Increase Spring Revenue

As Daylight Savings Time arrives, spring cleanups ramp up — and this year brings a profitable opportunity for landscape contractors. Many properties have had to used sand-salt mixes instead of rock salt during winter, leaving abrasive sand on parking lots, drive aisles, and gutters. That residue is heavier and harder to remove, meaning longer cleanups — and a prime upsell: asphalt sweeping and basic pavement maintenance.

Why It Matters Now

Sand left on pavement accelerates surface wear, collects in cracks and drains, and masks developing problems. Removing it extends pavement life, improves drainage, and prevents small issues from becoming costly repairs. Many property owners don’t realize the damage this winter debris causes, so contractors who spot the issue and offer a solution add clear value.

Why It’s a Good Upsell

• High perceived value, low incremental cost if you already service the site.
• Strengthens client relationships by positioning you as a full-service property partner.
• Preventive maintenance messaging sells: clients prefer spending a little now to avoid
  big repairs later.

Services to Offer

Create simple, tiered offerings you can deliver or subcontract:

• Spring asphalt sweep: mechanical sweeping to remove sand, silt, and debris.
• Debris hauling/disposal: lawful removal of sweepings.
• Crack inspection and reporting: clear debris, document issues with photos,
  recommend crack sealing or patching.
• Drain/catch-basin clearing: restore drainage and reduce standing water.
• Preventive plans: annual inspections and maintenance schedules.

Equipment and Logistics

Decide whether to buy, rent, or subcontract sweepers:

• Ride-on or truck-mounted sweepers for larger lots; tow-behind or walk-behind units for
  smaller jobs.
• Hand tools and blowers only as finish work — they won’t remove embedded sand.
• Partnering with third-party sweepers lets you offer the service quickly without capital
  expense.
• Arrange a legal dump site; some municipalities accept sweepings for free or a small
  fee.

Pricing and Selling Tips

• Use simple tiers by lot size and add surcharges for heavy sand or difficult access.
• Time-based pricing can account for slower spring cleanup conditions.
• Emphasize ROI: “A $X sweep now can delay a $Y overlay for years.”
• Offer bundled discounts with other spring services (mulch, pruning, bed cleanups).
• Provide flexible scheduling: early mornings or weekends reduce disruption for
  commercial lots.

Field and Operational Best Practices

• Train operators for efficient, effective sweeping.
• Inspect and document: offer free/low-cost inspections with photos to show need.
• Visuals close sales.
• Communicate scope clearly—what you will and will not remove—and any additional
  charges.
• Deliver post-job reports with photos and maintenance recommendations.
• Follow local disposal and environmental regulations and use proper traffic control in
  busy areas.

Handling Objections

• “We don’t need it every year.” — Explain this spring is unusual; offer a one-time sweep
  plus inspection.
• “It’s expensive.” — Reframe as preventive investment vs. higher repair costs later.
• “Can’t we just use blowers?” — Blowers don’t remove fine, embedded sand;
  mechanical sweeping is necessary.

Conclusion

This spring’s heavier sand residue creates an immediate need and a strong revenue opportunity for landscape contractors. Audit client contracts for asphalt exclusions, schedule inspection visits, and decide whether to invest in equipment or partner with a sweeper. With a simple sales package, solid documentation, and reliable execution, you can turn a seasonal cleanup challenge into a profitable, relationship-building service.