Landscaping Recognized by Federal Government as 'Essential Service'

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) announced Saturday, March 28, that landscaping and lawn care are included in an advisory list of functions critical to public health and safety, and are to be continued during work at home orders. In the advisory “Essential Critical Infrastructure Workforce” list published by CISA, landscapers are considered an essential support service necessary to maintain the safety, sanitation, and operation of residences and essential businesses. 

The list identifies workers within a broad range of operations and industries, whose service is essential to continue critical infrastructure viability.

“Workers such as plumbers, electricians, exterminators, builders, contractors, HVAC technicians, landscapers, and other service providers who provide services that are necessary to maintaining the safety, sanitation, and essential operation of residences, businesses and buildings such as hospitals, senior living facilities, any temporary construction required to support COVID-19 response,” reports CISA.

An advisory list, compiled by CISA in collaboration with federal, state, and local governments, highlights critical sectors, workers, and functions that should (to their own discretion) continue operations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Landscapers and service providers who maintain the sanitation of residencies are currently classified as critical service providers and are generally excluded from the stay-at-home orders issued thus far. 

TaskEasy’s network of landscapers consists of independent contractors who are essential to maintaining safe spaces for both residential and commercial properties. TaskEasy contractors help prevent the spread of wildfires by creating a defensible space using these effective tactics:

• Routine maintenance of vegetation i.e., lawn mowing, edging, trimming, lawn fertilization, lawn aeration, sprinkler system maintenance ensures vegetation is kept green and healthy, reducing the chances for wildfire.
• Trimming overgrown shrubs, trees, and grass to avoid hazards. Keeping vegetation at least 6 feet away from permanent structures to avoid any potential damage that can happen when a tree falls on a structure or overhead electrical wires.
• Removing leaves, needles, conifers, and other combustible debris from the property in a safe manner reducing wildfire dangers. 
• Pruning and removing dead and dying branches that can present a fire hazard.
• Cleaning gutters and downspouts clear of debris.

In addition to wildfire prevention, regularly maintaining greenscapes around structures can also prevent or stop pest infestations – discouraging pests from inhabiting homes for shelter. 

Our network of independent landscaping contractors is also stepping in to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 by joining TaskEasy to provide sanitation services of public and private areas to government agencies and residential and commercial property owners. 

To learn more about COVID-19 sanitation services visit taskeasy.com. For more information about essential critical infrastructure workers and their functions visit CISA.gov.