By Lisa Allen Snow Removal • • • • • • • • • • • 0 Comments

Why Hiring a Professional Snow Removal Company is Good Business

Why Hiring a Professional Snow Removal Company is Good Business

It’s true: Olathe hasn’t seen as much snow as we have during some winters. Temperatures have been downright balmy, even on some days in December. But don’t let the mild–and unseasonable–weather fool you. It is likely that there will be snow at some point, and the need for a professional snow removal company. 

When that time comes, you can save time, aggravation, and energy if you hire a professional to remove it. If you truly want and need to DIY snow removal this year, we’ve shared some tips to keep you safe while doing so. But snow removal can be hard, arduous work. That’s especially true if you don’t have the right tools and equipment. 

Provides Access

Think of grocery stores when the forecast includes a snowstorm. The bread and milk aisles are empty. Toilet paper is scarce. People run out and stock up because they want to be sure that if they’re stuck and unable to travel, they still have access to the products they use.

The same is true with finding a snow removal company once the weather has already gotten bad. If you wait to call around after the storm hits, there’s a smaller chance you’ll find a company with room on their schedule to service your needs. There’s also the very real possibility that if you do find someone with capacity, it will take them longer to clear your snow. 

Having a company on standby ensures that when the snow comes, you’ll be among the first to have your snow cleared. 

Protects Your Budget

When you think about professional snow removal services, your mind might go immediately to budgets. How much will snow removal at your Johnson County, Kansas, business cost? How much do snow removal companies charge per hour? Can you afford to have a snow removal company on contract?

Those are all valid questions. The simple answer, to all of them, is this: it depends. Not all companies charge the same rate or operate in the same way. We can’t speak for other snow removal services in Johnson County or the Olathe area, but we can tell you that our business is an outward expression of what we believe. We are active members of the community and we treat others fairly. We’d love to talk to you about your snow removal needs. 

If we return to the grocery store in a blizzard scenario, you might remember news coverage of businesses charging more for basic items when they are hard to get, especially when there is panic because of inclement weather. 

If you wait until the last minute to hire a snow removal company, you might not get the best pricing. Why? Because their service is at a premium and the demand has escalated. 

Establishing a relationship with a snow removal company early in the season, and working with them year after year, can be easier on your bottom line than waiting until an emergency situation.

Provides Good Customer Service

In addition to being able to discuss your budget and find a solution that works for you, establishing a relationship with a professional snow removal service can improve business operations for everyone. 

How? Because you won’t be scrambling to get the sidewalks and driveways cleared, and customers can feel safe coming to your business. Employees will be able to come and go more easily. And the peace of mind you get from knowing that snow removal will be handled by a professional means you can focus on taking care of your clients and serving their needs. 

Customer service is an integral part of our business. We focus on both service to our clients and service to our employees. We charge a fair rate in exchange. We won’t always be the lowest price, but we don’t consider that a bad thing. We have employees that we pay so they can care for their families. We offer exemplary service, which  means we don’t cut corners. We’re happy to talk to you about our services and how they might fit into your budget. 

We’re always eager to talk about your projects, your needs, and your concerns. Reach out to start a conversation. 

By Lisa Allen Snow Removal • • • • • • • 0 Comments

How to Stay Safe While Removing Snow from Your Property

How to Stay Safe While Removing Snow from Your Property

It doesn’t matter if your property is residential or commercial: removing snow from driving and walking areas can be a painstaking process. Removing snow is the only way to ensure the safety of others who might need to travel or move around before the snow melts. 

There are options when it comes to snow removal. Of course, we think the best option is to contract with a trusted snow removal service. There are countless advantages to letting the pros handle your winter snow removal, some of which we’ll share below. 

But if you want to tackle the task yourself, you’ll need elbow grease, stamina, the right tools, and time if you want to do it safely and properly. Keep reading for a few tips that might help, but remember: always check with your doctor to be sure that you should be shoveling snow. 

Stay Safe While Shoveling Snow With the Right Tools

Shoveling or otherwise removing snow is an athletic activity that requires strength, stamina, and the proper tools. 

Be sure you’re equipped with warm gear. A coat, gloves, hat, thick socks, and sturdy boots are necessary to protect your skin from frostbite as you work outdoors. You’ll also need a shovel that’s specifically designed to scrape and scoop snow; using shovels designed for other jobs will result in you having to work harder and longer to clear your area.

Some folks prefer a snow blower for lighter dustings of snow. Using this tool can help reduce the stress on your body because you’re not bending or lifting. But be sure you’ve read the safety warnings and operation manual before you try to operate any type of machine, and take the proper precautions to be sure that the machine is fully serviced and in good condition. 

