SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KTIV) -
Nearly 60 percent of the nation is in some stage of drought condition. And if you think it's only hurting the ag industry, think again. A number of Siouxland business depend on snow in the winter, and rain in the summer. This year, both have been in short supply. It's hurting local landscapers.
Mosher Landscaping makes a lot of money off the weather. But this year, Mother Nature has turned against them. The winter was one of the mildest in years. Mosher trucks removed far less snow than usual.
"It's been the worst winters we've had as far as snow removal is concerned in the last eight to nine years," said Owner Paul Mosher back in January.
Now, even warmer weather has settled in, and it's burning up the Mosher's mowing business. Heat and little rain means grass takes a hit.
"If the grass doesn't grow, we don't mow," said Sid Mosher.
Sid, who works with the company, said he sees this every year. He says when it happens, his crew sometimes can't mow half their lawns.
"We'll start the day with 14 accounts and maybe mow six of them," said Sid
What's troubling him? This harsh heat hit sooner than usual. He worries it could last, turning that dip in business into a whole summer bummer.
"We don't want to see this last a long time. We desperately need rain," he said.
Mosher Landscaping will have to wait for it, though. The forecast shows only a small chance of rain through the week. Seems we're stuck with the heat and that high pressure ridge dubbed the "ring of fire."
"Not very much relief. In fact, after the next couple of days here, maybe a chance of rain as we go toward the beginning parts of next week. But, it looks like this pattern continues," said KTIV Meteorologist Ross Caniglia.
No white stuff in the winter. No wet stuff in the summer. Mosher Landscaping might take a hit this year, but…
"What do you do? When you choose make a living based on career that's completely dependent on Mother Nature, I guess you just learn to roll with it," said Sid.
Sid says there's one bright spot. Mild weather gave them an early start to the their landscaping season.
