses will be more susceptible to diseases in those oversaturated areas. Any frozen water patches can cause slick surfaces.

When there is ice on the sidewalk, a slip and fall accident is almost unavoidable. These problems may appear twice or thrice in a year, but they should not be overlooked. Hire an exterior cleaning company to get the job done.

Final Thoughts

To sum up, don’t leave your commercial property out in the cold. You can avoid costly damage to your building and unnecessary stress on your visitors by taking the necessary precautions. Work with your service team and call in skilled, professional commercial care service providers to keep your facilities running efficiently and effectively.

We’re Seasonal Impact Landscaping Ltd., a leading commercial landscaping company servicing the Greather Toronto Area. Throughout the lifecycles of our customers’ commercial landscapes, we take pride in consistently delivering excellent results.

Request your commercial property assessment for winters or visit our website for more information.