Although there may not be any snow in the cards this year for 2023, we wanted to share our tips for those late winter snow showers, they are always a possibility. One of the most frustrating parts of winter is the need to shovel snow. You might just want to wait until springtime and just let it all melt. However, the effort must be given.
If you’re tired of wasting time and effort on removing snow every winter, it’s time to use these 9 snow removal tips for your home to get the job done easier, more effectively, and better than ever before.
1. Use tall stakes around all driveways and walkways:
In Maryland, we’re pretty used to the snowfall (well...maybe not this season we're not!). So, when we suggest putting large stakes around your driveway and other walkways, you should use that advice. It’s helpful whether you hire a snowplow company, shovel yourself or use a snow blower. While you may think you’ll know exactly where your driveway is, it’s not as easy to locate with a couple of feet of snow.
2. Use a good shovel:
Shoveling snow during the winter is annoying as it is! If you don’t have a quality shovel to work with, you’re just making it harder on yourself and your back. While it might be tempting to buy a cheap shovel when you’re making your decision, it’s wiser to not be a penny-pincher. Spend more money on a heavy plastic or aluminum blade shovel that will get the job done more easily.
Also, be mindful that large shovels aren’t always the best. Large shovels can cause back pain and arm stiffness. If you’re looking to find a shovel for heavy snowfalls, you should buy a S-blade shovel. C-blade shovels are better for lighter snowfalls.
3. Avoid placing snow near the foundation:
This is a mistake that a lot of homeowners simply don’t consider when they’re removing snow. Whether you’re removing snow from a roof, from a deck, or from the driveway, you should avoid piling snow next to the side of your house. This will only lead to issues such as frozen pipes and even potentially cause cracks in your home’s foundation.
4. BE SAFE
Shoveling snow can be a grueling activity, especially as you get older. If you don’t plan to hire a snow removal service, then it’s best that you follow these safety tips.
-Bend your knees and lift with your legs.
-Keep the blade close to you as you lift the snow.
-Switch between shoveling left-handed and right-handed to avoid overstraining one side of the body.
-Periodically switch your grip between overhand and underhand.
-Don’t try to clear the entire depth at once when the snowfall is heavy; only do half at one time.
5. Shovel often:
Whenever you’re removing snow, the reality is that it needs to be done frequently. The snow doesn’t seem to stop, but if you do you just make your job harder the next day. If you leave removing snow until the next day, the snow will start to stick to ground and might even freeze. This makes your job ten times harder.
6. Invest in a snow blower:
If you’re just done with shoveling snow in the winter, invest in a snow blower. Snow blowers can take away a lot of the tedious parts of removing snow in the winter, but you’ll still need a shovel for your deck. While it’s a faster method of removing snow, it’s also a more expensive option as snow blowers can cost a pretty penny.
7. Shovel flat roofs:
If you have a flat roof that is easily accessible, you can shovel your roof, but it’s important that you don’t damage your roof covering. You should also always consider your own personal safety before attempting to shovel your roof.
8. Use roof rakes for sloped roofs:
It may be possible to remove snow and ice from a sloped roof using a roof rake, which is a long-handled tool that is specifically designed for this reason.
9. Consider the impact of ice melt:
There are a bunch of different options you can use to eliminate a slippery driveway and even a walkway such as salt (sodium chloride), calcium chloride, calcium magnesium acetate, and urea. Learning about the potential consequences of using each form of ice melt is important because these items can end up damaging plants, damaging flooring in your house, or harming your pets.
Call us or email us today for all of your winter landscaping needs at 443-846-0199 or info@rootedinnaturemd.com.