Dos-and-Donts-of-Snow-Removal-and-Salting-for-Homeowners

Introduction

Winter transforms landscapes into picturesque scenes, but beneath the beauty lies the responsibility of diligent snow removal. As a homeowner, mastering the art of snow removal is crucial for maintaining safety and accessibility around your property. In this extensive guide, we'll delve into 15 essential dos and don'ts to help you navigate the challenges of winter weather effectively and responsibly.

Summary

A. Dos of Snow Removal

B. Don'ts of Snow Removal

C. Dos of Salting

D. Don'ts of Salting

A. Dos of Snow Removal

  • 1. Neglect Environmental Impact:
    Dos-and-Donts-of-Snow-Removal-and-Salting-for-Homeowners-1

    One of the primary dos of snow removal is to address the issue as soon as snowfall begins. Timely action prevents the accumulation of snow, ensuring safe passage for pedestrians and vehicles. Waiting until the snow reaches significant depths can make the clearing process more challenging and time-consuming.

  • 2. Use Proper Equipment:

    Investing in high-quality snow removal tools is essential for efficient and effective snow clearance. Shovels, snow blowers, and plows designed for your property's size and terrain can significantly ease the burden of snow removal. Additionally, opting for ergonomic designs helps reduce the risk of strain and injury during extended clearing sessions.

  • 3. Clear Pathways Methodically:
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    When clearing snow from driveways, walkways, and other surfaces, adopt a systematic approach. Start from the center and work your way outward, pushing the snow to the sides. This method ensures that you're not unintentionally redistributing snow onto areas you've already cleared.

  • 4. Apply Traction Aids:

    Dos of snow removal include taking proactive measures to enhance traction on slippery surfaces. Use sand, kitty litter, or non-salt-based ice melt to provide additional grip on walkways and driveways. This minimizes the risk of slips and falls during icy conditions.

  • 5. Stay Informed About Weather Forecasts:

    Keep a close eye on weather forecasts during the winter season. Being aware of impending snowfall allows you to plan, ensuring that you're prepared for timely snow removal. Staying informed helps you manage your time effectively and prevents snow from accumulating excessively.

B. Don'ts of Snow Removal

  • 1. Neglect Safety Gear:
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    A crucial part of snow removal is neglecting proper safety gear. Sturdy gloves, non-slip footwear, and warm clothing are essential to protect yourself from the cold and potential injuries. Ignoring safety precautions can lead to accidents and hinder the effectiveness of your snow removal efforts.

  • 2. Ignore Physical Limits:

    Overexertion is a common pitfall during snow removal. Don't push yourself beyond your physical limits. Take regular breaks, listen to your body, and pace yourself to avoid fatigue and minimize the risk of injuries such as strains and sprains.

  • 3. Use Hot Water for Melting Ice:

    While it might seem like a quick solution, using hot water to melt ice is a definite don't. Pouring hot water on icy surfaces can create more hazards by refreezing and forming a new layer of ice. Stick to salt or ice melt products for safe and effective ice removal.

  • 4. Push Snow onto Streets:
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    Avoid the temptation to push snow from your driveway onto the street. This not only creates hazards for drivers but may also violate local ordinances. Piled-up snow obstructs traffic flow and can lead to accidents.

  • 5. Rely Solely on De-Iicing Products:

    While de-icing products are valuable, relying solely on them without proper snow removal can lead to issues. These products work best on thin layers of ice, so it's crucial to clear excess snow before applying them for optimal effectiveness.

C. Dos of Salting

  • 1. Pre-treat Surfaces:
    Dos-and-Donts-of-Snow-Removal-and-Salting-for-Homeowners-5

    An essential dos of salting is to pre-treat surfaces before snowfall. Applying salt or de-icing agents preemptively creates a barrier that inhibits the bonding of ice to surfaces. This proactive approach facilitates easier snow removal and reduces the need for excessive salting afterward.

  • 2. Use Salt Sparingly:

    When applying salt, practice moderation. Using salt sparingly helps minimize environmental damage and surface corrosion. A little salt goes a long way, so sprinkle it evenly, focusing on high-traffic areas, and refrain from excessive use, especially near vegetation and water sources.

  • 3. Combine Salt with Abrasives:
    Dos-and-Donts-of-Snow-Removal-and-Salting-for-Homeowners-6

    Enhance the effectiveness of salt by combining it with abrasives like sand or kitty litter. This not only provides additional traction but also reduces the overall amount of salt needed, minimizing environmental impact.

  • 4. Consider Alternative De-Icers:

    Explore alternative de-icing options to reduce environmental harm. Calcium magnesium acetate (CMA) and potassium chloride are eco-friendly alternatives that are less damaging to vegetation and water sources.

  • 5. Protect Nearby Vegetation:

    Take precautions to protect nearby vegetation from salt damage. Use physical barriers or cover delicate plants with burlap to shield them from salt runoff. This ensures your landscaping remains healthy despite winter salting efforts.

D. Don'ts of Salting:

  • 1. Neglect Environmental Impact:
    Dos-and-Donts-of-Snow-Removal-and-Salting-for-Homeowners-7

    A critical part of salting is neglecting the environmental impact of salt-based de-icers. Avoid using them near environmentally sensitive areas such as gardens, lawns, and water bodies. Opt for eco-friendly alternatives to minimize harm to the ecosystem.

  • 2. Overlook Pet Safety:

    Pets can be adversely affected by salt. Don't overlook their safety. Keep pets away from salted areas or use pet-safe de-icing products. After walks, wipe their paws to remove salt residue and prevent ingestion through grooming.

  • 3. Use Salt on Newly Installed Concrete:
    Dos-and-Donts-of-Snow-Removal-and-Salting-for-Homeowners-8

    Avoid using salt on newly installed concrete surfaces. The salt can penetrate the porous surface, leading to damage and deterioration. Instead, use alternative de-icing methods or wait until the concrete has fully cured.

  • 4. Allow Salt to Accumulate:

    Regularly clear accumulated salt from walkways and driveways. Allowing salt to build up can lead to environmental contamination and damage surfaces over time.

  • 5. Apply Salt in Extreme Cold Temperatures:

    In extremely cold temperatures, salt becomes less effective. Don't rely solely on salt in severe cold; use other measures like sand or abrasives for better traction.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS(FAQ)

Q.1: How often should I clear snow from my driveway and walkways?

A.1: Clear snow promptly, especially during heavy snowfall, to ensure safe passage.

Q.2: Is it necessary to salt before it snows?

A.2: Pre-treat with salt to prevent ice bonding, making removal easier afterward.

Q.3: What type of salt should I use for de-icing?

A.3: Consider alternatives like calcium magnesium acetate for less environmental impact.

Q.4: Can I hire professionals for occasional snowfalls?

A.4: Yes, many companies offer one-time or occasional snow removal services.

Q.5: How do I maintain snow removal equipment in the off-season?

A5:Clean and lubricate before storing in a dry location; inspect periodically.

Conclusion

Mastering snow removal is essential for homeowners to maintain safety and accessibility during the winter months. By following these 15 dos and don'ts, you can navigate the challenges of winter weather effectively while safeguarding your property and its occupants.

To obtain further information, please feel free to reach out to Merchans Landscaping through their website at https://merchanslandscaping.com/ Alternatively, you can connect with them by giving them a call at 215-431-5598. They will be delighted to assist you with any landscaping inquiries or requests you may have.