Snow removal is an important topic for several areas of your property during the Utah winter, and sidewalks are one of the most important such areas. Both for general safety and avoiding any liability or related issues from passers-by, ensuring your sidewalks are snow-free is vital – and there are some basic ways to approach this.

At Aeroscape, we’re proud to offer a huge range of landscape maintenance services to clients around Salt Lake City, South Jordan, Draper, Sandy and nearby areas, including sidewalk snow removal and various other kinds of snow removal solutions. Here are some basic tips that will make your winter sidewalk snow removal as effective and efficient as possible, whether on your own or with help from our team whenever needed.

Get an Early Start

If at all possible, it’s ideal to get an early start on your sidewalk snow removal each winter season. This means being proactive and addressing the first snowfall or two, rather than waiting until several inches have accumulated before beginning the process.

By getting out ahead of the snow accumulation, you’ll be able to more easily remove smaller amounts of snow at a time. This is not only easier physically, but it also helps prevent ice from forming under the snow – which can make the entire process much more difficult.

Use the Right Equipment

Having the right equipment is crucial for effective sidewalk snow removal. Depending on the size and layout of your property, this may include shovels, snow blowers, or even a plow for larger areas. If you have a large property or experience heavy snowfall, investing in a quality snow blower or plow may be worth it in the long run.

For instance, let’s say you have a long driveway with sidewalks on either side. A snow blower or plow can quickly clear the entire area, saving you time and effort compared to manually shoveling each individual sidewalk.

Clear Snow in Sections

When it comes to actually removing the snow from your sidewalks, it’s important to work in sections. Start at one end of the sidewalk and work your way across, rather than randomly shoveling here and there. This ensures that all areas are properly cleared and decreases the likelihood of accidentally missing spots.

Know Your Local Laws

Before beginning any snow removal process, be sure to familiarize yourself with local laws and regulations regarding property maintenance during winter months. Some cities may require sidewalks to be cleared within a certain amount of time after snowfall, so it’s important to stay on top of this to avoid any potential citations or fines.

Another possible city ordinance to keep in mind is where to place the removed snow. In some areas, it’s illegal to simply push snow onto neighboring properties or into the street – so be sure to have a designated area for dumping the excess snow.

Salt Usage

Because avoiding slip and fall risks is a key aspect of sidewalk snow removal, many people turn to salt as a way to melt the ice and create traction. However, it’s important to use salt sparingly and carefully follow any instructions on the packaging.

Over-salting can damage concrete or other materials, and excess salt can also be harmful to plants and animals. If possible, consider using an alternative such as sand or kitty litter for creating traction instead of relying solely on salt.

Ice and Other Safety Tips

If you’re dealing with icy sidewalks, it’s important to approach them carefully and use caution. Consider wearing shoes or boots with good traction or attaching ice cleats for added stability.

In addition, be sure to clear any debris or objects from the sidewalk before beginning snow removal – it’s easy to overlook such items when there is a blanket of snow covering everything. And as always, take breaks as needed and don’t push yourself beyond your physical limits.

Professional Assistance

For many property owners, hiring a professional snow removal service is the most efficient and stress-free way to handle sidewalk snow removal. Not only do they have all the necessary equipment and experience, but they can also save you valuable time during the winter season.

At Aeroscape, we offer customizable snow removal packages that cater to your specific needs. Whether it’s daily maintenance or one-time clearing after a heavy storm, our team will ensure your sidewalks are clear and safe for use. Contact us today for these or any of our other landscape maintenance services across SLC, South Jordan, Draper, Sandy or nearby areas!

We’re entering the heavy winter period around Utah, and this means snow accumulation in certain major areas. The roof is a top candidate here, and safely removing snow or ice from your roof is an important task to attend to in many situations.

At Aeroscape, we’re proud to offer a huge range of landscape maintenance and related services to clients around Salt Lake City, South Jordan, Draper, Sandy and nearby areas, including snow removal and much more. Here are some tips on how to remove snow from a roof, whether on your own or with assistance from our team whenever necessary.

Ensuring Safety

There are several major safety precautions you should be taking when removing snow or ice from your roof, and the first is the most important: Ensuring you have a stable footing. You should never climb onto an icy or snowy roof without proper footwear that provides traction to avoid major slips and falls.

Another vital precaution is ensuring you don’t damage anything on the roof itself while removing snow. This includes any shingles, tiles or other roofing materials present – if there’s too much weight, they could break or become damaged. Be careful with sharp tools like shovels as well, making sure not to scrape them against your roof in a way that could compromise its integrity.

Using Snow Rakes

One great tool for DIY snow removal is a snow rake, a long-handled tool with a wide snow-removing blade on one end. These are perfect for single-story homes or other buildings with easy-to-reach roofs, allowing you to safely remove snow from the ground level as opposed to on top of your roof.

If you don’t have a snow rake, you can also use a push broom with a long handle to remove snow from your roof. Just be sure to take it easy and not put too much pressure on the roof, as this could cause damage.

You Don’t Need to Remove Everything

When it comes to snow removal, you don’t need to get every last bit of snow off your roof. In fact, it’s better to leave a thin layer behind than it is to try and scrape everything away, as this will help protect your roof from potential damage.

If you try to scrape away every last bit of snow, the chances of you accidentally damaging your roof increase significantly. Instead, focus on removing larger chunks and leaving a protective layer behind.

Ensure Quality Landing Space

As you’re scraping snow off your roof, make sure you have a safe place for it to land. You don’t want large chunks of snow and ice falling onto walkways or other areas where people may be walking or standing below.

If you’re unable to create a safe landing space, this is an instance where it’s best to call in professional assistance like our team at Aeroscape. We can remove the snow safely and efficiently without putting anyone in harm’s way.

Keeping Drains Clear

If your roof has any drains, make sure they remain clear of snow and ice during the winter months. If they get clogged, this could lead to major water damage inside your home or building, which can be costly to repair.

Rather, keep an eye on these areas and remove any snow or ice buildup before it becomes a problem. If you’re unable to do so safely, again, it’s best to call in professional help.

No Sharp Tools or Harsh Chemicals

When it comes to DIY snow removal, it’s important to use caution with any tools or chemicals you’re using. Avoid sharp tools like axes or ice picks, as these can easily damage your roof and potentially cause injury.

Similarly, harsh chemicals like salt or de-icing agents can also cause damage to your roof and other surrounding areas. Stick to safer methods of snow removal and avoid anything that could potentially be harmful.

Professional Assistance

For many people, the safest and most efficient way to remove snow from a roof is by hiring professional help. At Aeroscape, we have years of experience removing snow safely and effectively, without causing harm or damage to your property.

In addition to snow removal services, we also offer regular landscape maintenance and other related services. Contact us today for more information on how we can help keep your property looking its best all year long. Don’t risk injury or damage to your home – trust the experts at Aeroscape for all your winter maintenance needs around SLC, South Jordan, Draper, Sandy or nearby areas!

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