snow and ice management

Commercial snow removal crew clearing sidewalks outside a retail store to prevent slip and fall risks in winter.

October 22, 2025

Commercial Snow Removal: Legal Risks and How to Avoid Them

Jenna Snow & Ice Management commercial property risk management, commercial snow removal, legal responsibilities for business owners, property maintenance liability, slip and fall prevention, snow and ice management, snow removal contractors GTA, winter property safety

Winter in the Greater Toronto Area can bring heavy snow, ice, and slippery conditions. For commercial property owners, keeping your property safe isn’t just about convenience—it’s a legal responsibility. Failing to manage snow and ice properly can lead to accidents, injuries, and costly lawsuits. Understanding the legal risks and knowing how to prevent them is essential for any business owner or property manager.

Contact Us to Learn More

Legal Risks of Poor Snow Removal

Slip and Fall Claims

The most common risk is someone slipping on your property. Even a small patch of ice on a sidewalk or parking lot can result in a serious injury and a legal claim.

Negligence Liability

Property owners must take “reasonable care” to prevent hazards. Negligence occurs when snow and ice aren’t cleared promptly, equipment isn’t maintained, or dangerous areas are ignored. Courts can hold you responsible if an accident could have been prevented.

Contractor Risks

Hiring a snow removal company does not automatically remove your liability. If the contractor misses areas or does a poor job, your business can still be held responsible. Contracts should clearly outline responsibilities, timelines, and insurance coverage.

Snow removal tractor plowing a commercial parking lot during snowfall to maintain safety and reduce liability.

How to Avoid Legal Risks

Create a Snow and Ice Management Plan

Document when and how snow removal will happen, which areas are prioritized, and who is responsible. Include sidewalks, entrances, parking lots, and other high-traffic areas.

Hire Reputable Contractors

If you use a snow removal company, check references, confirm insurance, and ensure they have experience with commercial properties. Your contract should define responsibilities, response times, and liability.

Act Quickly After Snowfall

Delays increase the risk of accidents. Remove snow promptly and apply salt or sand to icy areas. Keeping a record of when and where snow removal happened can help protect you legally.

Inspect Your Property Regularly

Even with a contractor, check walkways, entrances, and parking lots to ensure areas are clear. Look for slippery spots or missed patches.

Maintain Proper Insurance

Make sure your liability insurance covers slip and fall claims and any damage related to snow or ice. Review your policy with your insurance provider to confirm coverage.

Conclusion

Managing snow and ice on commercial properties is more than a winter chore—it’s a legal responsibility. By creating a plan, acting quickly, hiring trustworthy contractors, you can reduce legal risks and keep your property safe.

Don’t leave your commercial property exposed this winter. Partner with MPS for professional snow removal services and ensure your sidewalks, parking lots, and entrances are safe, compliant, and worry-free. Contact us today to secure a snow removal contract and protect your business from winter risks.

Contact Us

Commercial fall cleanup team with leaf blowers and a rake collecting leaves at a business property

September 19, 2025

The Complete Guide to Fall Garden Cleanup

Jenna Commercial Landscaping, Landscaping, Outdoor Living, Patio commercial grounds maintenance, fall garden cleanup, fall lawn care, fall pruning and trimming, irrigation winterization, leaf and debris removal, mulch installation, snow and ice management

Fall is one of the most important seasons for garden and landscape maintenance. Whether you have a residential yard or manage commercial property grounds, preparing your outdoor spaces before winter helps protect plants, keeps your property safe, and makes spring upkeep much easier.

Contact Us to Learn More

This guide breaks down the essential steps for a thorough fall garden cleanup—plus a reminder about our services for commercial properties.

Why Fall Cleanup Matters

Leaves, branches, and dead plant material may seem harmless, but if left over winter, they can cause problems:

– Disease and pests:

Decaying leaves and debris create a perfect home for insects and plant diseases.

– Winter damage:

Untrimmed plants can break under the weight of snow and ice.

– Curb appeal:

Clean, well-kept grounds leave a positive impression, especially for businesses.

Commercial fall cleanup crew mowing turf along a sidewalk with a zero turn mower at a business park

Step-by-Step Fall Garden Cleanup

1. Clear Leaves and Debris

Rake or blow leaves from lawns, gardens, and walkways. Leaves left on grass can trap moisture, leading to mold and bare patches. In commercial areas, keep walkways clear to prevent slips and maintain accessibility.

2. Prune and Trim

Cut back perennials that have died back for the season, remove dead or damaged branches from shrubs and trees, and shape hedges. This keeps plants healthy and prevents breakage in winter storms.

3. Weed and Edge Beds

Pull any remaining weeds before the ground freezes. Edging garden beds now gives them a crisp look through winter and makes spring planting easier.

4. Mulch and Protect Plants

Add mulch around the base of trees and shrubs to protect roots from temperature swings. For delicate plants, consider burlap wraps or protective covers to guard against harsh winds and frost.

