How does a housing cooperative (BRF) prepare the garden for winter?

When should the board start planning for winter?

Planning should start as early as September, before the leaves have fallen and before night temperatures begin dropping below zero. Stockholm's first frosty nights normally arrive in October, but the variation between years is considerable, and contractors for both garden work and snow removal get booked up well in advance. A cooperative that waits until November risks ending up last in the queue at firms whose winter schedules are already full.

A good rule of thumb is to book a garden walkthrough at the same time as the autumn cleanup is planned, so that garden work and the winter contract are tied together in the same timeline rather than being handled as two separate matters.

What garden work should be finished before the ground freezes?

Before the frost sets in, the garden's plants should have been reviewed so that nothing needs to be done at the last minute once the ground is already frozen. What is actually carried out and how often is something the cooperative agrees with Service Plus during the visit, but common measures ahead of winter involve ensuring beds, hedges and new plantings can withstand the cold, and that the garden is free of leaves and debris that would otherwise freeze in place.

• The last mowing of lawns and hedge trimming before growth stops
• Cutting back or covering perennials and beds that need winter protection
• Protecting newly planted trees and shrubs with trunk wrapping or spruce branches
• Waste removal of leaves and garden debris so surfaces don't become slippery or damage the lawn
• Checking potted plants and outdoor furniture that need to be brought in or covered

What needs to be done so the garden can be cleared of snow and de-iced effectively?

A garden that is prepared for snow removal allows machines and staff to get through without damaging plants, kerbstones or hidden drains. It's easier to plan this before the snow lies, while paths, steps and plantings are still clearly visible.

The board should walk through the garden together with the contractor and point out where the snow should be placed, which areas are priorities, and where de-icing is needed most, for example at entrances, stairwells and bike racks.

• Mark kerbstones, bed edges and drain covers that the snow would otherwise hide
• Move or protect pots, bike racks and furniture that are in the way of ploughing
• Check lighting along paths and entrances so that icy patches are visible in the dark
• Point out where snow may be placed without damaging hedges or lawns
• Check that downpipes and drains are clear ahead of meltwater

When should the winter contract for snow removal be in place?

The winter contract should be signed before the first snowfall, since a cooperative without a contract risks being left without priority help once the snow actually arrives. It is possible to sign a contract even after snow has started falling, but availability among contractors is often poorer then and waiting times longer.

Service Plus recommends that the board confirms the winter contract at the same time as the autumn cleanup is booked, so the garden is ready both for its winter rest and for snow removal before the cold sets in properly.

What needs to be communicated to residents?

Residents need to know what applies to shared areas during winter, for example where bicycles and prams should be moved so that snow removal can be carried out, and who is responsible for snow and ice on paths compared with a resident's own patio.

Clear information reduces the number of complaints and allows snow removal to be carried out without having to wait for individual residents to move things afterwards.

• Where bicycles, prams and other items should be placed during winter
• Which areas the cooperative is responsible for and which are private patios
• Who residents should contact in case of ice or snow that hasn't been cleared
• Roughly when snow removal and de-icing normally take place according to the contract

How does Service Plus work with winter preparation for housing cooperatives?

Service Plus specialist Lövet goes through the garden together with the board, assesses what the garden needs before winter, and at the same time ensures the areas are prepared for snow removal and de-icing. We bring our own equipment for both garden work and winter service, and all garden waste can be removed straight away so the garden is left tidy and ready for the season.

What should be included, how often, and which areas are prioritised is something we agree on during the visit and write into the contract. Note that the RUT deduction applies to work in a private individual's own home, not the cooperative's shared areas, so the cooperative instead pays based on the price or hourly rate set out in the contract. Get in touch with Service Plus Stockholm AB for a free quote within 24 hours.