The landscaping business is a lucrative one, especially if you have a green thumb, a strong inkling for spending time outdoors, and a great eye for what plants will look and grow best where. But for many landscapers, especially those in the northern states, the industry in and of itself can post a problem.
What do landscapers do in the winter, when the ground is covered with snow, and they need to put on their warmest jackets, hats, and gloves to stay warm? In this article, the team at Housecall Pro has put together a list of 17 things that landscapers can do to stay busy in the winter, and keep that revenue rolling in. And, some of these ideas may surprise you.
1. Snow Removal Services
Perhaps the most popular job that landscapers undertake in the winter is snow removal. Though this task does require some incremental equipment—a truck with a plow attached, some shovels, and a really strong back—landscapers are well-positioned for this type of work.
Why? Landscapers are uniquely positioned for snow removal services because they already possess the necessary outdoor skills, the equipment (usually), and knowledge of property layouts. Their experience with heavy machinery, such as trucks and plows, makes it easier for them to clear driveways, walkways, and parking lots. Additionally, their familiarity with seasonal changes and the needs of outdoor spaces helps them anticipate areas prone to snow accumulation and ice formation.
2. Commercial Landscaping Projects
Speaking of snow removal, pretty much every local business is going to need help with snow removal and some basic landscaping throughout the winter. And commercial landscape contracts can offer a steady paycheck and the ability to stay business all winter long.
Regular salting and de-icing of walkways and parking lots can help keep businesses safe for customers and employees. You can also offer gutter cleaning, winter plant care, and tree trimming as part of a winter maintenance package.
3. Solar Panel Snow Removal
Offering solar panel snow removal services can be beneficial during heavy winter storms. When a significant amount of snow piles up on solar panels, it can block sunlight and reduce energy production. Wet snow, rain, or fog can also cause snow and ice to stick, delaying the natural shedding process.
In cases of heavy snowfall, the added weight can strain roofs, especially in older homes. By safely removing snow from solar panels, landscapers can help homeowners protect their investment and maintain energy efficiency during the winter months.
4. Holiday Light Installation
Many homeowners like to adorn the outside of their homes with festive lights to go along with the holiday season. But for many homeowners, the time it takes to get those lights up—and down at the end of the season—can be too big of an undertaking.
That’s why so many people look for holiday light services that can come put those lights up on their behalf at the beginning of the season, and take them down when all is said and done. And landscapers can charge a pretty penny for this type of service. According to Forbes, you can likely charge between $400 to $1,000 for an average-sized home.
5. Firewood Sales
This is one of those clever ideas that may never have crossed your mind—firewood sales. Many landscapers have access to a lot of cut logs that are collected throughout the summer as part of their core landscaping services. And why not stow that cut wood somewhere clean and try to sell during the winter?
Firewood sales offer landscapers an excellent opportunity to generate extra income during the off-season. With easy access to wood from tree pruning, trimming, and removal jobs, landscapers can easily repurpose this material for firewood. By storing the wood properly and advertising locally, you can meet the winter demand for firewood, providing homeowners with a convenient and reliable source of warmth when they’re ready to turn those fireplaces on and have a cozy night in front of the fire.
6. Tree Pruning and Trimming
On warmer winter days and when the snow isn’t too much of an obstacle, you can spend some time enjoying the crisp air, getting the sun on your face, and pruning and trimming trees. In fact, tree pruning and trimming during the winter is actually beneficial for many trees, as they are in a dormant state. This makes it easier to see the tree’s structure and identify which branches need to be trimmed, promoting healthier growth in the spring.
Additionally, pruning trees during the colder months helps prevent the spread of certain diseases and pests that thrive in warmer weather. Landscapers can use this quieter season to offer pruning services and make sure their clients’ trees stay healthy and well-maintained year-round.
7. Winterizing Lawns and Gardens
As the end of fall approaches and the beginning of winter starts to loom, it’s time to prep your client’s lawns and gardens for the cold weather and heavy snow. This process helps protect plants and soil from freezing temperatures and heavy snow.
