Preparing Commercial Properties for Snow Season

The time to prepare a commercial property for winter is before the first storm, not the morning of it. A good snow and ice management plan answers one question for every part of your property: will it be open, accessible and safe when people need it? Not just open. Safe.

This checklist walks through what property managers and facility managers should have in place before the season starts, whether you manage an apartment community, an HOA, an office building, a retail center, a hotel or a senior living community.

Want a second set of eyes on your property before winter? Call or email us, and we’ll respond immediately. 
(517) 202-5543
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1. Start with a site-specific plan

Every property is different, and a plan that works for a strip of retail won’t work for a multi-building campus. A site-specific plan should account for:

• Priority areas: which areas get cleared and treated first, such as main entrances, fire lanes, accessible parking and loading docks
• Hazards hidden under snow: curbs, islands, drains, light poles and signs that a plow can damage or bury
• Problem spots: shaded areas, low spots and walkways where meltwater collects and refreezes
• Timing: when your property needs to be ready, based on when residents leave, employees arrive, visitors pull in and deliveries show up

The plan should be built before the season, with the right equipment at the right time and a prepared crew before each storm.

2. Map every access point, not just the front door

Most properties have more ways in and out than anyone thinks about until they’re blocked. Walk your property and list every one:

• Main and side entryways
• Walkways and sidewalks
• Employee lots and parking areas
• Loading docks
• Dumpster pads
• Turning areas for delivery trucks and service vehicles

Every one of these is a place someone can slip or a delivery can’t get through. If it’s not on the plan, it’s likely to get missed.

3. Know who needs to get in and out safely

Snow and ice management is about people, not just pavement. Think through everyone who depends on your property being accessible:

• Tenants and residents heading out early and coming home late
• Employees arriving for the first shift and leaving after the last one
• Guests and visitors who don’t know the property and won’t know where the icy spots are
• Deliveries of food, linens, supplies and freight that keep your operation running

Your tenants, employees and visitors deserve to walk in safely and leave the same way. Protecting them protects your business too.

4. Plan for ice, not just snow

Snow gets all the attention. Ice causes the accidents. Ice untreated is the No. 1 cause for slips and falls, and it doesn’t need a storm to form. Refreezing overnight, black ice in a shaded corner, a walkway that looked fine at 6 a.m. and isn’t at 9 a.m.… or 6 p.m.

Your plan should spell out how ice is monitored and when it gets treated, so it’s handled before it becomes a problem, not after someone has already slipped.

5. Decide where the snow will go

Every push has to go somewhere. Before the season, decide where snow will be stacked so piles don’t:

• Eat into parking spaces you need
• Block sightlines at drive lanes and exits
• Melt across walkways and refreeze overnight

When piles outgrow the space, hauling snow off site keeps your property usable for the rest of the season.

6. Set the communication plan

You shouldn’t have to chase down your snow provider during a storm. Before the season, confirm:

• Who your single point of contact is
• How you’ll hear about the plan before a storm and the progress during it
• How completed service is documented, so you know what was done and when

You should know the plan, the progress and what to expect, every event.

7. Understand your contract before you sign

Snow contracts use terms worth understanding before you commit:

• Seasonal contract vs. per-push: a seasonal contract covers your property for the whole winter, while per-push service bills for each plowing.
• Triggers:what conditions send crews out. A good provider doesn’t go by the ruler alone. Icy conditions can call for treatment even when there’s barely any snow on the ground.
• What’s included: whether ice treatment, sidewalks, hauling and stacking are part of the agreement or extra.

Many commercial snow contracts begin Nov. 1, so the time to review yours is now.

Is It Safe, Not Just Is It Open?

That’s the standard R&D Landscape holds itself to on every property. Since 2001, we’ve helped keep Mid-Michigan hospitals, senior living communities, schools and campuses, office buildings, HOAs, hotels, restaurants, grocery and retail centers moving all winter long, with one point of contact and clear communication every event.

Your liability is our priority.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should a commercial property prepare for snow season? 
Before the first storm, and ideally before your snow contract begins. Many commercial snow contracts begin Nov. 1, so October is the time to walk your property, confirm your plan and review your contract.

What should a commercial snow and ice management plan include? 
A site-specific plan with priority areas and hazards marked, every access point covered (not just the front door), a plan for ice as well as snow, a place for snow to go, and clear communication before, during and after every event.

What’s the difference between a seasonal snow contract and per-push service? 
A seasonal contract covers your property for the whole winter. Per-push service bills for each time crews plow. The right choice depends on your property and how you want to manage your snow investment across the season.

Ready for Winter?

Contracts for the 2026/2027 season are filling up. Reserve your spot now to secure your rate.

Reserve My Winter Service:
Call or email us, and we’ll respond immediately.
(517) 202-5543 
info@rdlandscape.com 
rdlandscape.com

Your liability is our priority.