Lack of snow adding challenges for some Utah businesses

SYRACUSE — Connor Healey and his employees are usually done clearing up the fall leaves by sometime in November. This winter, however, they’re still looking to that kind of work to keep them busy in January.

“It’s very weird,” Healey said. “It’s really hard to get these type of jobs and stay busy without having that snow to go out and do.”

Like many similar businesses, Healy Landscape Co. is geared up and ready to shift into snow removal. Four trucks are now outfitted with plow attachments, and hoppers full of about 2,500 pounds of salt each. The weather, however, hasn’t quite shown up.

“Usually by this time, January 1, we at least have 3 to 5 snow events,” Healey explained. “This year we’ve been out one time removing snow. It’s just been really warm.”

Healey points out that it’s also costly to prepare for the winter season.

“A lot of times people say it’s a gamble,” Healey said. “You get so invested into it and you spend a lot of money preparing for it. And who knows what type of winter you could have.”

Like many people, Healey is hopeful we don’t head into another drought phase, as the lackluster winters can also hurt business in the spring.

“(If) the grass isn’t being watered as heavily, that also cuts into our income, where we mow lawns and do maintenance,” Healey explained.

However, there’s always hope. Healey is crossing his fingers that a forecast of possible snow for Saturday will pan out.

“Hopefully tomorrow brings something,” he said.