Tips To Prepare For Residential Snow Removal

Heavy snow can be a major nuisance, especially if you are unable to get out and shovel it away from yourself. Fortunately, there is another option. Snow removal services aren't just for businesses. There are residential snow removal services that will make sure you are able to leave your home without having to fight the snowdrifts that collect in your driveway. The following three tips will allow you to get the most from your snow removal service without any of the pitfalls.

#1: Remove any obstructions

That pretty planter at the foot of the driveway or that old pile of bricks sitting by the garage door can be a major issue if hit by a snowplow or even a snowblower. To prevent damage to your belongings and to the equipment the service uses, remove these items before the workers arrive. To make this easier, make paving clearing part of your normal fall landscape maintenance routine. Put away any items that sit on or near the driveway and walkways that could pose a hazard during snow removal. Not only does this prevent property damage, but it can also prevent injury to the snow removal workers.

#2: Flag the route

You may think that the outline of your driveway or sidewalk is obvious, but it can be easy to misjudge the location once everything is covered in a blanket of white. The best strategy here is to invest in some snow poles or reflectors. Snow poles are long, bright orange poles. They typically have lines on them so you can also use them to measure snow depth. Reflectors are similar, except there is a reflector mounted to the top of the pole. You can actually use any brightly colored pole that can be seen easily against the snow and that is tall enough to stand above the snow level. Place these at the corners of your driveway, as well as the sidewalk. If you have a curved sidewalk, place them every couple of feet to outline the shape. Just make sure to install them before the falling snow obscures the paving.

#3: Get followup services

Finally, don't overlook followup services. The most common one to add-on to your plowing service is walkway treatments. Your snow removal company will simply sprinkle ice melt on all walkways to ensure there are no slipping hazards. If you won't be able to maintain snow removal during a prolonged snow event, you may also want to hire the service for followup removal. This may not include a full plowing if snow levels don't necessitate it, but they can come out daily to remove light snow buildup on the sidewalk and retreat with ice melt until the storm has passed.

For more assistance, contact a snow removal service in your area.