Keeping outdoor areas in top condition is as critical as maintaining the assets inside your buildings. If you’re a facility manager or grounds supervisor asking “what is ground maintenance?”, here’s the plain-English answer—and why it matters to safety, efficiency, and visitor experience.
Grounds Maintenance Definition
Ground maintenance—also called grounds maintenance, ground keeping, or ground management—is the planned program of tasks, schedules, and quality standards that keeps a facility’s outdoor areas clean, safe, functional, and visually appealing.
At a glance:
- Scope: Turf care (mowing/edging), pruning, litter and debris removal, walkway and car park upkeep, irrigation checks, seasonal planting, snow/ice control, hardscape cleaning, pest/invasive control.
- Outcomes: Safety (hazard prevention, clear sightlines), experience (welcoming, accessible spaces), and asset protection (drainage, building envelope, long-term site integrity).
- Who’s responsible: In-house grounds teams and specialist contractors (e.g., arborists, irrigation and snow services) coordinated by facilities/grounds management.
| Side note: High-quality landscaping and grounds upkeep can increase property value by up to 12% (Virginia Tech study)—a useful proof point when building your business case. |
Why Ground Maintenance Matters (Beyond Aesthetics)
Ground maintenance isn’t just about curb appeal. It protects buildings, cuts energy costs, reduces risk, elevates accessibility and brand experience, and can even boost property value.
Protect buildings & infrastructure (drainage, roots, gutters)
Well-planned ground maintenance prevents costly damage to the building envelope and site infrastructure. Clearing drains and gutters keeps water away from foundations; pruning and root-zone management protect pavements, pipes, and retaining walls; routine hardscape cleaning preserves sealants and surface integrity.
Practical tips:
- Schedule seasonal gutter and drain inspections before heavy rain.
- Add a root-barrier plan for trees near utilities and paths.
- Include erosion checks (swales, slopes, culverts) in monthly rounds.
Reduce energy costs (shade trees, windbreaks)
Strategic landscaping can lower cooling and heating loads. Deciduous shade trees reduce solar gain in summer while allowing winter sun, and windbreaks (hedges, evergreens) cut wind speeds that strip building heat.
Practical tips:
- Prioritize tree placement on west and south façades for shade.
- Maintain canopy health (pruning, irrigation) to maximize cooling benefits.
- Use windbreak rows to shield entrances and exposed façades.
Lower risk & liability (trips, falling branches, sightlines)
Well-managed grounds reduce incidents that lead to injuries and claims. Rapid hazard removal (ice, debris), sightline maintenance at crossings and entrances, and tree risk assessments (deadwood, hangers) are essential for visitor and staff safety.
Practical tips:
- Track hazard remediation SLAs (e.g., clear spills/ice within X hours).
- Log tree inspections and corrective work, especially near parking and walkways.
- Keep edges, curbs, and joints flush; repair heave/subsidence promptly.
Brand experience & accessibility (wayfinding, ADA paths, cleanliness)
Grounds are your first impression. Clean, clearly signed, and accessible routes improve satisfaction, dwell time, and inclusivity. Good wayfinding, tidy entrances, and compliant path widths/gradients ensure everyone can navigate the site confidently.
Practical tips:
- Add wayfinding checks to weekly inspections (sign visibility, lighting).
- Verify path/kerb compliance (widths, ramps, tactile paving) on a quarterly cycle.
- Standardize litter sweeps and bin servicing for high-traffic zones.
What Ground Maintenance Includes
A well-run grounds program combines routine tasks with seasonal work so nothing slips between inspections or weather changes.
Core task families (what your team actually does):
- Mowing & edging – turf cuts, line trimming, perimeter edging for paths and beds.
- Pruning – shrubs/hedges shaping, low limb removal, light tree work.
- Litter & debris control – bins, blown leaves, storm debris, glass.
- Walkway/steps clearance – sweeping, de-icing media checks, algae removal.
- Gutter & drain cleaning – rooflines, downspouts, surface drains and culverts.
- Fencing & site furniture – repairs to rails, bollards, benches, signs.