Remembering These Health Tips while Removing Snow

Snow removal is a very physical activity, not unlike other forms of exercise. To stay safe, remember these tips:

  • Warm up first. Your muscles should be warmed up and ready to work hard in order to shovel snow properly. Try stretching, bending, or running in place indoors before heading out into the snow. 
  • Push whenever possible instead of lifting. If you can move the snow without having to hoist and toss, you can save precious energy and make it easier on your body. 
  • Take frequent breaks. There’s no law that says you have to clear all the snow at once. Rest when you need to rest. 
  • Try to keep up with the snow. Shorter, more frequent shoveling sessions can be easier on your body than a marathon after multiple snows. 
  • Stay hydrated. You will sweat under the layers necessary to stay warm. Taking frequent breaks to hydrate is crucial, even when the temperatures are cold. 

Stay Safe (and Warm) by Hiring a Professional for Removing Snow

There’s a reason businesses and homeowners associations hire us year after year to take care of their snow removal needs. Our dedicated crew, our professional tools, and our diligent work ethic means that we’ll be there when you don’t want to be (or can’t). 

This not only frees up your time for doing what you do best, but it gives you peace of mind that the job will be done right. You can work on projects, spend more time with family, or even travel without worrying about whether or not your driveways, streets, or parking lots will be free of snow.

We’re here and eager to help when you’re ready. Give us a call to learn more…before you have a pile of snow that needs to be moved!

By Lisa Allen Snow Removal • • • • • • • 0 Comments

Why Working with a Professional for Snow Removal is Good for the Environment

It’s early November now and the afternoon temperatures feel close to perfect. But before we know it, we’ll be dealing with colder temperatures and—sooner rather than later—we’ll have to start thinking about snow removal. In fact, the Farmer’s Almanac predicts that the Kansas City area will be colder and snowier than in years past.

What does this mean for you? If you have a business that depends on foot traffic or people being able to navigate your parking lot, it means you’ll need snow removal services. It’s something we do well—and something we’d like to help you learn more about. Keep reading to learn why contracting with a professional snow removal company can be environmentally friendly.

Grab Your Shovel!

It makes sense that the most environmentally friendly method of snow removal is by shoveling. Other perks of shoveling are cost (shovels and brooms are inexpensive) and exercise (is there a better workout?).

But there are also drawbacks and limitations. If you have a large area to clear, if the snowfall is significant, if you’re short manpower, or if you have health conditions that prevent you from exerting yourself, shoveling won’t be an option for you.

Add Snow Removal Equipment

If you have a small area to clear or the snowfall is manageable, you might be able to manage the chore by using a snowblower. If you’re concerned about the environmental impacts of using such equipment, you want to pay attention to the power source.

Gas powered equipment has a bigger carbon footprint than equipment powered by electricity or batteries, so it makes sense to opt for equipment powered by the latter. That doesn’t always mean, though, that those options are affordable or easily available.

But, like shoveling, snow blowing is often not a viable option for businesses. It might be that you have too many other tasks to do in the running of your business to make time for removing all that snow; or it might be that you don’t have the staff or know-how necessary to get it done well.

If that’s the case, contracting with a professional snow removal agency can be both an environmentally friendly option and it can help you save money and time in the long run.

Snow Removal Experts: We Get the Job Done

How can a professional snow removal company help save you money and time and protect the environment?

One way is by having the right equipment. Snow removal companies in the Kansas City area have industrial size snowplows and trucks; this means less time powering equipment, which means less of a carbon footprint.

We also know which products are safest to use. For example, some chemicals in deicing products can adversely affect your landscaping and road surfaces. By using the correct products, a snow removal company can efficiently remove snow without harming your landscaping, your parking lot, or our community’s roadways.

There are countless other reasons to trust a professional with your snow removal needs, and we’re here and eager to help when you’re ready. Give us a call to learn more…before the snow starts to fall!

By Lisa Allen News • • • • • • • 0 Comments

The Benefits Of 24-Hour Commercial Snow Removal

The Benefits Of 24-Hour Commercial Snow Removal

The Benefits Of 24-Hour Commercial Snow Removal

How many times have you called a company—maybe your internet service provider or the phone company—and heard the dreaded recording: we are experiencing heavy call volume. Please stay on the line. You stay on the line and you wait and wait. Finally, it’s the end of the business day and you realize you have to start all over again tomorrow.

