After a long and dry December we finally received a snow fall around three inches. January 8th was bitterly cold with a wind chill around -30. The crews fought through it and managed to get the route finished in a timely manner.
Most snow events are a “schedule on the fly” situation. Meaning, there are certain factors that play a part in what properties take precedent. Factors such as:
- Business Hours
- Call from property
- Time of Snow Fall
- Employee Punctuality
Communication is a big player when attempting to service as many properties as we have. The number of properties we have may not seem significant, but the ratio – Equipment to Property is significant. It really does not matter how many properties you have, being serviceable should consume you as an owner/operations manager.
Hats off to the crews for toughing this one out! With no snow in sight for all of next week, back to working on lawn care service agreements.
Snow Plowing and Lawn Care Tips 
When the seasons change we need to adjust with them. Some simple actions we take at the beginning or end of a season can save potential headaches and money. These are some simple tips for each season to refresh our memories.
Lawn Care Tips
Spring
There are several actions you can take to improve the overall appeal of your property.
- Spread granular, slow-acting fertilizer
- Water your lawn frequently, especially if there has been a break in precipitation
Grass needs 1 to 2 inches of water (including rainfall) each week to thrive. The more hydrated your lawn is, the better the root growth will be. Leave grass clippings on lawn as they will decompose leaving nutrients such as nitrogen to the soil.
Summer
- Lawn mowing the turf around 3″, during warmer temperatures
- Treat weeds and bare spots as soon as you see them
- Maintain a well hydrated lawn ladybugs can provide a chemical-free way to reduce the pest population of harmful, plant-eating insects
Autumn
- Water trees and shrubs thoroughly and mulch before the first frost
- Cutting the grass a bit shorter just before winter will prevent matting under snow
- Fall lawn care; remove all debris from turf, such as leaves and sticks
- Core aerate turf every year!
Snow Plowing Tips
Winter
- Putting markers at the edge of your lawn will help you avoid damaging it when you’re shoveling, snow blowing or snow plowing
- If you can see the turf when the snow is still presence, avoid walking on it as much as possible.
- When a snow event is prominent, make sure to get plenty of rest
It seems we have been waiting a long time for winters return to Minnesota, not really, especially after last 