- Pest & invasive control – weeds, turf pests, safe chemical/mechanical treatments.
- Snow & ice removal – plowing, salting/gritting, priority-route clearing.
- Irrigation care – controller checks, leak fixes, head alignment, blow-outs.
- Seasonal planting & mulching – bed refresh, annuals/bulbs, top-ups.
- Hardscape cleaning – paths, plazas, kerbs; oil-stain treatment.
- Pressure washing – entrances, steps, walls where buildup creates slip risk.
Typical frequency cues (adapt to climate and site use):
- Daily: litter/hazard scans, entrances, high-traffic paths.
- Weekly: mow/edge (in growing season), bin servicing, quick prune/tidy.
- Monthly: shrub shaping, gutter inlet checks, minor fence/sign fixes.
- Seasonal: mulch & bed refresh, irrigation blow-out/start-up, snow/ice plan activation.
| Season | Focus Areas | Typical Line Items |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Kick-start growth & safety | Start-up irrigation, repair winter damage, first mow/edge cycle, mulch beds, prune deadwood, inspect drains/gutters |
| Summer | Appearance & water use | Weekly mow/edge, shrub shaping, spot irrigation repairs, weed/invasive control, litter sweeps, hardscape cleaning |
| Fall (Autumn) | Prep for winter | Leaf clearance, reduce turf height, bed cutback & bulbs, drain/gutter deep clean, tree risk checks, stock grit/salt |
| Winter | Access & risk | Snow/ice removal (priority routes), entrance pressure washing for algae/slip control, fence/sign repairs, plan spring works |
As you set schedules, shift from “fix-when-fails” to a proactive program. Map each task family to preventive, condition-based, or predictive maintenance strategies so crews focus on the right work at the right time.
Groundskeeping Professionals: Types of Maintenance Workers
Grounds maintenance workers play a vital role in ensuring the cleanliness and visual appeal of various properties, handling tasks such as general lawn care, weed pulling, mulching around trees, lawn mowing, and the preservation of plant life. These dedicated professionals contribute to the overall aesthetics and functionality of outdoor spaces. There are six main types of grounds maintenance workers, each specializing in distinct aspects of the job:
Groundskeepers
Groundskeepers are responsible for a wide range of general maintenance duties. They diligently remove snow, trim hedges, mow grass, and aerate soil to maintain the health and attractiveness of the landscape.
Use for: Routine presentation, quick fixes, first-line inspections.
Landscapers
The skilled hands of landscape workers bring the visions of landscape designers to life. They artfully plant flowers and trees, construct various landscape elements, and transform outdoor spaces into captivating environments.
Use for: Planting, rejuvenation pruning, bed rehabs, appearance upgrades.
Arborists
Arborists specialize in the care and maintenance of trees. They possess expertise in pruning branches, applying treatments to protect tree health, and shaping floral forms to enhance visual appeal while ensuring the well-being of the trees.
Use for: Anything beyond light pruning—especially work aloft or near utilities.
Pesticide Handlers
Pesticide handlers are tasked with inspecting the grounds and applying chemical treatments to control weeds and pests. It is crucial for these workers to possess safety certifications mandated by the Environmental Protection Agency to ensure responsible and safe pesticide usage.
Use for: Targeted weed/turf pest control where chemicals are required.
Pest Control Technicians
While pesticide handlers focus on applying chemical treatments, pest control technicians specialize in identifying and addressing pest infestations in outdoor spaces. They may use integrated pest management techniques to minimize environmental impact.
Environmental Specialists
These professionals are dedicated to promoting environmentally friendly practices in grounds maintenance. They may implement sustainable landscaping techniques, wildlife-friendly initiatives, and eco-conscious approaches to ensure the preservation of natural ecosystems.
Use for: Compliance, sustainability initiatives, and sensitive habitats.
Irrigation Technicians
Core competencies: Controller programming, zone diagnostics, leak detection, pressure/coverage balance, winterization (blow-outs) and spring start-ups, backflow awareness, water-use optimization.
Use for: System efficiency, water savings, rapid leak MTTR.
