BC landscapers are still working
Someone online in the USA asked why outside workers like landscapers were still working. While I can’t comment on specific US states, I’m glad to be still working in British Columbia. In our province landscapers are borderline essential and because the COVID-19 numbers aren’t crashing through the roof as of today, we can still work.
Precautions
First, let’s discuss work safety procedures. All trucks carry sanitizers and sprays with rags; and gloves. All workers wear work gloves and they aren’t shared. Same goes for tools: we try to use our own sets as much as possible. And all machines are sprayed after use.
Carpools are almost completely eliminated; and trucks were offered to workers who would otherwise have to take public transit.
Physical distancing is practiced just like it is after work. The one great bonus of landscape work is that we are outside and our interactions with clients are very limited. At the moment, all requests or complaints are handled through e-mails.
Essential?
This is a great question that never really came up until now. So let’s consider the key comment we’re getting from strata complex (multi-family) clients.
They are happy to see their regular landscapers because it brings a sense of normalcy to their days! Great. Landscape pro Daddy stays at work and his kids are fed and clothed.
I firmly believe that self-isolated people would experience extra levels of stress if their landscape outside wasn’t maintained. This is how the British Columbia Landscape & Nursery Association (BCLNA) sells it in their letter.
There are other benefits:
- overgrown trees and shrubs harbour pest animals and perverts
- with the global climate emergency we can’t afford to let our plants decline or die
- when people take short breaks from self-isolation they need to see inspiring landscapes
Vas
While it’s scary being outside working -and shopping when necessary-it’s great to be working because I need the income. My wife would also panic if I was at home all day. The kids are in great spirits; they just need fast Wi-Fi.
There may still be some side-work for me. Only one tiny complex cancelled my occasional service visits because the former caretaker who lives there is now unemployed and happy to do my work. In terms of income it’s not a huge hit.
Now that I’m not visiting soccer pitches with my son seven days a week, I have time to compose landscape blogs for money. If you have time to read more landscape blogs, visit Proper Landscaping, to see my work.
Pro tip: Create many sources of income. Read “The side-hustle bible” by James Altucher. Once the pandemic is over, you can continue with it because uncertainty is here to stay.
Conclusion
Landscaping may not look like an essential service but clients are happy to see their landscapers. Well-maintained gardens ease the stress and bring a sense of normalcy. We need nature now more than ever.
