The Real Price of “Doing It Yourself”

When Utah winters hit, business owners across Salt Lake City scramble to clear snow from their properties before employees and customers arrive. On the surface, DIY snow removal might seem like a cost-saving move — grab a plow attachment, hire a few maintenance staff, and handle it in-house.

But hidden beneath the snow is a different kind of danger — one that costs Utah businesses thousands every year. From slip-and-fall lawsuits to property damage and lost productivity, self-managing snow cleanup often leads to far higher expenses than professional snow removal contracts.

Here’s why cutting corners on winter maintenance can quietly freeze your bottom line.

The DIY Snow Removal Risks Most Businesses Miss

1. Untrained Crews Mean Higher Liability

Snow removal looks simple — until you realize how complex it is to do safely and effectively. Inexperienced employees using plows or snowblowers can easily:

• Leave behind ice patches that cause injuries.
• Damage curbs, pavement, or landscaping.
• Overapply salt or chemicals that corrode concrete and harm vegetation.

When accidents happen, the liability doesn’t fall on your maintenance staff — it falls on you, the property owner. Without a formal safety plan, insurance coverage, and professional documentation, even one injury can lead to costly litigation.

Professional commercial snow removal contractors in Salt Lake City carry insurance, maintain OSHA training standards, and document every service visit. This protects businesses from claims and demonstrates due diligence in the event of an incident.

2. Downtime Is More Expensive Than You Think

For commercial properties, time is money — especially after a snowstorm. When parking lots, sidewalks, and entryways aren’t cleared by opening hours, customers turn away, employees can’t safely enter, and operations slow to a crawl.

DIY snow removal crews often lack the equipment, manpower, and scheduling precision to handle storms efficiently. Even a one-hour delay can result in:

• Lost sales or production time.
• Negative customer impressions.
• Damaged reputation due to unsafe conditions.

By contrast, professional snow management teams like Millburn Lawn & Landscape operate 24/7 with pre-planned routes, advanced weather tracking, and guaranteed service times. Their crews clear properties overnight so your business can open on time — no matter how bad the storm gets.

3. Improper Equipment Causes Hidden Damage

Not all snow equipment is created equal. Commercial-grade plows, salt spreaders, and de-icing systems are designed to minimize wear on asphalt and curbs. But most DIY setups use basic or mismatched tools, increasing the risk of costly repairs later.

Common DIY mistakes include:

• Scraping asphalt and damaging sealcoat.
• Cracking curbs with unadjusted plow blades.
• Leaving piles of snow that refreeze overnight and create hazards.

Replacing pavement or re-striping parking lots in spring can cost far more than a seasonal service contract. Professional snow removal providers maintain properly calibrated equipment and follow surface-specific techniques to protect your property investment.

4. Insurance Gaps Leave You Vulnerable

Commercial snow removal comes with real liability exposure. If an employee slips on ice, or a vehicle loses control in your lot, your business could face medical, legal, and property claims.

Here’s the problem: most general business insurance policies exclude snow and ice-related claims unless handled by certified contractors. That means DIY snow removal may not only be risky — it could also void your coverage in winter-related incidents.

Professional commercial snow removal contracts in Salt Lake City include full liability coverage and proof of compliance, protecting your business from unforeseen financial hits.

5. The Cost of Inconsistency

Utah winters are unpredictable. One day brings light flurries, the next, an overnight freeze. Inconsistent snow removal creates chaos for employees and visitors alike.

Without structured scheduling and monitoring, DIY crews often miss key timing windows — leading to:

• Refrozen ice after partial clearing.
• Unshoveled areas during heavy snow events.
• Unsafe walkways between service intervals.

Millburn Lawn & Landscape’s professional snow management teams rely on real-time weather alerts and GPS-tracked service logs to ensure no spot is overlooked. Every plow pass, de-icing application, and inspection is documented, giving property managers confidence that their business is covered around the clock.

Why Professional Snow Removal Contracts Pay Off

At first glance, DIY snow removal might seem cheaper — but factor in the risks, and it’s clear why commercial snow removal contracts in Salt Lake City offer better value.

Here’s how professional service saves money long-term:

• Fewer accidents mean lower liability costs.
• aster response times prevent downtime.
• Proper equipment reduces property damage.
• Insurance compliance shields against unexpected claims.
• Consistent service keeps tenants, customers, and employees safe.

Millburn Lawn & Landscape’s snow management programs are designed for business property maintenance, not just snow clearing. They combine safety planning, preventative de-icing, and site-specific strategies that protect your investment all season long.

The Real Cost Comparison: DIY vs. Professional

Expense Category	DIY Snow Removal	Professional Snow Removal (Millburn)
Equipment & maintenance	$5,000–$15,000	Included in contract
Labor hours	Overtime pay, injuries, scheduling issues	24/7 trained crews
Liability & insurance	High exposure, limited coverage	Fully insured and compliant
Property damage repair	$2,000–$10,000 average	Prevented through expert handling
Reliability	Weather-dependent, inconsistent	Guaranteed response times

What looks like a “budget move” often becomes the most expensive option in the long run.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is professional snow removal better for commercial properties?
A: Professional contractors bring experience, proper equipment, and full insurance coverage — reducing liability, downtime, and property damage compared to DIY efforts.

Q: How do snow removal contracts save money?
A: Contracts ensure predictable costs, faster response times, and fewer long-term repairs — all of which protect your business from unexpected expenses.

Q: Can Millburn handle large commercial sites or multi-location properties?
A: Yes. Millburn Lawn & Landscape manages snow removal for corporate campuses, industrial facilities, and retail plazas across Salt Lake City and surrounding areas.

Q: What happens if it snows overnight or during business hours?
A: Our crews operate 24/7, following weather radar and response schedules to ensure properties stay safe and open — no matter when snow falls.

Q: Do I still need to maintain insurance if I hire a professional service?
A: Yes, but hiring an insured contractor ensures your business coverage remains valid and reduces your exposure to winter-related claims.