Together, these grounds maintenance workers collaborate to create and sustain beautiful, well-kept outdoor spaces, enriching the lives of those who inhabit or visit the properties they maintain. Their expertise and dedication contribute significantly to preserving the natural beauty and functionality of outdoor environments.
Training & Certifications (When to Upskill vs. Contract)
- PGMS certifications: The Professional Grounds Management Society (PGMS) recognizes career development through credentials such as Certified Grounds Technician (CGT) and Certified Grounds Manager (CGM)—use these to benchmark team capability and progression.
- When to use licensed contractors:
- Tree work at height, crane-assisted removals, or pruning near power/roads (hire certified arborists).
- Chemical applications beyond general-use products or near sensitive areas (use licensed applicators).
- Backflow devices and complex irrigation tie-ins (where local codes require licensed trades).
- Confined spaces/roofline access (specialist safety training and permits).
Tip: Map each role’s competencies to your SOPs and work order types so requests auto-route to the right person, and invest in PGMS-aligned training paths to reduce contractor spend over time.
Examples of Grounds Maintenance in Various Facilities
Grounds maintenance is a crucial aspect of managing outdoor spaces, and it finds application in a diverse range of facilities. Let’s explore some examples of how grounds maintenance is essential in different settings:
Residential Facilities
In residential areas, grounds maintenance workers play a vital role in ensuring the upkeep of plants that provide privacy, shade, and visual appeal. They diligently water, prune, and weed the landscape to maintain its charm. Moreover, these professionals ensure that pathways to and from residential facilities remain accessible and safe for residents.
Commercial Properties
Commercial spaces like shopping centers, malls, and office complexes rely on landscape maintenance to retain their aesthetic value and create a pleasant environment for visitors and occupants. Well-maintained outdoor areas enhance the overall appeal of these properties and contribute to a positive impression on customers and employees.
Sports Facilities
Grounds maintenance is critical for sports facilities, especially athletic fields. Keeping turfs in good condition ensures the safety of athletes during practice and competitions. Proper maintenance prevents slips, falls, and injuries, such as grass burns, allowing athletes to perform at their best.
Learning Institutions
Grounds maintenance is essential in schools to ensure the safety of students, faculty, and visitors. Workers perform tasks like snow removal from walkways during winter to maintain accessibility and prevent accidents. Some educational institutions involve horticulture students in beautifying campuses as part of their coursework, creating a hands-on learning experience.
Hotels and Resorts
Grounds maintenance is a key aspect of the hospitality industry. Hotels and resorts invest in landscaping to enhance their guests’ experience, creating inviting outdoor spaces that leave a lasting impression.
Hospitals and Healthcare Facilities
Grounds maintenance is essential in healthcare settings to create a serene and healing environment for patients, staff, and visitors. Carefully manicured gardens and well-maintained landscapes contribute to a positive atmosphere and aid in the recovery and well-being of patients.
Industrial Complexes
Even in industrial areas, grounds maintenance plays a role in ensuring a safe and organized outdoor environment. Maintenance workers help keep the surrounding grounds clean, free from hazards, and visually appealing, contributing to the overall image of the facility.
Apart from the mentioned facilities, other settings also heavily rely on grounds maintenance. Commercial parking lots, cemeteries, and golf courses are among those that benefit from regular maintenance. Specifically, golf courses employ professionals known as greenskeepers to meticulously care for the turf and maintain its pristine condition. Groundskeepers often work as integral members of facilities management teams and departments, contributing to the overall functionality and appeal of the spaces they maintain.
Safety, Compliance & Environmental Stewardship
Grounds operations are safety-critical. Standardize the following practices in your SOPs, toolbox talks, and work orders to protect people, comply with regulations, and reduce environmental impact.
PPE & Equipment Safety
- PPE by task: Eye/face protection, hearing protection, gloves, trousers/chaps for chainsaw work, steel-toe boots, high-vis layers; add respiratory protection for dusty or chemical tasks.
- Pre-start checks: Guards and shields in place, blades/cords secure, cables/hoses intact, emergency stops functional. Tag-out defective kit immediately.
