The winter months are challenging for Toronto residents in terms of dealing with snow and extreme weather conditions. As the snowfall starts, it causes a significant disruption of mobility and requires extra work from the homeowners in the form of snow removal.
Snow can be dangerous if not taken care of properly because accumulated snow creates various hazardous conditions, which increase the risk of slips and falls. Therefore, shoveling the snow is crucial to ensure safety.
In this blog, we will discuss nine snow removal hacks to help you shovel snow quickly and safely. These tips, often used by professional snow removal services, will make your shoveling experience smoother and more efficient.
9 Quick Snow Shovel Hack
In this blog, we will discuss nine hacks to shovel snow quickly and safely. These are the useful tricks used by professional snow plowing service providers. Let’s check how you can shovel snow quickly and safely through these tips.
Invest in the Right Shovel
Before the winter season starts, invest in the best shovel according to your space requirement, as it plays an important role in your shoveling experience. Find a lightweight with a strong handle shovel, so it will not cause you physical strain. Moreover, look for a non-sticky coating to prevent the snow from sticking.
Use Cooking Oil Spray
If you have an old shovel that is not non-sticky, it would be tough for you to shovel in the driveway and sidewalk. The hack for using an old shovel is to spray it with cooking oil; it will make the job easier.
This trick will help you move the snow more quickly and prevent the snow from sticking to the shovel. After every use of the equipment, wipe down the shovel properly to avoid a mess.
Use Rock Salt
Rock salt is a perfect temporary de-icer. It is the best for the windshield of your vehicle. Using table salt will help prevent the formation of hard frost over your car’s windshield throughout the cold and snowy night.
For this trick, put table salt in some old socks and then rub it all over the windows and windshield the night before a predicted snowfall or generally on cold, snowy winter nights.
Rub it all over the surface properly to ensure that the trick works well to serve the purpose. But remember that overdoing this technique can affect the car’s surfaces that are being de-iced.
Remove Snow in Layers
You can shovel fast and safely by removing snow in layers. Remove snow step by step from your driveway and walkways. Break down the piles of snow into smaller sections so it will be easier for you to handle the snow. This hack will help you not feel overwhelmed and is much gentler on your muscles.
Lifting Techniques of Snow
Take snow shoveling as a physical activity, so warm up your body before shoveling. Gently stretch your arms, legs, and back. It will increase the blood flow in your body and make your muscles more flexible.
Lifting snow is like a proper workout for your muscles; do it so that it does not hurt your muscles and back. Bend your knees in such a way as if you are doing squats; this helps you use the strong muscles in your legs instead of putting all the weight on your back. Keep your back straight throughout snow shoveling.
Timely Snow Shoveling
Schedule your snow removal timing as the snow starts; shovel it right after it stops. It will be much easier for you to handle it right away. It will be light and fluffy at that time, and you can shovel it easily. Don’t give snow the time to pile up and get heavy.
The tip to remove snow quickly is to be proactive. Don’t wait for the snow to become a heavy burden. This way, you can save yourself time and effort, and the snow shoveling process will become much smoother. Doing so will affect your mobility, but it will also not affect you until the snow plowing services come to the rescue.
Safety and Precautions
While working in the harsh weather of Toronto, cover yourself properly, wear layers, and ensure each layer gives your body the warmth it requires. Don’t forget to wear a hat and waterproof gloves. Staying warm is essential for maintaining efficiency and overall comfort during snow removal.
When shoveling snow, it’s common to lose foot grip while walking on a slippery surface. The hack is to wear socks over your shoes to prevent slipping and improve traction. In this way, you can easily walk over wet snow without falling or slipping.
Use Leaf Blower
Winter is usually not the season for lawn care, but your leaf blower can be used for snow-blowing. Right after the snowfall, use your leaf-blowing machine to clear out fluffy snow from the walkways, driveways, lawn, and around your vehicles. In Toronto, almost every professional landscaping and snow removal company uses this trick to blow snow from the walkways, driveways, and lawns for a clean look.
