By Mel Schultz Property Maintenance snow removal

Winter Maintenance and Snow Removal Tips for Minnesota Commercial Properties

Is your Minnesota commercial property ready for winter? September is a good time to put together your snow removal and winter maintenance plan. Clarity Commercial can help you learn what your property needs and arrange a snow removal vendor so you know your property will remain accessible and safe through the winter months.

Prepare Your Snow Removal and Deicing Plan

Work with your property management company to determine your snow removal and deicing plan. Getting your contract in place now means you won’t need to scramble and arrange service when the first snow falls. Clarity Commercial can recommend a snow removal vendor who can serve you and your property all winter long.

When you set up a contract with your snow removal company, be sure to clearly define your expectations for their service, including when snow is cleared and deicing frequency. Identify your high-traffic areas and ask your snow removal company to prioritize them. Don’t forget to include your ramps and handicap parking spaces to ensure your building remains accessible to everyone.

Put Snow and Ice Removal Equipment in Place

Most snow removal companies bring and use their own equipment, but having a few shovels and some salt at your property can be helpful for those unexpectedly slippery mornings or surprise dustings of snow. Inspect last year’s equipment for wear or damage and replace it if necessary. Visit your local hardware store to purchase salt or sand and keep it in your building’s vestibule for ease of use. Or, ask your snow removal company to provide salt for you to use.

Protect Your Investment by Deicing Regularly

Deicing not only makes it safer and easier for your tenants and their guests to enter and leave your property, it also protects you against slip-and-fall risks. Slips on ice can lead to some hefty hospital bills. Regular and thorough deicing of your property through the colder months is a part of any property owner’s risk management plan.

Inspect Your Outdoor Lighting

Winter days are short, and you and your tenants will rely on your outdoor lighting to stay safe entering and leaving your building. Test the bulbs in your outdoor lights now to ensure they are in good working order, and consider upgrading to LED bulbs, which work great in the cold, last much longer than conventional bulbs, and save you money on your utility bill. If the exterior of your building is looking dim, add more outdoor lighting to improve visibility and reduce slip-and-fall risks.

Prep Your Roof, Gutters, and Storm Drains

Roof clearing should be part of your snow removal plan, especially if you have a flat roof. Clear gutters and storm drains now to ensure melting snow and ice have a place to go during thaws. During these preparations, decide on where you’d like your snow removal company to pile your snow and communicate that with them.

Communicate Your Snow Plan with Tenants

Once your winter snow removal plan is in place, let your tenants know what to expect for snow and ice removal. Encourage your tenants to report slippery spots or other snow-related hazards so you can deal with them quickly. Watch the weather forecast and warn tenants when bad weather is coming.

Winter is right around the corner. Now is the time to prepare your snow plan and hire your snow removal company. For professional commercial real estate management support, contact Clarity Commercial today.

For more information or to request a free estimate, visit their website at https://myclaritycommercial.com/ or give us a call at (952) 370-224-2699.

Affiliations & Credentials: We are proud members of IREM, CCIM and MNCAR along with various professional organizations and hold relevant certifications in the real estate management field. Our affiliations and credentials demonstrate our commitment to excellence and our ongoing efforts to stay up-to-date with industry best practices.

December 22, 2023

By Mel Schultz Property Management landscaping, snow removal, vendors

Snow Removal Service: What to Look for in a Minnesota Commercial Properties

While it may not feel like it at the moment, winter is coming to Minnesota, bringing with it snow, ice, and wind. Commercial snow removal service companies are ready to help keep your parking lot and walkways clear and safe.

If you are searching for a commercial snow removal service, Clarity Commercial has a few tips on how to choose the right contractor for your property. Here are a few things we consider when selecting a commercial snow removal service for the properties we manage:.

Find a Snow Removal Service That Fits Your Exact Needs

Not all snow removal services are alike. Some companies operate a fleet of trucks and employ dozens of workers who can make quick work of a large parking lot or extensive walkways. Other snow removal service providers are owner-operators with a truck with a plow, a snowblower, and a shovel.

