1. Snow removal and snow plowing
Snow removal is one of the most common winter jobs landscapers provide. Crews handle snow plowing and clearing for driveways, walkways, parking lots, and commercial properties after each snowfall.
Accurate pricing is critical here. Many contractors rely on seasonal contracts or per-event billing, which makes it essential to understand how to create an accurate snow removal estimate before winter begins.
For those expanding into this service, this guide on how to start a snow removal business is especially useful during the colder months.
2. Ice control and winter maintenance
Snow often leads to ice buildup, especially during freeze-thaw cycles. Landscapers provide winter maintenance services that include de-icing walkways, patios, and driveways to prevent slips and falls.
Many landscaping businesses bundle these services into seasonal maintenance agreements, similar to how they structure recurring work outlined in how to make a landscaping maintenance contract.
3. Gutter cleaning and debris management
Gutter cleaning is a critical winter landscaping service, particularly after heavy leaf drop. Landscapers remove fallen leaves and debris buildup that can block drainage and lead to ice dams.
This type of preventative work is often part of a broader winter survival strategy, especially for companies focused on protecting cash flow, as outlined in how to survive winter as a landscaping business.
4. Leaf removal and winter cleanup
Leaf removal continues well beyond fall. Landscapers clear fallen leaves from lawns, flower beds, and garden beds throughout the off-season to prevent moisture buildup and turf damage.
These cleanup services are commonly listed among essential landscaping services that homeowners expect year-round.
5. Pressure washing during the off-season
Pressure washing is one of the most overlooked winter landscaping services. Landscapers clean patios, walkways, retaining walls, and other hardscape surfaces when outdoor areas see less use.
For many lawn care companies, pressure washing provides reliable winter income without heavy equipment investment, making it a smart complement to traditional landscaping work.
6. Hardscape installation and repairs
Many hardscape projects can continue during mild winter weather. Landscapers install or repair patios, walkways, and retaining walls while planting work slows.
Winter is also when many contractors explore diversification, including how to start a hardscaping business as a way to expand offerings beyond lawn care.
7. Trimming trees and winter pruning
Winter is an ideal time for trimming trees because many plants are dormant. Landscapers remove dead plants, damaged limbs, and hazardous branches before winter storms worsen.
Specialized tree work often commands higher margins, especially when combined with consultative selling techniques like those discussed in how a master arborist seals deals.
8. Winter lawn care and soil preparation
A winter lawn still benefits from professional care. Landscapers provide aerating, mulch application, and protection for perennials during colder months.
Understanding job costing is key here, particularly for smaller services bundled together. Many professionals rely on insights from job costing for landscapers to ensure winter work remains profitable.
9. Landscape design and planning
The winter months are a strategic time for landscape design. Without daily mowing schedules, landscapers focus on planning landscaping projects for spring and summer.
This is also when many businesses refine their sales process and improve proposals using proven frameworks like how to create a landscaping proposal that closes and tips for proposals that close.
10. Holiday lighting and light installation
Holiday lighting is a popular winter service for homeowners and commercial properties. Landscapers manage christmas light design, light installation, maintenance, and removal throughout the holiday season.
Offering packaged services during this time can significantly increase average deal size, especially when paired with strategies from trying to boost your sales by offering packages.
11. Equipment maintenance and shop work
Winter is when landscaping companies service vehicles, repair tools, and prepare equipment for spring. This behind-the-scenes work reduces downtime and protects margins during peak season.
Many operators also use this time to modernize workflows, adopting tools like CRM for landscaping businesses and job costing software to improve operational visibility.
12. Indoor plants and specialty winter services
Some landscapers offer indoor plant care, seasonal décor, and specialty services for offices and commercial properties.
These offerings support a true year-round business model, which is often a focus in guides like how to build a profitable landscaping business.
Operations
