Spring storms can wreak havoc on commercial properties, damaging trees, drainage systems and landscapes.
As a commercial property manager, you know it’s best to get ahead of any circumstances that can pose a threat to any buildings, grounds and — most importantly — people.
The landscaping professionals at Schill Grounds Management are well versed in preparing commercial properties for spring storms to minimize damage. This all-seasons approach goes beyond a routine spring cleanup.
Here’s a look at our team’s recommended spring storm preparation tips, including tree trimming, debris management and drainage assessments.
We all know the phrase “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” And for good reason. Many landscaping tasks are better handled upfront rather than dealt with after the fact. That’s especially true when it comes to keeping your property’s landscaping safe and attractive.
Pruning may seem like a small task, but when ignored, overgrown shrubs and low-hanging branches can create safety hazards and impact your property’s overall curb appeal. Strong spring winds and storms can easily snap weakened limbs or blow loose debris into walkways, vehicles, or buildings.
Regular trimming of shrubs and small trees—especially in late winter and early spring—helps remove dead or damaged growth before it becomes a problem. This not only protects people and property but also promotes healthy plant growth and a cleaner, more polished look.
A proactive landscape partner will know how to identify early signs of stress, shape your greenery properly, and help you maintain a safe, beautiful property all season long.
Neglected trees also can damage your property in unexpected ways, leading to problems with your turf, other plants, patios, sidewalks and driveways. Be sure to work with an experienced landscaping provider that considers the full scope of your property.
Downed limbs, leaves and other debris don’t just create issues when they’re flying through the air. They’re also a problem when they’re on the ground.
Most importantly, they’re trip and slip hazards for the people who live, work and play on your property every day.
Excess organic matter on your property may also harm your turf and plants, blocking their access to two of the most important things they need to thrive: sunlight and airflow. These conditions can lead to unsightly and undesirable disease, weed and insect problems that you’ll have to fix down the road.
Lack of landscape debris management can also cause stormwater and drainage problems. When you don’t remove leaves, trimmings and branches, they eventually make their way to your drains and storm sewers, preventing water from flowing off your property as intended.
Standing water anywhere on your property is a sign that you need a drainage assessment ASAP. Poor drainage can cause a host of problems, including damage to your buildings, harm to the landscaping and safety concerns.
Not to mention, a waterlogged landscape looks bad and can give residents and visitors a negative impression about your property and its upkeep.
Sometimes the answer to your stormwater management problems is an easy maintenance fix, like gutter cleaning or regularly removing landscape debris. Other times it requires enhancement services like regrading the land or installing a rainwater catchment system, such as a French drain or bioswale.
In any case, it’s important to work closely with your commercial landscaping contractor to prepare for spring storms and request a drainage assessment if any issues arise.
Even the most on-the-ball property owners can’t prepare for every contingency. Occasionally, 100-year weather events occur and you find yourself needing emergency cleanup services.
With our experience tackling winter storms and our emphasis on being accessible, the team at Schill is your go-to resource for commercial storm damage cleanup services any time of the year.
Learn more about crucial landscape improvements for spring and how our CARE program ensures we deliver for our commercial clients year-round.