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The first serious snowfall of the season has a way of exposing everything you meant to deal with earlier. The shovel is buried somewhere in the garage, the downspout extension is still lying across the walkway, and the patio furniture suddenly looks much heavier under six inches of wet snow. A little preparation before the sky turns white can save you time, protect your property, and make those first snowy mornings a lot easier.
If clearing the driveway and walkways is something you would rather leave to someone else, arrange snow removal before the season gets busy. Waiting until a major storm is already in the forecast can leave you scrambling for availability. Whether you hire help or handle the work yourself, however, having a plan is important before the first heavy accumulation.
Clear the Yard Before Snow Hides Everything
Walk around your property and remove anything that could disappear beneath the snow. Garden hoses, extension cords, toys, tools, planters, and low decorations can become tripping hazards or obstacles for shovels and snow blowers.
Pay extra attention to the driveway and pathways. Small objects that seem harmless now can damage snow-clearing equipment when buried and impossible to see.
This is also a good time to trim branches that are already damaged or hanging low over driveways, walkways, and entrances. Snow and ice add considerable weight, potentially causing weakened branches to break.
Make Sure Water Has Somewhere to Go
Snow eventually melts, and how that water travels matters.
Check your gutters and remove accumulated leaves and debris before freezing temperatures settle in. Clogged gutters can prevent melting snow from draining properly. Downspouts should also direct water away from foundations and areas where runoff could refreeze on walking surfaces.
Look at low spots around patios, steps, and pathways as well. If water regularly pools there after rain, those same areas can become slippery patches during winter freeze-and-thaws.
Get Your Winter Equipment Ready
Your snow blower not starting is frustrating enough. Finding that out after a 20-centimetre snowfall is worse.
Test your powered equipment before you need it and take care of any manufacturer-recommended maintenance. Inspect shovels for cracked handles, loose components, or damaged blades. It’s also good to keep ice melt, traction aids, gloves, and other winter supplies somewhere accessible, moving them out from behind seasonal storage.
Think about where you will put the snow, too. Continually piling it at the end of the driveway, against the house, or beside a walkway can create visibility, drainage, and access problems as snow accumulates from snowfall to snowfall.
Mark Things You Need to Avoid
Once the ground is covered, familiar landscaping features can become surprisingly difficult to locate. Mark the edges of driveways, pathways, garden beds, retaining walls, and other vulnerable areas with visible stakes.
This is especially useful if someone else is going to be clearing your property. Clearly identifying boundaries can reduce the risk of a snow blower, shovel, or plow damaging grass, edging, decorative stone, or other landscaping hidden beneath the snow.
Make Entrances Safer
Your front steps and walkway need extra attention. Repair loose pavers, uneven surfaces, and damaged steps where possible. Small defects can become hazards when they’re covered with ice and/or snow.
Also check your exterior lighting. Replace burned-out bulbs and make sure entrances, steps, and primary walking routes are adequately illuminated. Good visibility becomes especially important during winter, when you may be leaving and coming home in darkness.
Prepare Before the Forecast Forces Your Hand
Pick a dry fall afternoon and walk your property as though several inches of snow were already covering it. Anything that could become difficult, dangerous, or inconvenient deserves attention now. Winter preparation is much easier than trying to race an approaching storm or dealing with challenges after the fact.