MRD Landscaping experiences uptick in installs, donates protective equipment to front-line workers

MRD Landscaping in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, has been busier than normal, despite the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Frank Shang, owner of the landscape design and installation firm.

“I think since the homeowners stay at home with nothing to do, they want to update their yard,” he says. “For over a month now, construction work, firms and trades across British Columbia have been given the all-clear from the provincial health officer to remain operational.”

However, Shang says that busier than normal doesn’t necessarily mean business as usual.

“The clearest and most immediate business impact of the coronavirus pandemic has been a major disruption to supply chains in the landscape industry,” Shang says. “We have to wait for the material or change the plan. Supply-side constraints could delay construction, and developers may take a wait-and-see attitude to construction in light of the pandemic.”

Shang says he’s made his clients aware of these potential disruptions and challenges.

He also notes the changes for the company’s employees who have continued working throughout the pandemic.

“The health and well-being of the employees is always our top priority in my mind during the COVID-19 pandemic,” he says.

Shang has provided masks and alcohol-based sanitizers to his employees and their family members, has required employees to wear masks and social distance and hasn’t allowed more than three employees to be present at any given job site.

MRD’s efforts haven’t stopped there, though, as the company has also donated hundreds of disposable coveralls to Vancouver General Hospital and thousands of disposable masks to local senior centers and others in need.

“I don’t know how long COVID-19 pandemic will last, but I am doing my best helping the front-line heroes and my community,” Shang says.