Winter preparedness: Top risks and prevention tips for greenhouses and garden centers

Added October 15, 2025

Per NOAA’s National Centers for Environmental Information, there have been 403 billion-dollar disasters from 1980–2024. Of those, 69—or roughly 5%—have been due to cold waves or winter storm events, totaling nearly $140 billion in damages.

Garden centers and greenhouses—with their delicate balance of temperature, humidity, and light—are particularly vulnerable to the harsh realities of winter. As the temperatures drop and the snow and ice piles up, be vigilant in monitoring for potential problems that could threaten your stock and infrastructure.

With smart planning, you can tackle issues before they become big problems.

Top 10 winter risks for greenhouses and garden centers

1. Extreme temperature fluctuations

Warning signs: Uneven temperatures, a noticeable drop in indoor temperatures, and unexpected cold.
Risk: As the outside temperature fluctuates, maintaining consistent warmth inside your greenhouse or garden center becomes more challenging. The ideal temperature depends on the crops you're growing. If the indoor temperature drops too far below the target temperature, your plants could suffer cold damage and your pipes could freeze.
Prevention: Check for cold spots and areas of poor circulation. Consider using supplemental heating sources in those cooler areas. Install thermostats and temperature sensors throughout your structures to monitor temperature distribution.
Insurance protection: Commercial property insurance can help cover the equipment contained within your buildings and greenhouses—including boilers, generators, heat retention curtain systems, and environmental control computers. It can also help cover damage to your inventory.

2. Roof snow load

Warning sign: Excessive accumulation of snow on the roof.
Risk: A compromised roof can allow snow, ice, and rainwater to penetrate the greenhouse, causing damage to plants, equipment, and the structure itself—possibly leading to a roof collapse. Even a series of small snowfalls adds up if not removed.
Prevention: The National Greenhouse Manufacturers Association (NGMA) recommends heating greenhouses to a minimum of 50 degrees Fahrenheit at least 48 hours in advance of snowfall. This allows the structure to heat up sufficiently to effectively melt the snow as it's falling. In the event of a forecasted large snowfall, higher temperatures may be required to effectively melt the snow.
Insurance protection: You can customize your commercial property insurance policy to include roof collapse coverage, which can help protect against damages caused by the weight of snow. General liability insurance can also help protect your business from losses if someone is injured at your location.

3. Energy curtain retraction

Warning signs: Drafts, cold spots, or a noticeable increase in heating costs.
Risk: Heat stays beneath the curtain and doesn't sufficiently heat the roof during a snow event.
Prevention: When you turn on the heat, retract the energy curtain to allow the heat to rise into the roof and help melt falling snow. In general, during the winter season, your curtains should begin closing just before sunset and open again right after sunrise.
Insurance protection: Commercial property coverage helps protect against losses to your physical structures, including energy or thermal curtains.

4. Snow and ice on walkways

Warning signs: Slick walkways near entries. Snow tracked inside from people's shoes and boots. Customer complaints about slippery conditions.
Risk: The presence of snow, puddles, slick surfaces, and icy patches create slip and fall hazards for your employees and customers.
Prevention: Promptly clear ice and snow before and during winter storms, using salt, deicer, or sand to enhance traction. Be vigilant about outdoor walkways, steps, and ramps, as they can become exceptionally slippery when accumulating snow, ice, sleet, and freezing rain. Install heavy-duty mats inside every doorway.
Insurance protection: General liability insurance can help you safeguard your business against slip and fall claims.

5. Poor air circulation and ventilation

Warning signs: Inconsistent internal temperatures and elevated condensation levels.
Risk: When outside temperatures are below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, problems can arise if you don’t control the humidity in your greenhouse. Droplets of water form when warm moist air contacts surfaces cooled by the outside air. Metal framing or single-walled glazing can increase condensation concerns.
Prevention: Ensure proper air circulation to help prevent condensation and moisture buildup. Ideally, circulation fans should run constantly during the winter season to help maintain a consistent internal temperature.
Insurance protection: Commercial property insurance typically covers damage to your physical structures, including equipment such as ventilation units and circulation fans. If poor air circulation leads to damage, property insurance can help you cover repair or replacement costs.