- Operator training: Authorize users by equipment type (mowers, trimmers, chainsaws) and record refreshers annually.
- Working at height: Use the right method (platform/MEWPs over ladders for prolonged or complex work), enforce edge protection/fall arrest, and control drop zones with barriers and a banksman.
- Lockout/Tagout (LOTO): De-energize and immobilize powered equipment before clearing jams, blade changes, or maintenance; remove ignition sources, isolate batteries/fuel, and retain keys.
Chemical Handling & Records
- Label & store correctly: Keep pesticides, herbicides, and fuels in original, labeled containers; segregate, ventilate, and secure storage with spill containment.
- SDS/MSDS access: Maintain up-to-date Safety Data Sheets; brief crews on hazards, first aid, and PPE before each use.
- Application compliance: Follow EPA/local regulations, product labels, buffer zones, and weather/wind limits; calibrate applicators and log quantities, locations, and conditions.
- Spill response: Stock spill kits at depots and in vehicles; define immediate containment, cleanup, and reporting steps; dispose of waste per regulations.
- Public signage & exclusion zones: Post notices where chemicals are applied; cordon areas until re-entry intervals elapse.
Environmental Stewardship
- Noise & emissions: Prioritize battery-electric tools where feasible; schedule noisy tasks outside peak hours; maintain mufflers and blades for quieter, cleaner operation.
- Wildlife & biodiversity: Avoid pruning during nesting seasons; protect habitats and pollinator plantings; use integrated pest management (IPM) before chemicals.
- Water-wise irrigation: Use smart controllers, soil-moisture sensors, and rain shut-offs; audit zones for leaks/misalignment; choose drought-tolerant/native species to cut water use.
- Runoff & erosion control: Keep drains/culverts clear; stabilize slopes and bare soil; prevent fertilizers and hydrocarbons from entering stormwater systems.
Pro tip: Use your CMMS to attach SOPs, SDS, and JSA checklists to relevant work orders; require e-signatures on pre-task safety briefings; and track corrective actions from incident reports to close the loop.
Exploring the 4 Best Types of Grounds Maintenance Strategies
Grounds maintenance is an essential aspect of managing outdoor spaces effectively. Different organizations adopt various maintenance methodologies, each tailored to meet specific needs and objectives. Among the wide array of approaches, four types of grounds maintenance strategies stand out for their effectiveness and popularity:
Corrective Maintenance
Corrective maintenance involves taking planned or unplanned corrective actions in response to equipment issues. Its primary goal is to restore broken assets to their operational capacity promptly. When problems arise, grounds managers implement corrective measures to minimize downtime and ensure smooth operations.
When to use outdoors: Unpredictable, low-criticality items where failure has limited impact or is cheaper than scheduled care.
Examples: Replace a cracked bench slat; remove a fallen branch after a storm; patch a small fence panel; spot-treat weeds after they emerge.
Preventive Maintenance (PM)
Preventive maintenance is a proactive approach that focuses on carrying out scheduled maintenance tasks to keep assets in optimal working condition. By performing regular inspections and servicing, grounds managers can reduce the likelihood of unexpected breakdowns, extend equipment life cycles, and mitigate the costs associated with equipment failure.
When to use outdoors: High-frequency care or tasks linked to seasons and safety.
Examples: Weekly mow/edge cycles; monthly gutter/drain clears; pre-season tree inspections; irrigation winterization/start-up; scheduled snow-route readiness checks.
Tip: Align PM cadences with your maintenance strategies so each asset/area has a clear interval and standard.
Condition-Based Maintenance (CBM)
Condition-based maintenance takes preventive maintenance to a more advanced level. Grounds managers employ condition-based diagnostic measurements, such as vibrations, temperature, and ultrasounds, to predict potential equipment failures. By leveraging these data-driven insights, they can make informed decisions on when and how to perform grounds maintenance tasks more reliably, efficiently, and cost-effectively.
