The exterior of your commercial property is more than just a plot of land; it’s an extension of your brand, a welcome mat for clients, and a crucial element of employee well-being. Ensuring it remains pristine and safe, regardless of the season, requires proactive and consistent grounds maintenance.

Here in Stoke-on-Trent, we experience the full spectrum of British weather, from brisk winters to vibrant summers. Understanding and planning for these seasonal shifts is key to maintaining a professional and appealing commercial landscape.

At Bibas Landscapes, we’ve developed a comprehensive approach to grounds maintenance, designed to keep your Stoke-on-Trent business looking its best year-round. Here’s your seasonal checklist:

Spring: Awakening and Rejuvenation (March – May)

As the days lengthen and temperatures rise, spring is a period of rapid growth and preparation.

• Lawn Care & Restoration:
  • Mowing: Begin regular grass cutting as growth accelerates. Aim for a consistent height to promote healthy turf. Stoke-on-Trent City Council, for instance, starts its grass cutting season around March, subject to weather.
  • Aeration & Scarification: Tackle compacted soil and remove thatch build-up to improve drainage and nutrient absorption, essential after winter’s chill.
  • Feeding: Apply a spring fertiliser to encourage lush, green growth.
  • Weed Control: Implement pre-emergent treatments to prevent weeds from taking hold, and address any existing weeds in lawns and flowerbeds.
• Planting & Pruning:
  • Seasonal Planting: Introduce new seasonal bedding plants and refresh planters to add vibrant colour and curb appeal.
  • Shrub & Bush Pruning: Prune dormant shrubs and roses to encourage new growth and maintain shape.
• Hard Surface Maintenance:
  • Sweeping & Cleaning: Clear away any lingering winter debris, grit, and litter from pathways, car parks, and loading bays.
  • Jet Washing: Clean soiled hard surfaces to restore their appearance.
• Irrigation System Check: Inspect and test irrigation systems for any winter damage, ensuring they are ready for efficient watering as needed.

Summer: Vigilance and Vitality (June – August)

Summer brings peak growth and the need for consistent upkeep to maintain your commercial landscape’s vibrancy.

• Regular Mowing: Maintain a regular mowing schedule, adjusting frequency based on growth rates and rainfall.
• Weed & Pest Management: Stay on top of weed control in all areas. Monitor for pests and diseases, applying treatments as necessary, prioritising eco-friendly solutions where possible.
• Hedge Trimming: Undertake regular hedge trimming to keep boundaries neat and well-defined.
• Watering: Implement efficient watering schedules, especially during dry spells, to keep lawns and plants hydrated. Consider smart irrigation systems for water conservation.
• Deadheading: Remove spent flowers from bedding plants and perennials to encourage further blooms.
• Litter Picking: Increase the frequency of litter collection to ensure a consistently tidy appearance during busier months.

Autumn: Preparation and Protection (September – November)

Autumn is a crucial time for preparing your commercial grounds for the dormancy of winter, preventing damage and ensuring a strong start for the following spring.

• Leaf Clearance: This is paramount in Stoke-on-Trent. Fallen leaves can smother lawns, create slip hazards on pathways and car parks, and block drains. Implement a rigorous leaf clearance schedule.
• Final Mows: Gradually reduce mowing frequency and raise blade height for the final cuts of the season.
• Winter Pruning: Prune specific trees and shrubs that benefit from autumn pruning, removing dead or diseased branches.
• Gutter & Drain Clearing: Ensure all gutters and drainage systems are clear of leaves and debris to prevent blockages and potential water damage during heavy autumn and winter rains.
• Winter Bedding: Plant hardy winter bedding plants for ongoing colour.
• Autumn Feeding: Apply a low-nitrogen, high-potassium autumn fertiliser to strengthen grass roots for winter resilience.

Winter: Protection and Planning (December – February)

Winter often brings cold, wet, and icy conditions to Stoke-on-Trent, making safety and property protection the top priorities.

• Gritting & Snow Clearance: This is a critical health and safety consideration for any commercial property in the UK. Have a proactive gritting plan in place for car parks, pathways, and entrance areas. As a business owner, you have a legal duty to ensure your premises are safe for staff and visitors. Bibas Landscapes offers professional gritting services, monitoring local weather forecasts to apply rock salt proactively, minimising slip hazards.
• Tree Inspections: Conduct thorough inspections of trees for any signs of disease, structural weakness, or storm damage that could pose a risk under the weight of snow or high winds.
• Protective Measures: Protect sensitive plants with appropriate winter coverings if necessary.
• Hard Surface Checks: Continue to monitor hard surfaces for cracks, potholes, or drainage issues exacerbated by freezing and thawing cycles.
• Equipment Maintenance: This is a quieter period for planting and growth, making it ideal for servicing and maintaining grounds maintenance equipment.
• Planning & Design: Utilise the winter months for planning any major landscaping enhancements or redesigns for the coming year.

The Value of Professional Grounds Maintenance

Managing a comprehensive seasonal grounds maintenance schedule for a commercial property can be a demanding task. Partnering with experienced professionals like Bibas Landscapes ensures:

• Safety & Compliance: Reduced risk of slips, trips, and falls, particularly during adverse weather.
• Enhanced Appearance: A consistently pristine and professional exterior that reflects positively on your business.
• Cost Efficiency: Proactive maintenance prevents larger, more expensive issues down the line.
• Expert Knowledge: Access to specialist equipment, horticultural expertise, and local weather insights.
• Time Savings: Free up your internal teams to focus on your core business operations.

Don’t let your commercial grounds become an afterthought. Invest in professional seasonal grounds maintenance to create a safe, inviting, and impressive environment for your Stoke-on-Trent business, all year long.

Contact Bibas Landscapes today to discuss a tailored grounds maintenance plan for your commercial property.