Winter is for rest- but it doesn't have to be.
The landscaping industry carries a long history of typecasts—many rooted in years of seasonal cutbacks and concessions. As the warm days fade and the season quiets, winter labor concerns resurface for crews across the field. For many companies, this shift brings layoffs, reduced schedules, and tough decisions that directly impact hardworking employees.
Before Phoenix Landscape Solutions existed, in the early days of Shawn’s career, winter layoff season was a very real worry. We were young, brand-new parents, and landscaping was our only income. When December arrived, our newborn daughter reminded us of the joy—and the financial stress—of the season. We waited anxiously to hear whether Shawn’s position would survive winter cuts. Thankfully, his dedication earned him the hours he needed. But that anxiety stayed with us.
More than 15 years later, this is still the reality for countless laborers in our industry. That experience is what drives us today to keep our team working 365 days a year. Work may not always be abundant in winter, but smart planning in the busy months makes a huge difference in the slow ones.
Many companies hire large crews in spring to handle the rush, hoping that momentum alone will carry them through the year. Larger operations may maintain staff thanks to strong contracts and deeper pockets—but even they sometimes thin their workforce as a financial tactic. It may look good on paper, but it leaves employees feeling disposable. And who can blame them? They weather long days, heavy rain, and intense heat, only to face uncertainty when the grass stops growing.
But winter doesn’t have to mean losing your best talent.
Offering residential routes, training opportunities, and clear expectations keeps crews motivated, connected, and confident in their future. A strong off-season leads to a stronger spring.
Even in the quiet months, there is always meaningful work to be done:
Warehouse improvements and reorganizing
Updating procedures, job manuals, and routing
Inventorying materials and equipment
Pre-fabricating components for spring installs
These projects keep teams productive and united.
Whatever strategy you use, remember the real-world impact behind every labor decision. Winter cuts often fall right in the middle of the holidays—and in today’s uncertain economy, job insecurity doesn’t bring much gratitude to the Thanksgiving table.
At Phoenix, we’re committed to keeping our team together all winter long. We work every day to ensure the business thrives year-round so we can take care of our greatest asset—our people.
