In a June blog, we discussed the importance of snow removal services. There are so many great reasons to invest in snow removal as it gets your property back up and running quicker, driving in more business. It is also a great way to improve the safety of your property and reduce the risk of injury or property damage. However, it can be tough to discern whether or not your property needs snow removal, and specifically snow plowing. There can be a lot of factors to consider from cost to property size. It is for this reason that we have decided to create a checklist of sorts that can be used to determine your snow plowing needs. With no reason to invest in snow removal if it is unnecessary, we want our customers to feel their decision was worthwhile.
Property Size: Commercial versus Residential
The key here is parking. At a home, there is a driveway, and maybe a short patch of sidewalk in front of the home. In fact, most of the time a snowplow is not even going to be able to plow a driveway. Conversely, big commercial properties with large parking lots are going to need to be plowed. There is just no other way to get it done, as letting the snow and ice melt is just going to accentuate problems on your property. Revenue lost, tenants upset, and possible injury are all on the table.
High Traffic Area
If your commercial property is a large retail shopping center, or a medical facility where the speed to clear your parking lot is paramount, you need plowing. Vehicles will be attempting to use the area no matter what, and their perception of the area will be shaped by this experience. Keeping them safe with a plowed parking lot will incline them to come back.
Is it your Responsibility?
As a landlord or property owner, it is usually your responsibility to plow parking areas for your tenants. These regulations vary from place to place and can get confusing with our particular location in the DC metro area. Maryland, Virginia, and DC all have specific laws surrounding the issue, so staying up to date is vital. If the responsibility does fall on you, plowing is going to be the cheapest, quickest, and highest quality option.
Historical Issues
Another easy way to tell if you need snow plowed is if year in and year out your property struggles with snowfall. If it takes too long for the snow to melt, or there have been accidents on your property, then making the switch to professional snow plowing services could be the cure. This could be causing tenants to complain about your property management or bad reviews online. Word of mouth and online reviews can be the catalyst when people make their purchasing decisions. Rather than waiting around for the next issue, be prepared.
If you want your outdoor living experience to go well beyond the ordinary without even leaving your yard, we’re the landscape firm that can take you there. Environmental Resources Group has provided world-class commercial landscaping and grounds maintenance services for many businesses and institutions in the D.C. Metro Area. Visit our website or give us a call today at (301) 570-3070.