Landscape | Harvard Facilities Maintenance Operations

Landscape Maintenance

FMO Landscape stewards Harvard’s living landscape. By prioritizing sustainable, organic practices and year‑round care, we cultivate healthy, beautiful outdoor environments that support exceptional daily experiences for students, faculty, staff, and visitors.

Landscaper with rake lays sod in Harvard Yard on a sunny spring day

What We Do

The FMO Landscape team is responsible for the health, safety, and appearance of Harvard’s outdoor environments. As in‑house horticulture and grounds experts, we combine organic practices, historic tree stewardship, and responsive site care to support daily campus life in every season.

Landscape Services

Our horticulture and grounds crews provide comprehensive care for Harvard’s landscapes and hardscapes, including:

Organic fertilization and treatment programs
Historic elm preservation
Conventional turf and tree care
Landscape and hardscape installations and renovations
Snow and ice removal
Emergency response for weather‑related and site conditions

Snow & Ice Management

During winter storms, responsibility for snow and ice removal on and around Harvard’s campuses is shared by building management, University service providers, and the cities of Cambridge and Boston.

Harvard prioritizes safe access to building entrances and main walkways as conditions allow. In coordination with University Disability Services, FMO ensures all accessible entrances remain clear.

Harvard Property

If you have questions or concerns about snow or ice removal on Harvard property, contact the building manager for the facility. They will coordinate with the appropriate service provider.

Public Property (Cambridge)

To report concerns about public sidewalks, streets, or bike lanes in Cambridge, contact the City of Cambridge Snow Center.

Public Property (Boston)

To report concerns about public sidewalks, streets, or bike lanes in Boston, submit a ticket at 311.boston.gov.

Sustainable Landscape Management

FMO's Sustainable Landscape Management program focuses on healthy soils, organic practices, composting, and irrigation to promote long‑term resilience and nurture biodiversity. Our commitments to ecological stewardship, as well as significant investments in electrifying our equipment, have earned FMO Landscape a Green Grounds™ certification.