Applying a layer of mulch around garden beds helps insulate the roots, while cutting back perennials and trimming shrubs can promote healthier regrowth in the spring. Landscapers can also apply winter-specific fertilizers to lawns, nourishing the grass throughout the dormant season.
8. Hardscaping Projects
In some parts of the country, the ground gets too hard and cold to plant new landscaping elements, but it isn’t too cold for hardscape projects. If you have a creative streak, offering projects such as new sidewalks, patios, retaining walls, etc., can be a big value add for your clients.
All you need are a few key tools and materials. Basic supplies like pavers, bricks, concrete, and stones will be necessary for building patios, walkways, or retaining walls. Additionally, you’ll need tools such as a masonry saw, tamping tools, and levels to create smooth, precise surfaces.
Wheelbarrows, shovels, and a sturdy pair of gloves will also come in handy for moving materials. With the right supplies and a well-planned design, you can create lasting features that complement any outdoor space during the winter months.
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9. Deck and Fence Repairs
Many homeowners don’t want to lose access to their decks during the summer month—they want the ability to spend as much time outdoors soaking up the sun and healthy air as possible. And, fence repairs aren’t always best done in the summer when parents and pet owners want to let their kids and pets play safely in the confines of a fenced-in backyard.
So, the winter months offer a prime opportunity for those landscapers who want to offer deck and fence repair services. With some warm outdoor clothing and thick construction gloves, you can undertake these repairs so that homeowners can enjoy their deck and fence as soon as spring comes around.
10. Gutter Cleaning
This is one of those winter projects that so many people overlook, including homeowners. But leaving those gutters full of leaves and other debris can cause problems for their homes. Before the ice starts to form, offer gutter cleaning to your existing clients and advertise it on social media for new customers.
For gutter cleaning, you likely already have most of the tools on hand. A sturdy ladder, a scoop or small shovel for removing debris, and a bucket to collect it are the basics. You can also use a hose or pressure washer to flush out any remaining dirt and leaves. Gloves are important to protect your hands from sharp debris. With these simple tools, you can offer a valuable service that helps prevent water damage and ice buildup. And your customers will thank you for it.
11. Winter Landscaping Design Services
Landscaping is often not a set-it-and-forget-it type of project. Annuals need to be replaced each year, and many homeowners and business owners want to add new design elements to keep their outdoor spaces looking fresh and up to date.
The winter offers the perfect time to advertise, promote, and deliver on your winter landscaping design services. Use the cold months to visit customer homes and businesses, learn about what they are looking for, and put together a plan and personalized landscaping service proposal. In many cases, your customers will be ready to sign on the dotted line, helping to fill up your calendar for the coming spring.
12. Winter Garden Installations
Winter garden installations allow homeowners to grow plants even in colder months. A winter garden typically includes cold-hardy vegetables, herbs, or flowers that thrive in low temperatures, such as kale, spinach, or pansies.
Landscapers can set up raised beds, cold frames, or small greenhouses to create a controlled environment that protects plants from frost. These structures trap heat from the sun, helping to extend the growing season. Installing a winter garden can be an attractive service for clients who enjoy gardening year-round.
13. Mulching and Leaf Removal
While these services are best done in the fall before the cold sets in and the snow starts to fly, we wanted to add it to our list anyway. After all, depending on the state you live in, this might be an all-year type of gig. Offering these services helps keep lawns looking neat and tidy while also protecting plant roots from temperature fluctuations.
Mulch adds a layer of insulation, while removing fallen leaves prevents mold and pests from settling in. With tools like leaf blowers, rakes, and mulching equipment, landscapers can easily offer this service, helping clients maintain healthy, well-kept gardens, no matter the season.
14. Indoor Plant Care Services
Who says landscapers can’t work indoors, too? And yes, plant sitting really is a thing. About 34% of American adults are what we call snowbirds. This means that they head south for the winter months to keep away from the cold. But what happens to their plants while they are gone?
Landscapers can offer convenient plant-sitting services, checking in on indoor plants weekly to make sure they are watered, have access to the sun, and get a healthy dose of vitamins when needed. Yes, this idea is a bit of a unique one, but trust us, there is a big market out there for plant-sitters.
