Buffalo & WNY Lawn & Landscape Blog

During the wintertime here Buffalo, you can expect to see snow plows pushing the snow from our roads on a regular basis. While we wouldn’t have it any other way than to have regular snow plowing, it can present a problem when the snow is pushed into piles that block our driveways and sidewalks. When this happens, it’s up to the homeowner or business owner to remove the piled high dirty snow that’s now blocking the property. Whether it’s from fresh snowfall or the county or city snow plows, you’ll want to have your home or business walkways and driveways kept clear.

There’s nothing worse than being snowed in, shut out, or closed down when snow gets in the way. As beautiful as it is, snow can become a nuisance for everyone involved when it isn’t removed properly. Ice begins to form as the snow melts, making the foot traffic areas and the driveways slippery and dangerous, in fact more than 11,000 adult and children to the hospital every year from snow and ice related injuries. With this being said, Dreamscapes is here with tips on how to safely deal with the snow on your sidewalk and driveway.

Equip Yourself

It’s important to dress appropriately for the job you intend to do, but when shoveling your driveway and side walk this is especially so. Wear gloves that are think enough to protect your hands from the cold, but dexterous enough to wield a shovel. Your feet should be covered with well-fit waterproof boots, complete with soles that still have good traction.  When you’re shoveling snow it’s important to wear multiple layers, because, while it may start cold, you can quickly over-heat with the work exertion.  Start with a layer of long underwear, then regular pants and shirt, followed by sweater, snow pants, and on the top layer a waterproof winter coat. Finally, to top everything off you should wear a warm hat, preferably waterproof if it’s still snowing.

For shoveling you should make sure make sure the shovel is the right size for you. If you’re short, a long shovel handle can be unwieldy; while if you’re tall a short shovel can quickly make the task miserable. You should also make sure the scoop of the shovel isn’t too large for you to handle, otherwise you may end up straining yourself.

Be Aware of Your Surroundings

It goes without saying that where there’s snow, there will be ice. Keep a careful watch out for ice on your porch, sidewalk, walkway, and driveway.  This is especially true the day after a snow, when the snow has had a chance to melt and refreeze.  And while you’re minding the ground, shoveling your front walkway, don’t forget to look up, as icicles formed on your roof eaves are potentially serious hazards as well as sliding snow from rooftops.

Don’t Overexert Yourself

If you have a history of heart problems, strokes, seizures, or are pregnant you should not shovel.  If you are fit to shovel, make sure you keep in mind the strain on your body as you work, make sure you’re hydrated, and that you aren’t lifting too much. It wouldn’t do you much good shoveling snow to get to work, if you pull your back while you’re doing it.

The last tip we have to offer you is to plan in advance. Dreamscapes offers snow removal services to the Buffalo and WNY areas. However, our routes fill up very quickly, so be sure to contact a contractor before the winter season starts if you are looking for a snow removal service for your home or business.