Using a professional snow removal service makes sense if you live in a snowy climate and don’t have the time or the desire to stay on top of frequent storms. But, you may have heard horror stories about damaged property. Unfortunately, this can happen, but only with improper planning. Here’s how professionals protect hardscapes during snow plowing in Peekskill, NY.
Related: A CHECKLIST FOR WINTER PROPERTY MAINTENANCE IN BRIARCLIFF MANOR, NY
Before the Season
This is the optimal time to request a site visit from your snow removal company so they can mark the property and become aware of any special considerations.
In heavy snow, a snow plow driver can’t be expected to see what’s buried under the snow. Be sure that the edges of your driveway, walkway, and any other surface that will be plowed or shoveled are clearly marked. This includes marking flower beds, retaining walls, shrubs, light fixtures, or other low features that could easily be obscured during heavy snowfall. Plastic light-reflecting poles are best for this since the short days of winter mean that some plowing operations must occur in the dark (and if you’re concerned about ugly orange sticks all around your driveway, you can dress them up with holiday decorations or even string lights).
Set up a plowing contract and determine the depth of snowfall you want the pros to come out for. It’s recommended that snow is removed as quickly as possible before it accumulates and before the weight of snow compacts it into ice, which will require considerably more brute force to move. This can be as little as 4-6” deep.
If you want your snow removal company to use deicing chemicals, be sure that they only use deicing salt that is appropriate for your hardscape and softscape. Not all deicers are alike and many will damage concrete driveway and walkway pavers. Avoid sodium chloride (rock salt), magnesium chloride, and calcium chloride if you have any concrete surfaces. Potassium chloride is relatively safe for use around vegetation and it is not as harsh on concrete surfaces. The least destructive choice is calcium magnesium acetate (CMA), which is comparatively safe for vegetation as well as concrete surfaces.
Your snow removal company should use rubber or urethane blade covers on their plows and snow blowers, they should use plastic shovels to avoid scratching concrete pavers. Whenever possible, ask that the company use snowblowers instead of plows, since snowblowers disperse snow more evenly over the landscape. This will result in more even melting and less runoff.
Only work with a snow removal company that hauls snow away rather than pushing it onto the lawn. Plowed snow quickly compacts and melts much more slowly than naturally fallen snow. Compacted snow will prevent air from reaching the grass, making it susceptible to fungal growth, which can delay spring growth.
Also ask your landscape maintenance company to prune any trees or shrubs that are overhanging a driveway or walkway, as the weight of snow-laden branches can cause them to sag and be damaged by snow removal equipment.
As you can see, clear communication before the first storm hits is vital to help your snow removal company clearly mark the areas to be plowed. They can then take preventive measures to ensure that your property is not damaged.
During the Season
Check your marker poles before every expected snowstorm to ensure that none have fallen down, and keep any surfaces clear of any movable items that may become hidden under heavy snow.
For best results, schedule snow removal well in advance to ensure that you are prioritized during all snow events.
Related: WHY PROFESSIONAL SNOW PLOWING INCREASES THE LONGEVITY OF YOUR PAVER DRIVEWAY IN YORKTOWN, NY