The Best Snow Removal: Kitchener-Waterloo Winter Weather Guide
Whether you are new to Ontario and its heavy snowfalls or simply cannot stand another season of snow removal, Kitchener-Waterloo has landscape maintenance companies that contract for snow clearing around your home. They make life easier and take much of the stress out of winter. For those that prefer to bundle up, head outside and clear their own drives and walks, there are a few basics about safe snow clearing that are good to know.
Snow Shoveling Tips
Look for a snow shovel with a rigid blade or scoop and a comfortable handle. Plastic shovels are light, but have a hard time with heavy snow and ice. Snow shoveling is a leading cause of wintertime lower back injuries. There are shovels with ergonomic handles, but they are sometimes awkward to use. It is just as important to bend your knees when shoveling.
Some experts recommend having two shovels for driveway clearing. A snow shovel with a wide blade is used to push snow to the edge of the drive; a scoop type shovel is then used as needed to clear whatever is piled at the edge of the drive.
Try to avoid walking on the snow before you start to remove it. Any amount of compaction makes the job more difficult. During big snowfalls, many prefer to clear their walks and drive every few hours, a few inches at a time, rather than waiting to remove a large amount of snow once it stops. It depends whether you want one big job or several smaller, shorter work sessions.
Snow Blower Tips
Getting the best results with a snow blower can be tricky. The main goal is not to blow snow onto areas you have already cleared. If you have space on both sides of your driveway, start in the middle working lengthwise and make a series of u-turns, widening your path each time, blowing snow toward the outside edges. If you only have room to pile snow on one side of the drive, start on the other side and work across, only blowing the snow in one direction.
Take frequent breaks when pushing the blower. Never try to clear snow off of the machine while it is on. If you have a gas-powered machine, wear hearing protection. Be sure people and pets are clear from the side of the snow blower. They will sometimes pick up loose gravel or other objects.
If you are shopping for a new snow blower, bigger is not always best, particularly if you have a small driveway. Some of the smaller machines clear better and throw snow farther. Start looking at the larger blowers only if you have a big driveway or lots of surface area to clear.
When winter arrives again, snow is certain to follow. Be prepared with your own equipment or, better yet, let someone else handle it for you. Whether you live in the city of Kitchener or a Waterloo suburb, The Gardener has a snow removal plan that fits your needs. Contact them for a free consultation.
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