When winter hits hard, preparation makes the difference between a smooth shift and a long, costly one. For landscape crews and municipalities responsible for keeping properties, roads, and walkways safe, the right tools, materials, and planning can dramatically improve efficiency and safety. Use these pro tips to keep your crew productive all season long.
1. Pre-Treat Surfaces
Anti-icing is one of the biggest time-savers for landscape crews and municipalities. Applying liquid deicers before snowfall prevents ice from bonding to concrete or asphalt, making plowing and shoveling faster and more effective.
Pro Tip: Pre-treat high-traffic areas like sidewalks, entrances, loading docks, and curb ramps.
THREE PROVEN PRE-TREATMENT SOLUTIONS:
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| Gemplers Liquid Green Fire Prevents the bonding of snow and ice to outdoor surfaces, which makes mechanical clearing more efficient. |
Gemplers Pure EZ Release Asphalt Release Agent Use on snow plows to prevent snow from sticking and causing costly downtime. |
Gemplers Grass & Snow Shield Prevents snow (and grass) from sticking to equipment. |
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2. Match the Ice Melt to the Surface
Not all ice melt products are created equal. Using the wrong one can damage concrete, corrode equipment, or harm nearby turf and plantings.
- Calcium Chloride: Fast-acting in extreme cold
- Magnesium Chloride: Gentler on surfaces and vegetation
- Blended Formulas: Balanced performance for municipal use
Crew Reminder: Stock multiple options so your crew can choose the right product for each job site.
3. Use the Right Shovel for the Job
A one-size-fits-all shovel slows crews down. Equip your team with ergonomic, heavy-duty shovels designed for long shifts and repetitive motion.
Shop Bestselling Heavy-Duty Shovels Built for Crews >
4. Pretreat Your Equipment, Too
Ice buildup on plows, spreaders, and shovels wastes time and reduces efficiency. Applying a light anti-icing spray to metal surfaces helps snow slide off rather than stick.
TWO BESTSELLING PRE-TREATMENT SOLUTIONS FOR FAST CLEANUP AND LESS WEAR:
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| Gemplers Liquid Green Fire Prevents the bonding of snow and ice to outdoor surfaces, which makes mechanical clearing more efficient. |
Gemplers Pure EZ Release Asphalt Release Agent Use on snow plows to prevent snow from sticking and causing costly downtime. |
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5. Stage Supplies Before the Storm
Municipalities and landscape crews lose valuable time when materials are stored too far from work zones. Stage salt, ice melt, and tools in advance so crews can reload quickly.
6. Don't Overapply Ice Melt
More isn’t always better. Over-application wastes product and can damage surfaces. Train crews on proper spread rates to maximize performance and control costs.
Shop Sale Spreaders for Every Job >
7. Clear Snow Early & Often
Frequent clearing prevents compaction, which turns snow into ice. This is especially critical for sidewalks, ADA ramps, and pedestrian areas maintained by municipal crews.
8. Protect Your Crew with the Right Cold-Weather Gear
Cold, wet crews work slower and face a higher injury risk. Proper winter workwear keeps crews warm, dry, and focused on the task at hand.
THREE BESTSELLING COLD-WEATHER JACKETS:
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| Carhartt J140 Loose Fit Firm Duck Insulated Flannel-Lined Active Jac Lined with quilted flannel to keep your crew warm through all weather conditions, and constructed with durable materials for long-lasting wear. |
GSS Safety ANSI 3 3-IN-1 Waterproof Hi-Vis Bomber Jacket with Removable Fleece Warm jacket with ANSI class 3 hi-visibility rating to keep your crew comfortable and visible on the job. |
Carhartt Sherpa-Lined Relaxed Fit Washed Duck Jacket
Sherpa-lined body and quilted sleeves to provide warm in snowy conditions. Durable construction is built to last season after season. |
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9. Improve Visibility in Low-Light Conditions
Short winter days mean more work in the dark. Hi-vis jackets, gloves, and headwear help keep landscape crews and Municipal employees safe around traffic and equipment.
Shop Hi-Vis Gear Trusted by Crews >
10. Review & Reset After Each Storm
After-action reviews help municipalities and landscape crews refine their snow response. Take note of what worked, what didn’t, and what supplies need restocking before the next event.
Good organization, a clear plan, and the right supplies help crews respond faster, work safer, and stay efficient all winter long. Taking time to prepare before the storm hits will help keep operations running smoothly.
