Many countries experience winter to some degree. As a tree care business owner, that means you probably have an off-season. Instead of slowing or shutting down, there are several options to develop new revenue streams to help keep your business busy.
Marketing efforts
A large component of your wintertime strategy should be marketing efforts. You know you can still do tree care work when the temperatures drop but homeowners don’t. Educating your customers or potential customers that services are still available is part of marketing. For example, run a discount or promotion for customers who book services December through February. Use your company social media channels, blog and website to reach customers. Or, send them a direct mail piece or hang up a door knocker.
Storm cleanup
Storms can do quite a bit of damage in the middle of winter. Trees can blow over or be severely damaged by strong winds, blizzards and prolonged ice storms. Consider positioning your company as the expert in storm cleanup. Before doing so, ensure you (and your employees) can reach customers immediately following a storm or blizzard.
Snow removal
Landscape companies are known for making the transition to snow removal in the winter. Some tree care businesses may be equipped to do so as well. A company truck can easily transform into a snow plow with the investment of an attachable blade. A compact utility loader (CUL) can also become a winter workhorse. By purchasing a push blade and snow blower attachment for your CUL, you could offer snow removal services to homeowners or businesses.
Christmas trees
In 2014, Americans purchased an estimated 26.3 million real Christmas trees. After the holidays pass, many communities offer tree disposal services to homeowners. What happens to all the trees? You may consider inquiring with municipalities for opportunities to chip the trees. For example, one Vermeer customer in the northeast has made this an additional revenue stream during the slow season.
Travel south
This opportunity may not be ideal for every business; you’ll need to take into account travel expenses and hotel accommodations. Research prices and services in the city you are targeting to ensure you can not only be competitive — but make a profit. For example, a tree care business in Minnesota travels south to St. Louis for two weeks each month of winter. Over the past 10 years, they’ve managed to develop repeat customers.