Predictive Maintenance (PdM)
As an even more advanced version of CBM, predictive maintenance relies on sensors to relay real-time data combined with predictive algorithms. This cutting-edge approach enables grounds managers to precisely predict future breakdown times. Unlike CBM, predictive maintenance goes beyond sensor-based technology and incorporates predictive algorithms to anticipate potential issues accurately.
When to use outdoors: Where simple measurements or inspections can signal deterioration or risk.
Examples: Soil-moisture sensors triggering irrigation adjustments; pressure/flow anomalies on irrigation zones; turf height/thatch density thresholds prompting extra cuts; sightline checks that trigger pruning; slip-risk readings (algae build-up) prompting pressure washing.
While some resources may use the terms PdM and CBM interchangeably, it’s important to note that they are distinct strategies. Although both involve sensor-based technology, predictive maintenance utilizes additional predictive algorithms to forecast equipment failures more accurately.
By understanding and implementing these four best types of grounds maintenance strategies, organizations can optimize their outdoor spaces, minimize downtime, and maximize the longevity of their assets, ultimately contributing to more efficient and cost-effective grounds management.
How a Maintenance Management System Operationalizes Ground Management
A modern maintenance management system turns grounds care from “best effort” into a repeatable program—centralizing work orders, calendars and schedules, mobile inspections, PM libraries, parts and inventory, vendor management, and crew routing so every task is assigned, timestamped, and verifiable in the field.
- Plan & schedule seasonal work — Build spring/fall calendars, auto-generate PMs (mulch, irrigation blow-out/start-up, leaf clearance), and auto-assign to zones/crews so nothing slips between seasons.
- Mobile inspections — Tap-to-complete checklists with photo evidence, GPS-stamped hazard reports, and SLA timers that escalate overdue items.
- Asset register for grounds equipment — Track mowers, blowers, chainsaws, irrigation controllers, and small engines; link spare parts, service history, and warranty data (see asset maintenance management).
- GIS-assisted routing & zone-based PMs — Map beds, paths, parking lots, and irrigation zones; route crews efficiently; trigger PMs by zone (e.g., “North Lot drains—monthly”).
- Vendor management & SLAs — Issue work orders to tree, irrigation, and snow partners; capture response/resolve times, track compliance, and compare vendors on cost and quality.
Result: a closed-loop grounds program where planned work, reactive hazards, and contractor jobs are all visible and measurable, from the planner’s desktop to the crew’s phone.
Budgeting, Resource Planning & KPIs
Smart grounds programs balance cost, risk, and service levels—and they prove it with numbers your finance team trusts.
Budgeting levers
- Labor mix (in-house vs contractor): Match routine rounds to internal crews; use specialists (arborists, snow, irrigation) for peaks and high-risk tasks. Model overtime vs. call-out fees.
- Consumables: Mulch, salt/grit, sand, de-icer, bags, bulbs/annuals, string/blades—buy to a seasonal schedule and track usage by zone.
- Fuel vs. electric: Compare fuel, maintenance, and lifespan of petrol tools against battery-electric kits (chargers, spares, duty cycles).
- Equipment replacement cycles: Mowers, blowers, chainsaws, MEWPs, compact tractors—plan capex by hours of use, condition, and repair history.
- Irrigation water costs: Include meter charges, leak losses, and seasonal restrictions; budget for controllers, heads, valves, and line repairs to cut wastage.
KPI set
Track these in your CMMS dashboard and review monthly/seasonally:
- % Scheduled vs. Reactive Work: (Scheduled WOs ÷ All WOs) → higher = fewer surprises.
- Hazard Remediation Lead Time: Avg. time from report → made safe (e.g., ice, debris, fallen limbs).
- Inspection Completion Rate: Completed inspections ÷ Planned inspections (by week/zone).
- Irrigation Leak MTTR: Mean time to repair from first detection to verified fix.
- Cost per Acre (or per Zone): Total grounds spend ÷ Maintained area—use to benchmark sites.
- Turf Playability Score (sports): Simple 1–5 rubric (evenness, traction, thatch, moisture, debris).
- SLA Hit Rate: % of WOs meeting response/resolve targets (by vendor and in-house crews).
