7 Mistakes You're Making with Your Commercial Landscape (And How to Fix Them Before Winter)

As a commercial property manager in Northeast Ohio, you know winter can be brutal. Between the lake-effect snow, ice storms, and those bone-chilling winds coming off Lake Erie, your landscape faces serious challenges from November through March. But here's the thing – most of the expensive damage that happens to commercial properties each winter could have been prevented with some smart planning in the fall.

We see it every year: property managers dealing with dead plants, damaged irrigation systems, liability issues from poor snow removal, and thousands of dollars in spring repairs that could have been avoided. Don't let your property become another casualty of Northeast Ohio's harsh winters.

Let's dive into the seven biggest mistakes we see commercial property owners making with their landscapes – and more importantly, how you can fix them before the snow flies.

Mistake #1: Waiting Too Long to Winterize Your Irrigation System

This is the big one. Every fall, we get frantic calls from property managers whose irrigation systems have burst because they waited too long to winterize. In Northeast Ohio, you can get that first hard freeze as early as mid-October, and once water freezes in your pipes, you're looking at expensive repairs.

The Fix: Start your winterization process by early October, regardless of what the weather forecast says. This means:

• Draining all water from irrigation lines
• Blowing out remaining water with compressed air
• Shutting off water supplies and insulating backflow preventers
• Removing and storing any removable components

Don't try to DIY this one if you're not experienced. A professional winterization typically costs a few hundred dollars, but replacing burst pipes and damaged equipment can run into the thousands.

Mistake #2: Not Having a Solid Snow Removal Plan

Too many commercial properties wing it when it comes to snow removal. They either don't have contracts in place or they work with the cheapest bidder without considering the actual needs of their landscape. This leads to damaged plants, torn-up turf, and safety issues that can result in serious liability problems.

The Fix: Get your snow removal contracts locked in by September. Here's what your agreement should include:

• Clear priority areas (main walkways, emergency exits, handicap accessible routes)
• Designated snow storage areas away from sensitive plantings
• Specific equipment requirements (smaller plows near delicate areas)
• Salt/de-icing protocols that won't damage your landscape
• Response time guarantees for different snowfall amounts

Also, walk the property with your snow removal contractor before the first snowfall. Point out any potential problem areas and make sure they understand your landscape layout.

Mistake #3: Ignoring Fall Cleanup

We get it – fall cleanup seems less urgent than other maintenance tasks. But skipping this step creates problems that compound all winter long. Those leaves piling up around your building foundation aren't just unsightly – they're creating perfect conditions for pests, diseases, and drainage issues.

The Fix: Schedule comprehensive fall cleanup before Thanksgiving at the latest. This should include:

• Removing all fallen leaves from planting beds and walkways
• Cutting back perennials and removing dead plant material
• Cleaning gutters and ensuring proper drainage
• Removing any debris that could become projectiles in winter storms
• Final mowing and edging of all turf areas

Think of fall cleanup as insurance for your landscape. A clean property going into winter means fewer problems and less expensive spring cleanup.

Mistake #4: Leaving Plants Unprotected

Northeast Ohio's winter weather is tough on plants, especially those that aren't completely hardy in our Zone 5b/6a climate. Young trees, tender shrubs, and anything recently planted are particularly vulnerable to winter damage from ice, snow load, and harsh winds.

The Fix: Identify vulnerable plants and protect them properly:

• Wrap young or tender trees with burlap, especially on the windward side
• Apply 3-4 inches of mulch around the base of shrubs and trees (but keep it away from the trunk)
• Use tree guards on young trees to prevent damage from ice and snow
• Consider temporary windscreens for exposed plantings
• Apply anti-desiccant spray to evergreens in exposed locations

For commercial properties, focus your protection efforts on high-visibility areas and expensive plantings. You don't need to wrap every plant, but protecting your investment pieces makes good financial sense.

Mistake #5: Failing to Mark Landscape Features for Snow Removal

This mistake costs commercial properties thousands of dollars every winter. When snow covers your landscape, that beautiful planting bed edge, those decorative boulders, and even fire hydrants become invisible obstacles that can damage snow removal equipment and your landscape features.

The Fix: Mark everything before the first snow. This includes:

• Installing snow stakes along planting bed edges
• Flagging sprinkler heads, utility boxes, and water meters
• Marking the location of decorative features like boulders or low walls
• Identifying underground utilities and marking their general location
• Using reflective tape or bright flags that remain visible in snow

Spend an afternoon in late October walking your property with a handful of snow stakes and flags. Your snow removal crew will thank you, and you'll avoid expensive damage repairs in spring.

Mistake #6: Relying on Basic "Mow and Go" Maintenance

Some commercial property managers think they can save money by hiring the cheapest lawn crew available. These "mow and go" operations might keep your grass cut, but they're not providing the comprehensive care your landscape needs to survive Northeast Ohio winters.

The Fix: Partner with a full-service landscape maintenance company that provides:

• Seasonal fertilization programs (including crucial fall feeding)
• Regular pruning and plant health monitoring
• Integrated pest and disease management
• Proper edging and bed maintenance
• Professional expertise in plant selection and care

A property that receives only basic mowing often has underlying issues – compacted soil, poor drainage, pest problems, or nutrient deficiencies – that become major problems when winter stress hits. Professional maintenance addresses these issues before they become expensive problems.

Mistake #7: Poor Plant Selection and Placement

This is a long-term mistake that shows up every winter. Plants that aren't suited to Northeast Ohio's climate, or plants installed in the wrong locations, struggle year-round but often fail completely during harsh winters. We regularly see expensive landscape installations that have to be replaced every few years because the wrong plants were chosen initially.

The Fix: Evaluate your current plantings and make smart replacements:

• Choose plants rated for Zone 5 or hardier
• Select native or adapted species that handle local conditions
• Consider microclimates on your property (wind exposure, reflected heat, drainage)
• Replace high-maintenance plants with more resilient alternatives
• Ensure proper spacing and planting depth for long-term health

For new installations, work with a landscape professional who understands Northeast Ohio's specific challenges. The right plants in the right locations will save you money year after year.

Don't Wait – Start Preparing Now

The key to successful commercial landscape management in Northeast Ohio is getting ahead of winter before it arrives. Each of these seven mistakes is easily preventable with proper planning and professional support, but waiting until November to address them means you've already waited too long.

Start with the most critical items – irrigation winterization and snow removal contracts – then work through the rest of the list. Your landscape (and your budget) will thank you when spring arrives.

Need help getting your commercial property winter-ready? Contact LeafStone Landscapes today. Our team knows Northeast Ohio's unique challenges inside and out, and we can help you avoid these costly mistakes while keeping your property looking professional all year long.