Both can be good options, depending on your property’s needs. In your discussions with potential service providers, confirm they can perform every service your property requires. They should be equipped to plow your parking lot, driveway, and sidewalks as needed. Double-check that the company will promptly and repeatedly come out to salt your sidewalks and walkways, as you could be held liable for a visitor or employee’s slip and fall accident if you leave these areas untreated.

Common Snow Removal Service Contract Stipulations

Your Minnesota Commercial Snow Removal Service contract should stipulate all of your required services as well as the timeline for when you can expect your snow removal team to show up after a storm. It should also include any preventative measures the service provider will take to prevent icy surfaces before a storm hits. Your contract should also include what happens to the removed snow. For example, will the company push it to a certain area of your property or haul it away? Remember to confirm how you will get in touch with the company if an issue arises or you have an acute need for snow and ice removal.

Look for an Insured Service Provider

Many property owners assume the contractors they work with are insured, but unfortunately, this is not always the case. Since failing to remove snow and ice can leave you open to risk, you need to confirm that the commercial snow removal company you are considering is properly insured for a snow removal service contract. Any reputable company will be happy to share this information with you.

Winter is here, and snow and ice are on the way. For help finding commercial snow removal services for your property, Contact Us the professionals at Clarity Commercial Today.

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October 13, 2022

By Mel Schultz Property Maintenance landscaping, snow removal

Fall Cleanup for Commercial Properties in Minnesota

Have you noticed the uptick in landscaping crews out and about recently? It’s go time in Minnesota for fall cleanup for commercial properties in Minnesota. October and November are the prime months for getting your commercial landscaping cleaned up and ready for winter. Here is what you can expect from your landscaping company when they perform fall cleanup at your property.

1. Fall Cleanup for Commercial Properties in Minnesota – Remove Leaves

Raking leaves is an autumn ritual in Minnesota, one that homeowners and commercial landscapers alike will perform several times before the trees stop dropping their leaves. Expect your landscaping crew to remove leaves from your property every two weeks through October and November. Removing leaves from your property improves soil health, reduces the chance of a slip and fall accident on walkways, and ensures your gutters and drains remain clear throughout the season.

2. Mow and Fertilize Your Grass

After they remove your leaves, your commercial landscaping crew will mow your grass. Grass grows until the first hard frost, which usually happens in October. At some point in October and November, they will also fertilize your lawn. They may overseed and aerate it to encourage fuller growth. This prepares your grass for a healthy season next year.

3. Prune Perennials

One of the last fall cleanup tasks your landscaping company will perform is pruning back your property’s perennials. Deadheading flowers and removing dead foliage increases airflow to the soil and reduces the chances of disease. Environmentally savvy landscapers may choose to keep some of your perennials intact during pruning to create habitat for bees and other beneficial insects to overwinter.

4. Tree and Shrub Care

Your landscaping crew will give the larger plants on your property some attention, too. Fall is a good time to prune many species of shrubs and trees. Your landscaping crew may trim back branches that are obstructing walkways or electrical wires or are getting too close to your building. If a tree on your property requires removal, they may bring in a tree removal team to safely and expertly remove the tree.

5. Prepare Your Property for Winter

Once their last fall cleanup task is complete, don’t be surprised if your landscaping company drops off snow shovels, ice melt, sand, and other snow and ice removal supplies. You may see snow plow markers show up along the edges of your parking lot to guide plows when the first flakes arrive. When you see these items appear, it is a good time to confirm that you’re on your snow removal company’s schedule for the upcoming season.

As the winter season approaches, it’s important to prepare for potential snow and ice on your commercial property. While you may be used to seeing your landscaping company taking care of fall cleanup tasks, it’s important to also keep an eye out for additional supplies and preparations that indicate they are ready to handle snow removal as well.

Snow shovels, ice melt, sand, and other winter weather supplies may start appearing at your property once fall cleanups are complete. This is a clear sign that your landscaping company is prepared for the upcoming snowy season. Additionally, you may notice snow plow markers being placed along the edges of your parking lot. These markers help guide plows when the first flakes start falling.

Landscaping and fall cleanup are just a few of the services Clarity Commercial can coordinate for you as your property management company. To partner with us and our landscaping vendors, contact Clarity Commercial today.

