Best Practices for Snow and Ice

As we have recently seen here in the greater Chicago area, as well as across the country, snow can be a big problem. As roads freeze over and businesses shut down, it is important to take the proper precautions when it comes to snow and ice in your municipality or on your commercial property. Being aware of and implementing best practices is not only important when a winter storm is on the way, but vital when preparing for the entire winter season. Improper snow and ice management can increase liability, cost you business, or prevent your residents from moving about freely. We all know the standards of putting down ice, promptly plowing, and removing hazards, but there are a few ways in which you can streamline the entire snow and ice management process with prior preparation. Here are a few ways in which you can prepare your property for next year, using best practices for snow and ice.

Find a Snow and Ice Management Provider Early

While it may seem counterintuitive, there are a countless number of reasons why you are better off finding your provider before winter season hits. Doing your due diligence takes time, and finding the right snow and ice management company is no simple task. Giving yourself the necessary cushion to ensure that you pick the right company that can meet your needs is vital. You need to find a company that has experience, good customer service, consistent communication, and meets your budgetary needs. Taking care of this in spring or summer ensures that these companies will not be too busy to assist you, and you will not be scrambling to find a contractor when a Chicago snow storm inevitably strikes.

Know your Property

When it comes to snow and ice on your property, there are likely going to be certain areas that are a higher or lower risk for your visitors, tenants, or residents. Make sure a contractor covers all of the areas you need: parking lots, driveways, entrance walks, loading docks, etc. This preparation makes the process of finding a provider simpler, and allows you to be more focused on snow and ice relevant portions of your property. 

Fix Drainage Problems

When it comes to snow and ice issues, especially ice, they can root from drainage problems. Areas that often have puddles, or borderline flood, can be signs that you have drainage issues on your property. These areas are the areas that can have significant snow and ice problems, so taking care of these early can be good preventative maintenance for your property. Frozen water leads to ice, and ice leads to falls that could be liable to you. Use the summer to improve water run off, and check another box off your snow and ice checklist.

Winterize your Plant Material

Beyond just basic removal, there are a few ways in which you can prepare for the effect of snow and ice on your grass, plants and shrubs. This means nourishing your grass with the proper nutrients early on, so they may store over the winter. They can use this energy to better survive over the winter. Try overseeding, aerating, and fertilizing in the summer and fall for the best effect. Your commercial landscape provider should be more than happy to provide you with these services.

Pezza Landscape, Inc. is a full-service landscaping company proudly serving the greater Naperville area, including Warrenville, Wheaton, Winfield, Batavia, Geneva, St. Charles, and the surrounding communities. Give us a call at (630) 393-7373 or visit our website to get in touch.