Whether you hire a company for snow removal services or do it yourself, consider these tips:

1. Winter weather and snowfall totals can be unpredictable. Be prepared with food, gas, shovels, de-icing materials and a generator so you can relax no matter what comes your way.
2. Mark your driveway with reflective posts so your driveway gets plowed and not your lawn and landscape. Figure out where the snow will go and where it will cause problems.
3. Relax and stay at home until the winter storm is over. Your four wheel drive or all wheel drive vehicle is not as safe as you think. Take a break and stay home until the roads are cleaned. Have an enjoyable snow day off like you did as a kid.
4. Dress warm and stay alert if you are going out in the storm.
5. Keep up with the storm. Remove a few inches of snow at a time instead of a large amount. Typically snow removal should be done every 4 to 6” so it’s manageable and so you can get out or people can get in if there is an emergency.
6. Snow shoveling is like working out, so don’t overexert yourself and stay in the right mindset. Consider using a snowblower, then there will be little to no snow shoveling. Better yet hire a local snow plowing service.
7. Prevent salt damage by switching from salt to safer ice melting products. Salt destroys everything from grass and plants to walkways and driveways. Spending a few extra bucks for better ice melting products will help prevent more costly repairs from happening in the future.
8. Apply de-icing material carefully! Stay away from lawn and landscape areas and the edges of driveways and walkways.
9. Dogs and cats hate the salt as well, it hurts their paws! There are many pet safe products that can be used to make pet safe areas for your furry friends.
10. Avoid making walking paths on your lawn since over time walking on snow and ice will damage or kill the dormant lawn.

I hope these snow removal tips serve you well. Have a good winter and see you in the spring!