Tips on snow removal

In climates where snow is a part of winter, snow removal is part of the culture. The good news is that if you do it right, you can get some good exercise. And sometimes a well-shoveled home is a work of art.

Even if you have a snow blower, or you have a snowplow on your pickup, most of these tips will still apply in principle.

man shoveling snow

• Think spring. All your snow pile locations should be based on where the snowmelt will flow in the spring.

• Anticipate more snow. Pile snow in a way that will allow for a winter’s accumulation of snow to be added. You don’t want to have to move an entire snow bank.

• Remove new snow before someone drives or walks on it. Packed and disturbed snow can set up quite firmly.

• Start by removing snow from your main doorways and in front of the garage doors. Or maybe start by shoveling for the elderly folks next door.

• The second place to clear is around your mailbox. Shovel down to the dirt or pavement, and allow plenty of room for the mail carrier’s vehicle to get in close and back on the road again.

• Sometimes it’s best to shovel frequently during a predicted heavy snowfall. Especially if you only use a shovel, several light removals can beat clearing one big deep-snow fall.

• Use a snow shovel with a nonstick surface.

• Don’t shovel unnecessarily. Some backyard and utility pathways can just be stomped down after each new snow. Snowshoes work well for this. The snow will set up firmly, allowing easy walking.

• It’s sometimes a tossup whether to wait for the road past your house to be plowed before you shovel out your driveway, but my vote is to go ahead and get ‘er done.