Winter is Coming: How to Keep Your Walkways Safe and Snow-Free Without Breaking a Sweat!

• By Truelove Lawn Care
• October 9th, 2024

Winter is just around the corner, and while the first snowfall might look like a scene from a holiday card, the reality of keeping your walkways safe and snow-free can feel more like a never-ending chore. You don’t want to deal with slipping on icy paths or shoveling snow every few hours, and let’s be honest—most of us would rather be inside by the fire than out battling the cold. But keeping your property safe, especially for family, guests, or customers, is essential. So, how do you make sure your walkways stay clear without spending all winter with a shovel in hand?

Let’s break down a few practical and time-saving ways to keep your walkways safe, snow-free, and easy to manage this winter.

The Importance of Staying on Top of Snow Removal

When snow and ice start piling up, it’s not just inconvenient—it’s dangerous. Whether you're managing a home or a business, slippery walkways are a major safety hazard. Icy conditions increase the risk of falls and accidents, which could leave you with liability issues if someone gets hurt on your property. Plus, the longer snow sits, the harder it becomes to remove.

But it doesn’t have to be a constant battle. With the right approach and a little planning, you can minimize the stress of snow removal and keep your walkways safe throughout the winter season.

Act Fast: Don’t Let Snow Pile Up

The sooner you deal with snow, the easier it is to manage. Fresh snow is a lot lighter and less compacted than snow that’s been sitting around for hours or even days. When you let it pile up, it can become dense, icy, and much harder to remove.

Why Frequent Snow Removal Is Key

It might be tempting to wait until the storm’s over before tackling the snow, but clearing it early and often is your best bet. Shoveling or using a snow blower in intervals during the snowfall prevents the snow from becoming packed down and heavy. Even doing a quick pass on your walkways can save you hours of hard labor later.

If you're managing a business, keeping walkways clear during business hours isn’t just smart—it’s critical. Customers and employees need a safe path, and slipping on ice is a fast way to lose business and gain a lawsuit.

Choose the Right Tools for the Job

Not all snow removal tools are created equal. Depending on the size of your property and the typical snowfall in your area, you’ll want to make sure you’re equipped with the right tools to make the job easier.

Shovels and Snow Blowers

For smaller areas like walkways and steps, a snow shovel is usually enough. Opt for an ergonomic shovel that helps reduce the strain on your back and arms. For larger driveways or long pathways, investing in a snow blower might be the way to go. Snow blowers can quickly and efficiently clear large areas, saving you tons of time and effort.

Ice Melt and Sand

Once the snow is cleared, your next concern is ice. Ice melt products can help keep walkways free from dangerous slick spots, but not all products are created equal. Some types of ice melt are more effective at lower temperatures, and others are safer for pets, plants, and concrete. Read the labels carefully to choose the right one for your needs.

Sand is another option for adding traction to icy spots. While it won’t melt ice, it can make surfaces less slippery, giving you and others a better grip as you walk.

Preventing Ice Build-Up Before It Happens

Wouldn’t it be great if you could prevent ice from forming in the first place? Luckily, there are a few steps you can take to make sure your walkways stay clear before a storm hits.

Pre-Treat Your Walkways

One of the best ways to stay ahead of the game is by pre-treating your walkways with ice melt before the snow starts falling. A pre-treatment forms a protective barrier that makes it harder for ice to bond to the surface, meaning less work for you after the storm.

Pre-treatment works best if applied just before the snow begins. You don’t need a thick layer—a light sprinkle across the surface will do the trick. Once the snow starts to accumulate, it will be much easier to clear, and you’ll have fewer icy patches to deal with.

Install Snow-Melting Mats

Another clever option, especially for high-traffic walkways, is installing heated snow-melting mats. These mats can be placed on steps, walkways, or ramps, and they work by gently warming the surface to prevent snow and ice from building up in the first place. It’s an investment upfront, but it can save you from hours of snow removal all season long.

What to Do When Ice Won’t Budge

Sometimes, no matter how prepared you are, ice can still form, and it can be tough to remove once it’s hardened into place. Chipping away at thick ice can be exhausting and ineffective, so it’s important to have a backup plan.

Use the Right Ice Melt

If you’re dealing with stubborn ice, make sure you’re using an ice melt product designed for the temperatures you’re facing. Regular rock salt (sodium chloride) works well down to about 15°F, but for colder conditions, you might need a product like calcium chloride, which can work in temperatures as low as -25°F. This will help break up the ice faster, making it easier to shovel away or melt completely.

Focus on High-Traffic Areas First

When time is limited, prioritize the areas that get the most foot traffic. Steps, ramps, and main walkways should be cleared first, since they’re the most likely to cause slips and falls. Once those are taken care of, you can move on to less critical areas.

Outsource the Job and Enjoy Winter Stress-Free

Let’s be honest—snow removal can be exhausting, especially when you’ve got better things to do than spend your days shoveling. If you’re looking for a more hands-off approach, hiring a professional snow removal service can make all the difference.

Why Hire a Professional?

A reliable snow removal service, like Truelove Lawn Care, can take the guesswork and hard labor out of keeping your property safe all winter long. They’ll monitor the weather, show up on time, and ensure your walkways and parking lots stay clear—no matter how harsh the storm. Whether you need ongoing maintenance throughout the season or just a one-time snow removal after a major storm, they’ve got you covered.

By outsourcing snow removal, you’ll have peace of mind knowing your property is being taken care of by professionals, so you can focus on more important things—like enjoying the winter without the stress of constant shoveling.

Winter can be tough, but keeping your walkways safe doesn’t have to be. By staying on top of snow removal, using the right tools, and taking preventative measures, you can keep ice and snow at bay with less effort. And if you’d rather leave the heavy lifting to the pros, Truelove Lawn Care is here to help with comprehensive snow removal services that take the headache out of winter maintenance.