Spread Sand
A simple yet effective snow removal tip is to spread sand generously on driveways and walkways. This improves traction and makes it easier to move around safely. If you’re out of sand, the alternative is to use kitty litter for the same purpose. It’s an excellent pre-snowfall technique.
Tips for Properly Shoveling Snow to Avoid Injury
Shoveling snow may seem easy, but it can lead to serious injuries without the proper technique. To ensure you’re using the easiest way to shovel snow and avoiding common pitfalls, follow these tips:
- Warm-Up Before Starting: Before heading out, warm up your muscles with light exercises or stretches. This simple step prepares your body for the physical activity ahead and reduces the risk of muscle strains.
- Use the Right Posture: Keep your back straight and bend at the knees, not the waist. This posture helps you leverage your leg strength instead of putting undue pressure on your back, making it the best way to shovel the driveway and other areas.
- Pace Yourself: Don’t rush the job. Take regular breaks, especially if the snow is heavy. This approach prevents fatigue and makes the snow removal process more manageable.
- Push, Don’t Lift: When possible, push the snow instead of lifting it. Pushing is much easier on your body and minimizes the strain on your back.
When to Hire a Professional Snow Shoveling Service?
While the tips and snow removal hacks mentioned above are highly effective, there are times when hiring a professional service is the better option. Consider hiring a professional when:
- Heavy Snowfall: If the snow is too heavy or has accumulated significantly, removing it on your own might be challenging.
- Lack of Time: Scheduling snow removal can be difficult for busy people. A professional service can ensure your property is cleared quickly and efficiently.
- Physical Limitations: If you have health concerns or physical limitations, shoveling snow could pose a risk. Hiring professionals ensures your safety while keeping your property snow-free.
At Elm Landscaping, we understand the importance of timely and effective snow removal. Our team is equipped with the best tools and expertise to handle even the toughest conditions. Don’t let snow slow you down—hire a professional snow shoveling service today and enjoy a worry-free winter season.
Conclusion
In conclusion, using the appropriate equipment and strategic technique is important to shovel snow quickly and safely. Remember to take breaks during snow shoveling and stay hydrated. Prioritize your safety and avoid strains and accidents by using the above hacks.
We hope these tips help your shoveling process smoother and more enjoyable this snowy season. But if you have a busy schedule and you find snow shoveling a challenging and difficult task to do, Elm Landscaping has got you covered. Our professional team is experienced and equipped with all the necessary tools to remove snow from your landscape, giving you peace of mind in the snowy season. So, let’s shovel it away and enjoy the winter season.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the easiest way to shovel snow?
The easiest way to shovel snow is to use a lightweight, ergonomic shovel and push the snow instead of lifting it. Additionally, removing snow in layers and using tools like leaf blowers or rock salt can make the task less labor-intensive.
What’s the best way to shovel a driveway?
The best way to shovel a driveway is by working in sections and pushing the snow toward the edges. Use a shovel with a wide blade, and consider using a snow pusher to speed up the process.
Is it safe to shovel snow during a snowstorm?
No, it’s safer to wait until the storm passes. Poor visibility, heavy snow, and cold temperatures increase the risk of injury.
Can I use a snow blower instead of a shovel?
Yes, snow blowers are ideal for large areas and heavy snowfall, reducing physical effort. Just follow safety guidelines to avoid accidents.
Are there specific shoveling techniques for clearing driveways?
Yes, start by clearing the center, pushing snow to the sides, and removing heavy snow in layers to reduce strain. Use an ergonomic shovel for better safety.
What should you wear when shoveling snow for safety and comfort?
Wear warm, moisture-wicking clothing layers, sturdy waterproof boots with good traction, insulated gloves, and a hat. Use a scarf or mask to protect your face from the cold.
What is the best time to shovel snow for maximum efficiency?
Shovel snow during the day when temperatures are slightly warmer, ideally after the snowfall stops. This prevents snow from hardening and reduces the risk of ice forming.