Snow Removal Tips: How to Shovel Snow This Winter

Most Canadians would probably agree that aside from the frigid cold temperatures and constantly overcast skies, one of the worst things about winter is having to shovel heaps of snow and ice from your driveway or parking lot. Depending on the size of your commercial property and your physical health, snow removal can be too difficult for you to handle on your own.

Here are some useful tips for efficiently shovelling snow on your property without breaking your back in the process.

Layer Your Clothing

While you want to stay warm while you shovel snow, sometimes the physical activity can cause you to overheat quickly, even when the temperatures are below freezing. Layering your clothes rather than wearing a heavy pullover sweater or snow pants makes it easier for you to remove layers and cool down while you work. You can add or remove layers of clothing as needed.

Shovel Snow While It’s Falling

Waiting to shovel snow until after a snowfall or storm has ended is a big mistake. By that point, the bottom layer of snow has already stuck to the ground and begun to freeze into ice, making it a lot heavier and harder to remove or lift. If you can, it’s better to shovel snow during a snowfall to limit the amount of work you have to do later on and make it easier on yourself.

Get the Right Equipment for the Job

Half the battle when it comes to snow removal is making sure you have the right equipment for the job. For larger properties located in regions that get a lot of snow, a snow blower is an excellent tool to have. Snow blowers make snow removal a cinch by collecting and blowing the white powder off your property for you. The right shovel also makes a big difference. Avoid using metal shovels to get rid of snow as these can scratch and damage the surface of your asphalt or concrete driveway. Opt for plastic shovels instead. They’re lighter and prevent driveway damages.

Push, Don’t Lift

Pushing snow bit by bit off to the side with your shovel rather than lifting it up and tossing it into piles on the side is a lot better for your back and your joints. This is a much easier and less labour-intensive snow removal technique that’ll save you a lot of aches and pains later on and make the process more efficient.

Stay Hydrated

Snow removal still counts as physical activity, so it’s always important to stay hydrated by drinking lots of water throughout the process. Hydration helps keep your energy levels up and is especially important if you’re shovelling snow off of a large property. If you’re planning on hiring snow removal services in your area, it doesn’t hurt to offer them some water or even a warm beverage to help them work as well.

Hire Snow Removal Services for Your Property

If, for whatever reason, you’re unable to shovel your driveway yourself, then trust the expert landscapers and property management team at FOREVER GREEN LAWN & LANDSCAPE INC. to do it for you. As one of the leading snow removal services in Toronto and the GTA, we offer comprehensive residential and commercial winter services to keep your property operational all year long! Book your consultation today.