Now, just go ahead and imagine this: a customer arrives at your business on a fall day only to slip on a wet pile of leaves in the parking lot. Usually, when people think of keeping parking lots safe, they usually refer to more lights and more CCTV, right? Well, slipping isn’t exactly the best way to make an impression, and even that alone can show how negligent your business can be.
Well, as the seasons change, keeping the outside of your business safe, clean, and inviting becomes more important than ever. Between the colorful leaves in the fall and the inevitable snow in winter, outdoor maintenance isn’t just about looks—it’s about safety and showing customers that you care about their experience.
In a way, a lot of stuff can become dangerous and unwelcoming to employees and customers alike, and it doesn’t even take much work to prevent these issues. But what all needs to be done?
Clearing and Cleaning the Parking Lot
So, as the leaves start falling, they have a way of piling up in all the wrong places, like your parking lot. So, the wet leaves and debris can make parking lots and walkways slippery, creating a risk for anyone walking across them, especially on rainy days. Keeping your parking lot clear isn’t just about looking tidy; it’s about making sure your customers don’t have to worry about slips and falls.
Over time, algae can build up on the parking lot and walkways, increasing the slipperiness. But usually, just getting a leaf blower and a pressure washer (ideally every couple of days) will do the trick. Plus, if you think about it, pressure washing the parking lot and driveways (and even your building if you want) removes stains that will help make your business look clean all winter long. So, it’s definitely worth looking into.
Clearing Out Gutters and Drains
While sure, gutters and drains might not be glamorous, but they’re essential to keeping things running smoothly when fall and winter weather arrive. As you might know, leaves, twigs, and dirt can clog gutters fast in autumn, which then leads to bigger problems like water overflow or, worse, water damage around your property. Once the temperature drops, any overflow can freeze, leaving icy patches on walkways where customers or employees could slip.
Besides, clearing out the gutters now ensures that water drains away from high-traffic areas, keeping them safe and dry. So, by the time winter rolls in, you’ll be glad you took the time to give those gutters a clean start. It’s an easy way to prevent headaches down the line and keep the property safer for everyone.
Prepping Walkways and Stairs for Safety
Now, this one is obvious, but still deserves some attention. So, walkways and stairs are the lifelines for customers coming to and from your business, so they need a little extra care during fall and winter. As leaves fall, they can quickly turn walkways into slippery zones, especially after it rains.
Now, using a leaf blower was mentioned earlier, and yes, it works, but usually, you’ll only need to sweep for a couple of minutes a day. This is exactly why it’s ideal to look into regularly sweeping these areas. It’s also a good idea to keep some de-icer handy as temperatures dip. Plus, a pre-winter treatment with de-icer can make all the difference once that first frost or snowfall hits.
Giving Landscaping Some Winter Love
Okay, so for the most part, this is more about aesthetics, but honestly, it still deserves some attention, too, since it’s all about making your business look good. So, if you’ve got any landscaping around your business—flower beds, bushes, trees—it’s time to give it a little extra attention before the cold really kicks in.
For example, you can trim back perennials, clean up flower beds, and spread a layer of mulch around plants to keep roots insulated through the winter. Depending on how big the trees are, you might want to hire a professional to cut them well since frozen temperatures can cause trees to break (and that can result in damage, injuries, or even death). So it’s best to just avoid that entirely possible scenario.
Double-Checking Exterior Lighting
Now, you have to remember that when daylight hours shrink, your outdoor lighting becomes your best friend. People often don’t feel safe in parking lots due to the lack of lighting. So, customers need to see clearly when walking around after dark, especially on pathways and in parking lots. Go around and check all outdoor lights to make sure bulbs aren’t burnt out and that fixtures are in good shape.
As the nights get longer, adding some extra lighting, especially near steps or other tricky areas, can be a smart move. Most businesses use LED, so that could be a good idea. Sometimes, solar lights can work, but they’re usually best for the summer and spring months.
Winterizing Outdoor Furniture and Signage
If your business has outdoor seating, decorations, or signage, it’s worth spending a bit of time getting these items ready for winter. Unless you’re a cafe, the odds of you having outdoor furniture are probably going to be fairly low, right? But nearly all businesses need some signage, especially if you’re a brick-and-mortar business.
When it comes to signs, especially ones that stand alone or are exposed to the elements, make sure they’re sturdy and that all lights are working. At the end of the day, having well-maintained outdoor decor and signage keeps your property looking professional and polished, even in winter. This small bit of winter prep goes a long way in protecting your investment and keeping things organized during the colder months.
Prioritizing Snow and Ice Removal
When winter’s in full swing, snow and ice management is priority number one. Just think about it, snow-covered walkways and icy patches aren’t just inconvenient; they’re dangerous. So, to keep your property safe, make sure you have a snow removal plan in place. Whether you handle it yourself or hire a contractor, regular snow clearing on parking lots, walkways, and stairs is key.
