With snow storms turning the state of Utah into a winter wonderland, snow removal is at the top of every home and business owner’s to-do list. Walking or driving on the snow on your driveway, sidewalk, or parking lot can pack it down and make it slippery and dangerous. That’s why adequately removing snow right away is essential.

If you’re new to removing snow and ice, or even if you’re a seasoned snow shoveler who wants to sharpen their skills, here’s everything you need to know about how to remove snow and ice to keep your property from being the scene of a slip-and-fall accident.

Shoveling By Hand

Most homeowners use a snow shovel to get the snow off of their driveways and sidewalks. Those who attempt this standard method of snow removal should follow these guidelines for safety and effectiveness:

• Dress appropriately in layers with a warm hat, gloves, and waterproof boots. 
• Use a good-quality snow shovel that’s the proper size for your height. It should be comfortable to hold and not have any cracks in it.
• Shovel with caution when the snow is wet and heavy. Move smaller scoops at a time, so you don’t pull a muscle or suffer a more severe injury like a heart attack from overworking yourself. 
• Know your limits. Doctors recommend that adults over the age of 55 avoid shoveling snow altogether. But if you are younger and you feel up to it, be careful not to push yourself beyond what you’re physically capable of. Take plenty of breaks and drink water to stay hydrated.
• Choose a shoveling pattern and stick with it. Work back and forth across the sidewalk or driveway to make sure you can pick up any snow left behind from the first pass. 

Using a Snow Blower

Snowblowers require significantly less physical exertion and can remove snow in about half the time of shoveling by hand. But there are still some precautions you need to take to keep yourself safe and remove the snow effectively.

• Dress for the weather, just like you would if you were shoveling snow by hand.
• Clean the snowblower thoroughly and make sure it’s in good working order before you attempt to use it. It’s a good idea to change the oil and put in fresh gas at the start of each season.
• Start in the middle and move the snow out to each edge as you pass by. With each pass, you’ll move the snow further to the edge of the path you’re clearing. 

Call Aeroscape Property Maintenance & Landscaping For Your Snow Removal Needs

Contact Aerorscape Property Maintenance & Landscaping today for the best snow removal services. Our snow and ice removal specialists are ready to serve your Utah home or business whenever a winter storm hits. We provide superior property maintenance and landscaping services in Midvale, Utah, and throughout the greater Salt Lake area, including Park City, Lehi, and more. Contact us today to get started!