15. Landscaping Equipment Maintenance
If you’re mechanically inclined, why not turn your shop into a winter repair business? Offering tune-ups and repairs for landscaping equipment can be a great way to keep your business going during the slower winter months. Many of your clients or fellow landscapers may need their lawn mowers, chainsaws, trimmers, and other tools serviced and prepped for the next season.
You can offer services like blade sharpening, oil changes, cleaning out clogged parts, or replacing worn components. Setting up a winter repair shop can bring in extra revenue and help build stronger relationships with your clients by keeping their equipment in top shape, ready for spring. It’s a practical way to put your mechanical skills to good use.
16. Ice Rink Set-Up and Maintenance
Some homeowners may have access to a backyard pond or a large backyard with plenty of room for their very own ice rink. And, since so many kids play hocket these days or are into figure skating, this can be a great way for the entire family to get outside, get some exercise, and practice those skating skills right at home.
Offering ice rink setup and maintenance can be a unique and fun service for homeowners with the space to accommodate it. Landscapers can help with leveling the ground, installing rink borders, and flooding the area to create a smooth, skate-ready surface. Regular maintenance throughout the winter—such as clearing snow, smoothing the ice, and patching any rough spots—keeps the rink in top condition.
This service provides families with a convenient and enjoyable way to stay active during the colder months without leaving their backyard. Forward swizzle, anyone?
17. Pond and Water Feature Maintenance
Artificial ponds are a popular feature in many residential neighborhoods. Whether they are for a commercial property or a private residence, these ponds and their associated water features require a lot of ongoing maintenance. And that need for care and attention doesn’t taper off in the winter.
During the winter months, ponds and water features still require regular maintenance to prevent damage from freezing temperatures. Add these things to your landscaping services list, such as cleaning debris from the water, checking and winterizing pumps, and installing pond heaters or de-icers to keep water flowing and prevent ice buildup. Additionally, maintaining water levels and ensuring proper filtration is essential for preventing winter damage to aquatic life or equipment.
How to Advertise and Promote Your Winter Landscaping Jobs
Now that you have plenty of ideas on how to augment your landscaping business with plenty of winter tasks, it’s time to narrow in on what services make sense for you. We discourage you from trying to be everything to everybody. So, pick the services that align your goals, objectives, and current investments.
Once you’ve done that, its time to let the world—okay, your target audience—know what you have to offer. Here’s what you need to do to market your winter landscaping services. And as a note, these recommendations below are also helpful if you are just starting your landscaping business.
- Leverage Social Media: Use platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and even LinkedIn to promote your winter services. Post about your snow removal, tree trimming, and gutter cleaning offerings, and encourage customers to book in advance. Share pictures of your work to show potential clients what you can do.
- Update Your Website: Create a dedicated page or section on your website that highlights your winter landscaping services. Use relevant keywords, such as landscaping business and winter landscaping services to improve SEO and attract more local traffic.
- Use Lawn Care Business Apps: These apps help you stay organized and reach more clients. Some apps even allow you to advertise your services directly to people in your area who are looking for winter lawn care and snow removal.
- Email Marketing: Send an email to your existing client list letting them know about your winter services. Be sure to include a call-to-action, such as booking snow removal or signing up for winter maintenance packages.
- Local Advertising: Utilize flyers, yard signs, and ads in local community groups or newsletters to reach nearby residents and businesses that may need winter landscaping help.
- Use Landscaping Business Software: Invest in business software for landscapers that helps you manage bookings, schedule appointments, and communicate with clients effectively, keeping your winter workload organized.
Grow Your Business Year-Round With Housecall Pro
At Housecall Pro, we’re not just here to help you grow your business in the winter. We’re here to help you every month of the year. Even better, we offer software for all types of contractors—plumbers, painters, electricians, general contractors, carpet cleaners, and more. Our goal is to help you manage your business as efficiently as possible so that you can grow and scape effectively.
Are you ready to get started? Sign up for your free 14-day trial of Housecall Pro today. We know you’ll be glad you did.
