With the winter months approaching, many homeowners are starting to think about snow. Snow provides moisture during the winter and has the ability to transform a landscape into a white wonderland, but snow can also be a source of stress for homeowners.
Having an effective snow management plan in place is essential when it comes to keeping your driveways and sidewalks clear this winter. Here are three simple things that you can do to make your snow removal efforts more effective in the future:
1. Define the boundaries of sidewalks and driveways.
Once your landscape has been covered over with a thick blanket of snow, it can be challenging to locate your sidewalks and driveways. Taking the time to insert tall stakes along the outside edges of these pathways will help you more effectively keep them cleared of snow during the winter.
The stakes will provide you with a visual marker that will help to prevent shoveling or snow blowing on your grass or flower beds as you remove snow from your property in the future.
2. Invest in the right tools.
Since snow removal tools are only used for a few months out of the year, homeowners often want to find the most affordable tools available. While you don't need to spend a fortune on your shovel, having the right shovel will make snow removal a lot easier.
Look for a shovel that is equipped with a medium-sized, non-stick blade. If your shovel's blade is too large, you will experience pain and stiffness while removing snow from your property. You should also look for a shovel made from durable aluminum or hard plastic to ensure the blade's edge will be able to cut through any ice that has accumulated along your home's pathways.
3. Pile your snow properly.
One of the most important elements of any snow removal plan is determining where you will pile up the snow that falls onto your home's landscape. Piling your snow properly will help to eliminate moisture problems once the snow begins to melt.
You never want to shovel snow up against your home's foundation since the snow could cause your foundation to crack and contribute to frozen pipes. Pile snow on the curb, against a fence, or in a designated safe area to protect your home and landscape from water damage.
Creating an effective snow removal plan takes time and effort. Be sure that you are prepared to remove snow from your property properly by defining the edges of your sidewalks and driveways, investing in a quality shovel, and selecting a safe place to pile your snow this winter.