Don’t let snow and ice get the best of you.
Winter is just seven days away, but temperatures are already beginning to reach below the freezing point. It won’t be long now until winter weather hits, and you’ll want to be prepared. While a fresh blanket of snow might make for a beautiful landscape, the inevitable need for removing it can become quite a hassle. Here are a few tips for easily removing snow and ice from your driveway, sidewalk, and landscaping.
Best Practices
The best way to remove snow is going to largely depend on where you live and how much snow you have to deal with. If you’re going to be shoveling for your winter-weather workout, keep in mind that it’s easier to repeatedly remove the snow in smaller quantities than trying to remove all of it at once. Most importantly, you’ll want to remove snow before it becomes packed down by vehicles and foot traffic.
Homeowners should never use ice picks on driveways or sidewalks, and should avoid using a shovel with metal teeth, as these things can damage the surface of the pavement. A snow blower is a wise investment, as even an inexpensive snow blower can make the process much easier on you (and your back).
Don’t Destroy Your Landscape with Ice Melt
Deicing products have become more commonplace over the years to eliminate slippery surfaces. However, some ice melters can actually end up damaging your plants and driveway pavement.
- Sodium chloride – Rock salt is a cheap deicing product that doesn’t work too well below 25 degrees. It can also leach into the soil and change the chemical balance to toxic levels.
- Calcium chloride – Works better at temperatures below zero and is less harmful to vegetation. However, it can leave behind a slippery residue that’s harmful to carpet, tile, shoes and pet’s feet. It’s also more expensive, but you don’t need as much.
- Calcium magnesium acetate – Costs much more than rock salt, but it’s salt-free and biodegradable. It also won’t harm the environment and is less damaging to concrete pavers than salt.
- Urea – Urea is primarily used as a fertilizer. Although it has a lower chance of damaging your vegetation compared to potassium chloride, it can still burn your lawn, shrubs and other plants. Runoff can also become contaminated with nitrates in the springtime.
Snow Removal and Salting from Edward’s Lawn & Home
Need help with snow removal this winter season? Don’t get caught out in the cold! When winter weather hits, Edward’s Lawn & Home can help Maryland business owners get up and running again as quickly as possible. Our snow removal services are efficient, professional, and thorough, so you can trust that your commercial property will be in good hands, no matter the weather. Get in touch with us today by calling (443) 341 6539. You can also check out our portfolio or connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Google+.