6. Malfunctioning heating systems

Warning signs: Inconsistent heating or unusual heating equipment sounds.
Risk: Inadequate heating can lead to temperature-sensitive plants suffering damage or demise.
Prevention: Regular boiler maintenance is crucial to help avoid costly breakdowns and ensure your buildings stay warm throughout the winter. Install alarms or monitoring systems to detect potential equipment malfunctions. Have an emergency backup system in case of a primary system failure.
Insurance protection: Your commercial property insurance can include tailored coverage for boilers, generators, and other specialized equipment. This coverage helps protect against losses due to sudden and accidental mechanical breakdowns, electrical failures, and operational issues.

7. Frozen pipes

Warning signs: Lack of water flow or unusual pipe noises.
Risk: Frozen pipes can burst, causing water damage and disrupting facility operations.
Prevention: Add insulation around pipes, especially in vulnerable areas. Install heating cables to help prevent freezing. Consider using a pressure-regulating valve to help prevent damage from frozen pipes.
Insurance protection: Your commercial property insurance encompasses greenhouse and garden center equipment and provides coverage for repairing or replacing damaged pipes and associated water damage caused by freezing.

8. Power outages

Warning signs: Frequent power fluctuations or outages.
Risk: Loss of heat, lighting, and other essential systems, potentially causing damage to plants and critical systems.
Prevention: Install backup power sources such as generators to minimize disruptions during power outages.
Insurance protection: Commercial property insurance provides coverage for damage to your business property, including electrical systems. You can also consider purchasing business interruption coverage, which can help compensate for lost income due to a power outage and assist in offsetting ongoing expenses during the recovery period.

9. Unexpected mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) issues

Warning signs: MEP represents an integrated network of systems within your greenhouse or garden center, and issues can manifest through various warning signs. An initial indicator may be equipment not performing well or failing to start after sitting idle.
Risk: Breakdown of essential equipment. MEP systems are crucial for establishing and sustaining optimal environmental conditions for plant growth, encompassing temperature, humidity, and ventilation control, along with efficient water supply and drainage systems.
Prevention: Regular monitoring, maintenance, and prompt attention to warning signs can help you identify and address MEP issues before they impact plant health or operational efficiency.
Insurance protection: In addition to covering losses due to equipment, commercial property insurance also helps protect your bottom line against potential losses from sudden and accidental mechanical breakdowns or electrical failures.

10. Lack of emergency preparedness

Warning signs: Absence of a clear emergency plan or necessary supplies.
Risk: In the event of a weather-related incident, inadequate winter preparedness can exacerbate damage and increase recovery time.
Prevention: Develop a comprehensive emergency preparedness plan that includes procedures for evacuations, power outages, and severe weather events. Conduct drills and equip the business with emergency supplies, such as first aid kits, flashlights, and a battery-powered radio.
Insurance protection: In the aftermath of a substantial winter storm forcing temporary closure, commercial property insurance becomes invaluable. Business interruption coverage can compensate you for income losses due to the storm, helping to alleviate financial strain and support the business during the recovery process.

Prioritize winter preparedness for your horticultural business

“During winter, prioritize maintenance efforts on heaters and temperature control to help prevent snow accumulation,” said Zach Bruce, Hortica's Director of Safety Services. “Snow and ice during winter only add to the challenge for your employees and customers. So it's crucial to prioritize preparedness to help safeguard your operations, employees, and property.”

At Hortica®, we’re committed to helping you navigate the challenges of the winter season. Our team can provide tailored guidance and support in assessing potential risks, creating effective safety measures, and reviewing your insurance coverage to align with your specific operations.

Don't wait for winter's challenges to disrupt your horticultural business. Take proactive steps today. Contact Hortica for a quote today.

Related links:

Review our greenhouse maintenance checklist for areas to focus on and remedies that can help mitigate issues before they become big problems.

Greenhouse insurance isn’t one-size-fits-all. Review coverage options in this greenhouse insurance overview.

By making safety a priority at your greenhouse and garden center, you can help reduce your accident risks, minimize costs, and elevate customer satisfaction.