Ideas to Keep Your Landscaping or Lawn Care Business Busy in the Offseason

As crisp autumn leaves fall to the ground and temperatures drop, your landscaping and lawn care businesses may be starting to cool off too. But don’t despair! Winter months don't have to mean a deep freeze for your business. There are plenty of opportunities to fire things up. So let’s explore some lucrative winter business ideas for landscapers to defrost your off-season forecast.

8 Ideas to Stay Busy During the Winter

1. Seasonal cleanup

Before the winter weather sets in, consider offering a seasonal cleanup and preparation service. This can involve pruning trees and shrubs, cleaning up fallen leaves, and applying protective mulch. A professional fall clean-up is a homeowner’s dream. And by preparing your customers’ yards for the harsh winter conditions, you'll ensure they're ready for a vibrant spring when the snowy season ends.

2. Gutter cleaning

Adding a gutter-cleaning service to your off-season repertoire is another effective way to generate winter income for landscapers. Clogged gutters can cause a host of problems for homeowners, including water damage and ice dams. And many of your existing customers may welcome this additional service. Wondering how much to charge for gutter cleaning? The national average per job is over $200, but be sure to calculate your pricing, based on the size and complexity of the project.

3. Hardscape landscaping

While traditional landscaping may slow down in the winter, hardscape landscaping can thrive. Hardscaping involves designing and installing nonliving elements such as patios, retaining walls, and walkways. And you can tackle these projects year-round if the ground isn't frozen solid. But before you walk down this potentially lucrative path, ensure you have all the necessary permits and licenses.

4. Firewood delivery

With your existing tools and skills, a firewood delivery business can be a profitable way to heat up the winter doldrums. Evaluate your available equipment, such as chainsaws, log splitters, and delivery vehicles. Develop a plan that defines your target market, pricing, and marketing strategies.Then reach out to your existing customer base with a selection of high-quality wood from your own tree removals or local suppliers.

5. Indoor plant care

While outdoor plants may hibernate in the winter, indoor plants still need care. Offer interior plant maintenance to businesses and homeowners with greenery inside their spaces. Indoor watering, pruning, and fertilizing can keep your team engaged and generate steady income during the colder months.

6. Snow removal

When the snow begins to blanket the landscape, homeowners and businesses need reliable snow removal. Consider adding snow blowing, shoveling, and de-icing to your off-season services. You can start small with existing customers and gradually expand as your reputation grows. Invest in the right equipment and train your crew to avoid shoveling on top of over those newly installed shrubs.

7. Holiday lighting installation

Many homeowners love to go all out with holiday glitz during the festive season, but only some have the time or expertise to do it themselves. With a comprehensive holiday lighting package, including design, installation, and removal, you’ll keep your team busy, bring joy to your customers, and possibly inspire some neighborly envy.

8. Plan for spring

The busy summer season can be an endless whirlwind. So why not use the winter slowdown to prepare? Catch up on neglected paperwork and marketing strategies, such as updating your website and social media profiles. You can also use the offseason to repair and service tools, vehicles, and machinery. By getting a head start, you'll be ready to hit the ground running when the weather warms up.

Make Sure Your Insurance is Ready for the Season

Another way to maximize winter downtime? Plan for the inevitable busy season mishaps with the right amount of General Liability coverage. And if you’re thinking about offering snow removal and other services this winter, you may want to consider additional insurance coverage.

Still not sure what you need? Questions about coverage? Our licensed insurance agents can help you see what coverage options are available over the phone. They’re here to help at 844-654-7272, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-8 p.m. (ET).