5. Remove Annuals and Prepare Planters

Pull out dead annuals from garden beds and pots. Empty and clean planters to prevent cracking in freezing temperatures.

6. Lawn Care

Give your lawn a final cut, keeping grass about 2–2.5 inches high. If possible, aerate and apply a fall fertilizer to strengthen roots before dormancy.

7. Check Irrigation and Outdoor Fixtures

Shut down and drain irrigation systems to prevent frozen pipes. Inspect outdoor lighting for safety and visibility during shorter days.

Special Considerations for Commercial Properties

For businesses, fall cleanup is about more than just appearance—it’s about safety and protecting your investment. Clear walkways, well-lit entrances, and hazard-free parking areas keep employees and customers safe. Plus, maintaining healthy landscaping now reduces costly repairs or replacements in the spring.

Commercial properties also often have larger landscapes, meaning more debris to remove, more trees to prune, and bigger lawns to prepare. Professional crews have the equipment, manpower, and expertise to handle these jobs efficiently and without disruption to daily operations.

Final Tip

Don’t wait until the first frost—starting your fall cleanup early ensures plants are protected and your property stays in great shape all winter long.

For Commercial Grounds Maintenance Only

If you manage a commercial property and want a worry-free, professional fall cleanup, our team can help. We provide full-service grounds maintenance for businesses, including seasonal cleanups, turf care, pruning, and snow and ice management.

Residential homeowners—sorry! We don’t offer residential fall or spring cleanups, snow plowing, or ongoing grounds maintenance.

Contact Us

Commercial fall cleanup technicians raking leaves and debris from shrub beds at an office property

September 4, 2025

Commercial Landscaping: Why First Impressions Matter

Jenna Commercial Landscaping, Outdoor Living, Patio church and institution landscaping, commercial grounds maintenance, commercial landscaping services, curb appeal for businesses, industrial facility landscaping, medical center landscaping, office building landscaping, professional landscaping crews, snow and ice management

When a client, customer, patient, or visitor arrives at your property, the first thing they see isn’t your reception desk—it’s the outside. The lawn, gardens, walkways, and parking lot set the tone before they even step inside.

For office buildings, medical centers, industrial or shipping facilities, churches, and institutions, landscaping is more than decoration—it’s a silent introduction to your business.

Contact Us to Learn More

Here’s why it matters and how to make sure your property sends the right message.

The Power of Curb Appeal

Well-kept grounds send a clear message: you take pride in your property, you pay attention to details, and you value the people who visit. Overgrown grass, cracked walkways, and untrimmed shrubs can leave the opposite impression, making your business look neglected or unprofessional.

For businesses that rely on client visits—like office buildings or medical centers—this can impact trust and credibility. Even for industrial sites or institutions — neat, safe grounds improve morale for employees and reassure visitors that operations are well managed.

Power of Curb Appeal in Commercial Properties

Safety Comes First

Commercial landscaping is not only about beauty—it’s about safety. Trip hazards from uneven pavement, icy walkways, or low-hanging branches can cause accidents and liability issues.

Regular grounds maintenance helps:

Keep pathways, entrances, and parking lots clear of debris.
Ensure proper lighting for early mornings or evenings.
Reduce ice buildup in winter with proactive snow and ice management.

For medical centers or public institutions, where accessibility is crucial, a safe, well-maintained exterior is non-negotiable.

Protecting Your Investment

Landscaping is an asset, and like any asset, it needs care to retain value. Healthy turf, pruned trees, and seasonal planting keep your property looking good year-round and reduces costly repairs later.

Ignoring maintenance can lead to:

Dead or diseased trees that require expensive removal.
Damaged irrigation systems from freezing or neglect.
Worn-out lawns that need complete replacement instead of seasonal repair.

Creating a Welcoming Experience

Think about the feeling you want visitors to have when they arrive. A church may want peaceful, inviting gardens. A corporate office might aim for sharp, professional-looking grounds. An industrial facility might prioritize a clean, organized appearance to show operational discipline.

Landscaping design and upkeep can be tailored to reflect your brand and the experience you want people to remember.

Why Professional Maintenance Matters

Commercial properties are larger and more complex than residential yards. They require:

Skilled crews who know how to maintain different plant varieties.
Specialized equipment for large lawns, tree care, and hardscaping.
Consistent schedules to keep the property in top shape year-round.

Professional crews can handle everything from weekly mowing to seasonal cleanups, pruning, irrigation care, and winter snow management—without disrupting your daily operations.

Final Thought

Your landscaping works for you 24/7, making a statement long before you say a word. Investing in professional commercial landscaping ensures that statement is positive, professional, and lasting.

For Commercial Grounds Maintenance Only

We provide full-service landscaping and grounds maintenance for commercial properties—office buildings, medical centers, industrial and shipping facilities, churches, and institutions. Our services include turf care, planting, pruning, seasonal cleanups, and snow and ice management.

Residential homeowners—sorry! We don’t offer residential fall or spring cleanups, snow plowing, or ongoing grounds maintenance.

Contact Us