Protecting Commercial Landscapes from Winter Damage: Smart Strategies That Save Money

Maintenance Strips to avoid turf damage during winter

Winter in the Midwest is tough on landscapes, especially for commercial properties that require safe, accessible surfaces around the clock. Snow, ice, salt, fluctuating temperatures, and heavy foot and vehicle traffic can quietly take a toll on turf, plant material, and hardscapes. The good news? With the right planning and preventative strategies, much of this damage can be minimized or avoided altogether.

At Villani Landshapers, we work with property managers and facility teams year-round to protect landscapes through every season. Here’s how smart winter strategies can safeguard your property and reduce costly spring repairs.

1. The Hidden Cost of Winter Damage

Winter damage often isn’t obvious until spring cleanup begins. By then, turf may be dead, soil compacted, and plant beds saturated with excess salt. Common issues we see include:

• Turf burn and dieback from deicing materials

• Soil compaction from plowing and pedestrian traffic

• Plant stress caused by salt spray and freeze–thaw cycles

• Cracked or shifted pavers due to frost heave

Without proactive measures, these issues can lead to repeated seasonal replacement costs and a less professional appearance for your property.

2. Maintenance Strips: A Simple Solution with Big Impact

One of the most effective winter protection solutions we recommend is the installation of maintenance strips: stone or hardscape borders placed along curbs, sidewalks, and high-salt zones.

Why maintenance strips work:

• Eliminate turf damage caused by salt exposure

• Reduce spring turf replacement and repair costs

• Create cleaner, more durable edges for plowing and salting

• Improve overall site appearance year-round

For many commercial properties, this small design upgrade delivers long-term savings and a cleaner, more resilient landscape.

3. Smarter Snow & Ice Management Protects Landscapes

Effective snow and ice management isn’t just about safety, it’s also about protecting your property investment. A strategic approach includes:

• Monitoring pavement temperatures (not just air temperatures)

• Applying deicers only when and where needed

• Training crews to protect turf and plant beds during plowing

By combining precision monitoring with experienced crews, we help keep properties safe without unnecessary damage to surrounding landscapes.

4. Planning in Winter = Savings in Spring

Winter is the ideal time to plan landscape improvements for the upcoming season. Evaluating areas that consistently fail during winter allows property managers to make smart, proactive upgrades before problems repeat themselves.

Examples of winter-driven improvements include:

• Adding maintenance strips or hardscape buffers

• Adjusting snow storage locations

• Improving drainage in high-traffic areas

Early planning leads to smoother spring transitions and fewer surprise expenses.

5. Partner with a Year-Round Landscape Team

Commercial landscapes require a long-term strategy, not seasonal fixes. A partner that understands how winter operations affect spring performance can help protect your property, budget, and brand image.

At Villani Landshapers, we integrate snow and ice management with landscape design, construction, and maintenance to ensure every season works together, not against your site.

Let’s Plan Smarter This Winter

If your property experiences recurring winter damage, now is the time to address it. Our team is happy to evaluate your site and recommend solutions that protect your landscape and reduce long-term costs.

Your Vision, Our Passion – Crafting Outdoor Spaces for a Lifetime of Memories.

Contact Villani Landshapers to start planning today.