Winter planning for your business property takes careful thought. Many companies make simple mistakes that create big problems. These blunders cost time and create headaches when cold weather arrives.
Let’s look at what goes wrong most often.
Ignoring Snow Pile Locations
You need space for snow to go somewhere. Many properties don’t plan for this basic need. Plows push snow into garden beds and against buildings. This damages plants and creates drainage issues later.
Smart businesses designate snow storage areas ahead of time. These spots stay clear of valuable landscaping features. Spring cleanup becomes much easier with proper planning.
Choosing the Wrong Plants
Some plants simply can’t handle Toronto winters. They look great in summer but die each year. Replacing them repeatedly wastes resources and looks unprofessional.
Hardy native species survive cold temperatures reliably. They bounce back quickly when spring arrives. Your property maintains curb appeal year-round with appropriate choices.
Skipping Proper Drainage Planning
Water needs somewhere to go when snow melts. Poor drainage creates ice patches on walkways. Pooling water damages turf and garden areas.
Professional grading directs water away from buildings and paths. Catch basins handle heavy runoff during thaw periods. These features prevent safety hazards and landscape damage.
Forgetting About Salt Damage
De-icing materials keep people safe but harm plants. Salt spray reaches farther than most people realize. Sensitive plantings near treated areas suffer every winter.
Buffer zones protect valuable landscaping from salt exposure. Salt-tolerant species work well near sidewalks and parking lots. Strategic placement saves plants and reduces replacement costs.
Installing Inadequate Lighting
Winter days are short and dark. Poor lighting makes properties uninviting and unsafe. Customers and employees need clear visibility during evening hours.
Quality lighting highlights pathways and building entrances. It improves security while showcasing your landscape year-round. Energy-efficient options keep operating costs reasonable.
Neglecting Hardscape Maintenance
Pavers and concrete need attention before winter hits. Cracks allow water to seep underneath surfaces. Freezing water creates heaving and major damage.
Fall repairs prevent winter problems from developing. Sealed surfaces resist moisture penetration and salt damage. Your pathways and patios last longer with proper care.
Planting Too Close to Buildings
Plants need room to grow and shed snow properly. Tight spacing against walls creates multiple problems. Snow slides off roofs and crushes plantings below.
Proper spacing protects both buildings and plants. It allows air circulation and prevents moisture issues. Maintenance crews can access building exteriors easily too.
Overlooking Wind Protection
Toronto winters bring harsh winds across open properties. Exposed areas become uncomfortable and uninviting. Plants suffer from wind burn and drying.
Strategic windbreaks make outdoor spaces more pleasant. They reduce heating costs for buildings too. Evergreen screens provide year-round benefits.
Using Poor Quality Materials
Cheap materials fail quickly under winter stress. Thin pavers crack during freeze-thaw cycles. Low-grade soil amendments wash away easily.
Quality materials cost more upfront but last longer. They maintain appearance through tough conditions. Professional commercial landscaping Toronto teams know which products perform best.
Failing to Plan for Accessibility
Winter conditions require extra attention to access routes. Snow and ice accumulation blocks important pathways. Delivery areas and emergency access points need special consideration.
Clear priority routes should be identified early. Wide pathways accommodate snow removal equipment better. Backup access options provide flexibility during heavy storms.
Skipping Professional Input
Many businesses try handling landscape planning themselves. They miss important details that experts catch immediately. Small oversights become expensive problems over time.
Commercial landscaping Toronto professionals understand local challenges thoroughly. They’ve seen what works and what fails. Their experience prevents costly mistakes from the start.
Call Us Today
Walk your property with winter challenges in mind. Notice problem areas from previous years. Think about where improvements would help most.
Planning now sets your business up for success. Your property can function well and look great all winter. Smart choices today prevent headaches when snow starts falling.
Working with experienced professionals makes the process easier. They bring knowledge specific to Toronto’s unique climate. Your landscape becomes an asset instead of a winter liability. Contact us.