Now that the clocks have gone back and it’s officially winter, it’s time for many businesses to switch into ‘winter mode’. For some, that means planning for Christmas and blowing the dust off the decorations, but for those with premises, it’s about keeping their grounds safe and looking good during the harsher months. For care homes, this is one of the most important jobs of the winter for a couple of reasons.
Leaf Clearance
We know we talk about leaves a lot at this time of year – but for care homes, it’s especially important. Leaves on the ground during winter are a major slip hazard, either because they get wet and slippery, or worse they ice over without you noticing. When a young, healthy person slips it can be dangerous – but for an elderly person who may already be a fall risk, the injuries could be catastrophic or even lethal. So for care homes, keeping the ground free of leaves at all times is essential.
Gritting & Snow Clearance
As the temperature plummets ice won’t be far behind, which again provides another slip hazard for care home staff and residents. High-traffic areas like car parks and paths will need to be cleared and gritted regularly to keep them safe and clear of ice. We recommend proactive gritting (instead of reactive) based on the MET Office forecast so that you’ll never get caught out by the ice.
Pruning
With the leaves fallen and your trees looking bare, the winter is actually a good time to do some pruning – particularly for fruit trees if you have any on the property. If you’re looking to maximise fruit harvest in the future, being able to see the shape of your tree and pruning at this time of year is immensely useful, so make this job a priority. And even if you’re not interested in the fruit, pruning your trees now means they will look neat and tidy when their leaves come back in.
Repairing Fences
Fences can take a battering in the autumn and winter months, with extra moisture, strong winds and the weight of settled snow. If your fencing panels and gates are already looking a bit worse for wear, now is the time to make some repairs. After all, you want to be sure that your fences can withstand the sometimes brutal British winters, so inspections and repairs should be done proactively, while the weather is still relatively mild. At Pod Landscapes, we can do regular inspections of your fencing and gates, and recommend trusted fencing partners to repair any damage for you.
Digging Over Soil
At many of the care homes we work in the grounds are considered a great joy by the residents, particularly those who were green fingered in their younger days! So, a big part of our winter maintenance is making sure that the soil is ready for planting as soon as spring dawns. Your beds will need digging over now – before the ground gets frozen or waterlogged- and some organic material needs to be added so that it can fully mix with the soil. This will improve the structure and moisture retention of the soil and make it perfect for planting in the spring.
Feed The Wildlife
We’ve talked before about the difficulties winter can pose the local wildlife, and what you can do to protect any creatures living on your premises, and here are a few more things you can do! For birds, keep bird baths flowing and leave plenty of food – nuts, fat balls and seeds – around the property. If the temperature drops below freezing, put a small ball in any bird baths or ponds to stop them freezing over. If you have hedgehogs, why not create a den for them to use? Place some logs and leaves in corners of your property for shelter, and you might just help them find a cosy place to hibernate.
At Pod Landscapes we specialise in grounds maintenance for care homes, not just in winter, but all year round. Our experts can survey your premises and provide you with a tailored maintenance and care plan designed to keep your care home grounds safe, secure and looking their best. If you would like to find out more, just get in touch with the team today to book your free consultation.
