Cracked and uneven pavement can create tripping hazards and send the wrong message about property care—small details that can cost you customers.
When customers visit your property, they’re forming an impression before they ever walk through the door. Overgrown landscaping, cracked pavement, or overflowing trash bins don’t just hurt your image—they can drive away business and reduce tenant satisfaction.
At Strategic Grounds Management (SGM), we see firsthand how simple maintenance missteps can quietly cost companies thousands in lost revenue and brand reputation. Here are seven common mistakes—and how to avoid them.
1. Ignoring Curb Appeal
First impressions matter. Peeling paint, faded signage, or neglected landscaping send a silent message that you don’t care about details. Even if your interiors shine, customers may never make it inside.
Fix it: Schedule regular inspections and seasonal refreshes for landscaping, signage, and entryways. Add color with annual plantings and ensure snow, leaves, and debris are cleared promptly.
2. Neglecting Preventive Maintenance
Too often, property managers focus on putting out fires instead of preventing them. HVAC failures, irrigation leaks, and crumbling sidewalks can turn into expensive emergencies.
Fix it: Create a preventive maintenance schedule covering all major systems—HVAC, irrigation, lighting, and exterior surfaces. Seasonal inspections save money and reduce downtime.
3. Inconsistent Snow and Ice Management
Few things turn customers away faster than an icy parking lot or blocked walkway. Missed service windows or poor communication with your snow contractor can put safety—and reputation—at risk.
Fix it: Partner with a fully insured snow removal company that offers photo-verified service and 24/7 monitoring (like SGM’s WatchDog Program) to ensure reliable performance across every site.
4. Overlooking Trash and Debris
Overflowing dumpsters or scattered litter are more than an eyesore—they can attract pests and violate local ordinances.
Fix it: Establish a routine portering schedule for parking lots, loading zones, and perimeters. Include litter sweeps, receptacle emptying, and seasonal power washing.
5. Poor Communication with Service Vendors
When vendors work in silos, small issues slip through the cracks—literally. Mismatched schedules between landscapers, snow teams, and maintenance crews often lead to damage or duplicated effort.
Fix it: Consolidate vendors whenever possible. A single-source partner like SGM ensures seamless coordination, shared reporting, and faster issue resolution.
6. Forgetting About Irrigation Efficiency
Overwatering wastes money and damages turf, while under-watering kills plants and dulls your property’s appearance.
Fix it: Use smart irrigation systems that adjust for rainfall and temperature. Schedule seasonal startups and shutdowns to prevent costly winter damage.
7. Ignoring Safety and Liability Risks
Loose handrails, uneven pavement, and poor lighting aren’t just unsightly—they’re lawsuits waiting to happen.
Fix it: Conduct quarterly safety audits and document all corrections. Partner with insured contractors who understand compliance requirements and can provide COIs on demand.
The Bottom Line
Your property speaks for your brand. A clean, well-maintained environment doesn’t just look good—it inspires confidence, builds trust, and keeps customers coming back.
✅ Ready to eliminate maintenance headaches and protect your reputation?
Partner with Strategic Grounds Management—your One Source Total Coverage for landscaping, snow removal, and property maintenance nationwide.