landscaper survey

Were you fully equipped to handle snow and ice management this past winter? Is weather affecting your overall purchasing or planting decisions? These are just some of the questions the Turf and Plow community decided to ask its audience of lawn care and landscaping firms, after record low temperatures, snow and ice, and rolling blackouts blanketed much of the U.S. last month. In fact, on February 18, 73% of the U.S. was covered in snow, according to The Weather Channel. Parts of the southern U.S. that rarely see such conditions over a sustained period were hardest hit. In Texas, residents reported devastating effects on many landscape trees and ornamentals, that while zone-appropriate, could not handle the sustained cold and ice. In other areas, those who perform seasonal snow management, had a bit of a heyday. Discussions were up significantly in February compared to January; and even more dramatically when compared to 2020 figures. All this begged the question: will it affect how you prepare for next year? Next Winter: Equipment Efficiency & Ice Control While the majority of respondents* (62%) felt this past winter’s weather was not unusual for their area, a significant number (38%) said it was. Yet most felt prepared, regardless, with only 10% answering they weren’t equipped to handle the storms. Of that 10%, most were lacking a plow. One person answered, “I only have snowblowers. I wish I had a plow for my mini skid.” Interestingly, while 72% felt this past winter’s weather would not affect ...