For more information or to request a free estimate, visit their website at https://myclaritycommercial.com/ or give us a call at (952) 370-224-2699.

Affiliations & Credentials: We are proud members of IREM, CCIM and MNCAR along with various professional organizations and hold relevant certifications in the real estate management field. Our affiliations and credentials demonstrate our commitment to excellence and our ongoing efforts to stay up-to-date with industry best practices.

Commercial Maintenance - Fall Cleanup for Commercial Properties in Minnesota

November 24, 2021

By Mel Schultz Property Management landscaping, snow removal, vendors

Asset Management: Selecting a Minnesota Commercial Snow Removal Company

Selecting a Minnesota Commercial Snow Removal Company: Winter weather has arrived in Minnesota, and with it the guarantee of snow and ice for the next few months. Commercial snow removal companies are ready to kick into gear. If you haven’t contracted with a snow removal company yet, Clarity Commercial has a few tips on how to choose the right contractor for you. These are the things we consider when we select a commercial snow removal company for our property management clients.

Understand the Services the Commercial Snow Removal Company Offers

When selecting a Minnesota commercial snow removal company, the first thing you need to gain clarity on are the types of services a commercial snow removal company offers. Not all snow removal services are the same. Some are large operations with a fleet of trucks and dozens of employees. Others are owner-operator endeavors with a truck with a plow, a snowblower, and a shovel. Both are good options, depending on your needs.

As you interview different snow removal professionals, ask if they are able to perform every service your property requires. Confirm that they are equipped to plow your parking lot, driveway, and sidewalks, as needed. Inquire about their deicing services for your surfaces, too. Double-check that the company will promptly and repeatedly come out to salt your sidewalks and walkways, as you could be held liable for a visitor or employee’s slip and fall accident if you leave these areas untreated.

Negotiate a Snow Removal Contract and Set Expectations in Selecting a Minnesota Commercial Snow Removal Company

Negotiate your snow removal contract to set expectations for services, timing, and communication with the company. Specify required services, expected arrival time, post-storm snow removal, and pre-storm prevention. Determine the snow disposal method and establish contact procedures for issues or urgent requests.

Confirm the Snow Removal Company Is Insured

This last point is often overlooked. Many property owners assume the contractors they work with are insured. Since failing to remove snow and ice can leave you open to risk, you need to confirm that the commercial snow removal company you are considering is properly insured for snow removal services. Any reputable company will be happy to share this information with you.

Old Man Winter is already knocking on Minnesota’s door. For help finding commercial snow removal services for your property, contact the professionals at Clarity Commercial today

For more information or to request a free estimate, visit their website at https://myclaritycommercial.com/ or give us a call at (952) 370-224-2699.

Affiliations & Credentials: We are proud members of IREM, CCIM and MNCAR along with various professional organizations and hold relevant certifications in the real estate management field. Our affiliations and credentials demonstrate our commitment to excellence and our ongoing efforts to stay up-to-date with industry best practices.

Tag: snow removal

Winter Maintenance and Snow Removal Tips for Minnesota Commercial Properties

Prepare Your Snow Removal and Deicing Plan

Put Snow and Ice Removal Equipment in Place

Protect Your Investment by Deicing Regularly

Inspect Your Outdoor Lighting

Prep Your Roof, Gutters, and Storm Drains

Communicate Your Snow Plan with Tenants

Snow Removal Service: What to Look for in a Minnesota Commercial Properties

Find a Snow Removal Service That Fits Your Exact Needs

Common Snow Removal Service Contract Stipulations

Look for an Insured Service Provider

Inbound Link:

Fall Cleanup for Commercial Properties in Minnesota

1. Fall Cleanup for Commercial Properties in Minnesota – Remove Leaves

2. Mow and Fertilize Your Grass

3. Prune Perennials

4. Tree and Shrub Care

5. Prepare Your Property for Winter

Asset Management: Selecting a Minnesota Commercial Snow Removal Company

Understand the Services the Commercial Snow Removal Company Offers

Negotiate a Snow Removal Contract and Set Expectations in Selecting a Minnesota Commercial Snow Removal Company

Confirm the Snow Removal Company Is Insured

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Affiliations & Credentials

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