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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!