OK, maybe that’s a bit of an exaggeration. But we all know the feeling of not being able to reach the companies we do business with when we need help. And the truth is, the people in our office, those who answer our phones, are human just like everyone else. We’ve been the client who needs help; and because of that, we treat every client how we want to be treated.

It’s All About Relationships

We focus on service, no matter what we’re doing and part of good service is being reachable, being responsive, and being there when you need us. In this respect, commercial snow removal is unique. We wouldn’t expect someone to need emergency landscaping (but if you do, call us!), but we know that weather is unpredictable. And we know that businesses want to be ready for clients first thing, not whenever their snow removal company can squeeze them into their schedule.

Convenience Matters

Contracting with a commercial snow removal company that provides 24-hour snow removal means that you’re being taken care of even when others are off the clock. It means your customers can pull into your parking lot . They can walk into your business without having to walk through snow or on ice. It means that you can keep doing business when others can’t even open their doors. All of this is because you have us working for you around the clock.

Sometimes, It’s Personal

It also means you can stay healthier this season. Did you know that each year, emergency rooms treat an average of 11,500 snow shoveling-related injuries? Slips and falls, lower back problems, and injuries to arms and hands are all realities when trying to clear snow. Left to us, however, you can stay warm, safe, and busy working with clients and customers.

A quick response, coupled with our professional equipment and expert staff, means less downtime for your business. And this translates into a healthier bottom line, even when weather tries to disrupt best-laid plans.

We’d love to talk to you about your snow removal, salting, and de-icing needs. Reach out to schedule a conversation, give us a like and follow our projects on Facebook, or click through our website to learn more about what we do.

By Lisa Allen News • • • • • • • 0 Comments

Why You Should Utilize Your Snow Removal Service Provider

Why You Should Utilize Your Snow Removal Service Provider

Why You Should Utilize Your Snow Removal Service Provider

Picture this: you’re cozy, curled up with family after a warm, delicious meal. Maybe the Christmas tree lights are twinkling. Maybe your dog is snoring. No matter the details, the scene is the epitome of serene: a blanket of snow outside and more on the way, warm beverages to share, and nowhere to be other than right here.

Now come back to reality. The hard truth is this: snow means work. It means shoveling and blowing and bundling up in layers to stay somewhat warm. It means huffing and puffing and sweating under all that insulation. And, if you own a business, snow can also mean liablity: what if someone slips and falls? What if you steer your snowplow into a client’s car? What if…. it’s what keeps business owners awake at night.

The bad news is that we cannot make the snow stop—nor can we prevent ice or cold temperatures or the need to deal with it all. The good news is that we can take those worries away and make sure you stay warm, cozy, and happy all the way to Spring. To be honest, that’s just one of the many reasons you should call us to take care of snow removal. Need more reason than saving time that can be spent doing anything that makes you happy? Here are two more:

Snow Removal Service Providers Save You Money

Sure, there’s a cost involved in hiring a professional snow removal service. But have you looked at the cost of snow removal equipment? There’s not just the initial investment, which runs into the thousands; there’s also maintenance, and storage, and insurance. Think of how much trying to DIY your snow removal efforts will add to your bottom line and compare that to the fee you’ll pay. Chances are, you’ll save money in the long-run.

Snow Removal Services Give You Piece of Mind

Sometimes the best investment of all is knowing that something will be done even if you can’t—or don’t want to—do it. What with holiday travel, family obligations, and everything else that comes with this time of year, it’s likely that snow and ice may happen when you’re not even here. Who do you call then?

When you’ve built a relationship with a snow removal professional, you can be confident not only that your paths and parking lots will be clear, but that it will be done quickly. More importantly, it will be done correctly. The peace of mind that comes from knowing that others will be safe on your property, whether that’s a neighborhood sidewalk or a business parking lot, is priceless.

There are other benefits, to be sure—and just like your landscaping needs, we know your snow removal, salting, and de-icing needs are unique. Give us a call and let’s find a way to help you enjoy this season just a bit more.

By Lisa Allen General Information • • • • • 0 Comments

The Benefits of Utilizing Salt for Snow and Ice Prevention This Winter

Salt: it’s our oldest food seasoning, an essential nutrient for good heath, a relaxing and therapeutic addition to a hot bath, and, in some religions and cultures, part of rituals and deeply held beliefs.

It’s also what we dispense on roads in winter to keep them safe for travel even when there’s winter weather. Why? There’s science behind the importance of ice prevention and winter-weather salt procedures. Salt lowers the freezing temperature of water and melts ice because heat is generated when salt is in contact with water. This chemical reaction is what results in decreasing temperature and, therefore, melting (rather than solid) ice.

