'You want to put your health over money': Landscapers pause work during extreme heat

July 3, 2026 - 01:16

As temperatures climbed past 100 degrees this week, one local landscaping business made an unusual decision: they shut down for the day. The owner told employees that no job was worth a heatstroke. "You want to put your health over money," he said, explaining the choice to pause all outdoor work until conditions improved.

The company typically runs crews from sunrise until late afternoon. But with the heat index pushing into dangerous territory, the owner decided that the usual routine was too risky. Workers were told to go home with full pay for the day. The message was clear: the grass can wait, but a person's well-being cannot.

Heat illness is a serious threat for people who work outside. The body can overheat quickly when the air is still and the sun is brutal. Symptoms like dizziness, nausea, and confusion can set in fast. In severe cases, heatstroke can cause organ damage or death. Experts say that taking breaks in the shade, drinking water constantly, and watching for signs of trouble are essential. But sometimes, the safest move is to simply not work at all.

The owner acknowledged that losing a day of work hurts the business. There are bills to pay and schedules to keep. But he said he would rather lose a day of revenue than lose a member of his team. Other landscaping companies in the area have taken note. Some have adjusted their hours to start earlier and finish before the worst heat of the afternoon. A few have invested in cooling vests and extra water stations.

For now, the company plans to monitor the forecast closely. If another heat wave hits, they will make the same call again. As one worker put it, "The yard will still be there tomorrow. We have to be there too."