Simple savings calculator
If inspections catch 2 irrigation leaks per month at £X each, annual savings ≈ £Y.
Formula: Y = 2 × X × 12
Example: If each leak wastes £180 in water/labour, Y = 2 × £180 × 12 = £4,320 saved per year.
Make it real: Add the leak MTTR KPI to your dashboard and alert on abnormal flow/pressure so small leaks don’t become line replacements.
Pro tip: Tag every work order with a zone, task family, and service level so your CMMS can auto-roll up cost per acre, compare vendor SLAs, and spotlight the sites where extra scheduled work would reduce reactive spend.
Sustainability & Future of Grounds Maintenance
Grounds teams are moving from high-input, fossil-fuel routines to data-guided, low-impact operations—delivering quieter sites, lower costs, and healthier landscapes.
- Automation & robotics: Deploy robot mowers for large, open turf to free crews for skilled work. Use geofencing and scheduled cutting to maintain consistent height, reduce clumping, and minimize noise complaints.
- Drones for inspection: Fly quick aerial surveys after storms to spot downed limbs, blocked drains, erosion, or irrigation leaks without sending crews into unsafe areas; attach findings to work orders with geotagged images.
- Smart irrigation: Pair soil-moisture sensors and weather-aware controllers with leak/flow alerts to cut water use and prevent turf stress. Log zone data in your CMMS to adjust runtimes seasonally.
- Native & pollinator plantings: Transition beds to native, drought-tolerant species and pollinator habitats that need fewer inputs (water, fertilizer, pesticides) while improving biodiversity and public goodwill.
- EV/battery tools: Phase in battery-electric trimmers, blowers, and mowers to reduce emissions and noise; plan charging, spare batteries, and duty cycles so crews can complete full rounds.
- Data & dashboards: Track water consumption per zone, fuel/electric usage, and noise windows; set targets (e.g., -20% water over two seasons) and report progress to stakeholders.
- Procurement & end-of-life: Specify recycled mulches/aggregates, low-toxicity products, and take-back programs for batteries and blades; plan equipment replacement on lifecycle cost, not sticker price.
Bottom line: Blend automation, electrification, and ecological planting with sensor data to cut inputs, raise service quality, and future-proof grounds against tighter budgets and regulations.
Simplify and Optimize Grounds Maintenance Efforts with eWorkOrders
Maintaining the visual appeal of outdoor spaces is vital for any facility, ensuring a welcoming and safe environment. Consistent grounds maintenance is key to preventing areas from becoming untidy or hazardous. While formal qualifications may not be a strict requirement for ground maintenance work, professionals can take advantage of professional training opportunities to further their careers. By incorporating maintenance management software, such as eWorkOrders CMMS, organizations can keep all grounds maintenance tasks organized and streamlined. This centralized platform helps track work orders, schedule preventive maintenance, manage inventory, and improve overall efficiency. With real-time data and analytics, teams can make informed decisions and ensure a well-maintained and visually appealing outdoor environment, elevating their facility maintenance to the next level.
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FAQ
What is the responsibility of ground maintenance?
Ground maintenance is responsible for keeping outdoor areas clean, safe, functional, and visually appealing—from mowing, pruning, litter removal, and walkway clearance to irrigation checks, seasonal planting, and hazard remediation (ice, fallen limbs, trip risks).
What are the 4 types of maintenance?
The four approaches are Corrective (fix after failure), Preventive (PM) (scheduled tasks), Condition-Based (CBM) (act on inspection/sensor condition), and Predictive (PdM) (use trends/analytics to forecast failure).
What is the meaning of upkeep of grounds?
“Upkeep of grounds” (also called grounds maintenance, ground keeping, or ground management) means the ongoing tasks and standards that maintain safe access, protect assets and landscaping, and present a tidy, welcoming site.
What is a grounds maintenance job?
A grounds maintenance job involves hands-on outdoor work—mowing/edging, pruning, debris removal, irrigation and drainage checks, snow/ice control, pest/invasive management, and basic repairs—often coordinated through work orders and seasonal schedules.