Because of this, it’s a common practice ice prevention by salting roads before a storm or to use salt to melt ice that’s accumulated on sidewalks and roadways. Doing so has been proven effective; according to the American Highway Users Alliance, salting roads decreases collisions by up to 85%.

Use Salt for Snow and Ice Prevention

But it’s not just roads that get icy or snow packed. Sidewalks, driveways, and parking lots need attention, too. Some of this is easy to do on your own. By keeping a container of commercially available salt and salting before the snow or ice hits, you can prevent dangerous conditions.

What kind of salt is best to use?

What differentiates table salt from ice melt isn’t the chemical composition of each. The salt you buy to spread on your sidewalk is the same, structurally, as the stuff you shake into your bowl of soup. What’s different is the size. Table salt is small and fine while commercially available rock salt/ice melt is larger and coarse. This means you could, technically, use table salt to keep ice off of your sidewalks. The question is, would you want to?

It’s Natural, So It’s Safe. Right?

The answer to that question isn’t a simple yes or no. Yes, salt is a natural mineral. But just like having too much in your diet can lead to unwanted and dangerous health conditions, using salt incorrectly or in excess to remedy winter weather conditions can also have unwanted consequences.

It’s important to take care when sprinkling salt. It can adversely affect metal, for example—and if you’re salting your driveway or parking space, this means that it can affect your car or other vehicles. Simply put, the more your vehicle is in contact with salt, the more rust you can expect. You can also track salt into your home via boots, which means it might embed in your carpet.

Think Globally, Act Locally

There are other considerations, to be sure. And many of those factors affect you and your neighbors, both on local and global scales. The truth is, damage to infrastructure sometimes occurs when using salt. In fact, it’s estimated that damage due to corrosion costs between $3.5 to $7 billion dollars every year.

These concerns don’t mean we shouldn’t overlook the benefits of using salt for snow and ice prevention. But it does mean consulting with professionals to understand which salt is best to use, to determine best practices in application and frequency, and to ensure that it’s being used in the most economically and environmentally favorable way.

We can help with all those questions and we’d love to discuss this with you before the first flake falls this winter! Reach out to start that conversation.

benefits of commercial snow removal
By Lisa Allen Landscape • Management • • • • • • 0 Comments

Benefits of Commercial Snow Removal Services

benefits of commercial snow removal

Let’s talk about snow. Yes, snow! We know it might sound a bit premature to be thinking about the cold, white stuff now, since we’re still knee-deep in summer. But trust us: it’s better to think about—and plan for—snow now, than it is to wait until Mother Nature has covered Kansas City and left us scrambling for shovels.

When you think about it, contracting commercial snow removal services is no different than relying on your Olathe landscaper for summer flower beds. Snow removal can be hard work and, because weather in Kansas City can be unpredictable, dealing with winter storms can require more manpower and expertise than you might have.

The Right Tools Mean a Job Well Done

One of the most important things a commercial snow removal service can do is show up with the right tools. The shovel you use on your driveway won’t clear a parking lot—and trying to clear snow from even a small space can take much more time than one might think.

Whether you have to shovel a driveway and a sidewalk so you can come and go from your home, or a parking lot so your customers can still come to your business to shop or purchase your services, relying on professionals to clear the path means that work will be done quickly.

Using a Commercial Snow Removal Service is Smart Business

If you’re a DYI’er you might think that clearing snow is something you can do easily on your own. That might be true—sometimes. If the snow is more of a dusting that a deluge, you might be right. It might even be fun to suit up and play for awhile (snowball fight and hot chocolate, anyone?)!

But if you own a business, snow removal isn’t about fun. Snow and ice can mean liability issues, and liability issues affect the bottom line. It’s smart to check with your insurance company to make sure that you’re doing everything possible to create a safe, passable path for customers, employees, delivery people, and even strangers who might set foot on your property.

It’s About Time

OK, we’ll admit it: playing in the snow can be fun! A good old fashioned snowball fight, picking the perfect carrot so your snowman has a nose, even forging an igloo in your front yard—many a perfect photo has been snapped with a perfectly white backdrop and cherry red cheeks.

But the thing is, we all have incredibly busy lives. There’s only so much time to get everything done. If you’re shoveling and snow blowing, that’s time taken away from making snow angels with your kids or grandkids. It’s energy expended that could be spent making new memories with the people you love.

We’re not just a landscape company. We’re people who love family and know how precious every moment is. Let us do what we do best—even when it snows—so you can do what matters most to you.