News - Jan 25 2024
How To Protect Your Driveway From Snow Plow Damage

Snowfall in Canada is beautiful until you need to clean the mess that snow brings. It is important to keep your residential and commercial property clear of snow without damaging it. Driveway snow clearing is essential to prevent damage from snow plowing equipment, which can harm your outdoor area and lead to costly repairs if not handled properly. Being safe while clearing snow is crucial because there is a risk of slip-and-fall accidents. 

If you are new to using a snow plow and don’t know how to plow a driveway, you might end up harming the landscape. you might end up harming the landscape. It is advisable to take professional landscaping and driveway plow services. Let’s discuss whether a snow plow damages driveways. If so, how do you protect your landscape from this damage?

Does Snow Plow Damage the Driveway?

Snow plows can cause damage to driveways, pavements, and yards, but implementing the best practices can help minimize potential harm. Several factors come into play, influencing the degree of damage, including the type of plow used, the driveway surface, and the operator’s technique. The following factors contribute to the potential damage:

Blade Material 

The material of the plow blade plays a crucial role in protecting your landscape from damage. The blades of the plow are typically made of steel or other durable material. If the blade is in good condition and well-maintained, the chances of damage are less. Professional snow plowing experts often use steel blades to remove snow without compromising the surface.

Plow Height Adjustment

Snow plows have adjustable blade heights that allow the operators to set the blade at an appropriate height above the ground. Proper adjustment of the plow blade helps the equipment to prevent scraping or digging into the driveway surface, reducing the risk of damage.

Surface Type 

In a grassy yard, using a snow blower or other snow removal methods is more suitable because snow plowing in the yard damages the grass. Especially if the ground is soft or there is a layer of ice beneath the snow.

Concrete pavements are usually less vulnerable to damage from snow plows. However, during the usage of equipment, be cautious to avoid scraping the surface, especially if there are existing cracks or uneven areas.  

Operator Skills 

The operator’s experience and skill level are important while using a snow plow. A skilled operator can navigate the equipment without inadvertently causing damage. Otherwise, you will end up damaging your driveway, pavement, and yard by scrapping them. 

In conclusion, although snow plows may not consistently cause damage with every use, there is a significant potential for harm. 

Tips to Maintain Driveway in Winters 

Driveway winter maintenance is important to protect your landscape during the snowy season. Following are a few tips for winter driveway maintenance. 

Use a Snow-Melting Mat

Use snow-melting mats to prevent snow and ice from piling up on your driveway. These mats are designed to be placed on your driveway and plugged into an electrical outlet. Once they’re turned on, they generate heat that melts snow that comes into contact with the mat.

Snow-melting mats are a great option for people who want to avoid shoveling or plowing their driveway. They’re also a good option for people with limited mobility and difficulty shoveling their driveway.

Use Reflective Markers 

Reflective markers are tall, thin poles that are placed along the edge of your driveway. They help the snow plow operator to see exactly where your driveway ends and your yard starts. This can help to prevent the snow plow from accidentally plowing over the edge of your driveway and causing damage.

Reflective markers are especially helpful if you have a long driveway or your driveway has dim lighting. It helps to ensure that the snow plow operator sees exactly where your driveway is, even in the middle of the night.

Make Sure You Have a Contract

Always ask for a contract before hiring a snow plowing service. If your driveway, yard, or pavement got damaged by the snow plow contractor, they will compensate you for the cost of the service. 

Be sure to read the contract carefully and ask any questions you may have. If the snow plowing company is not willing to provide a contract, you should look for another company. A reputable snow plowing company will always provide you with a contract for the service. 

Don’t Let Snow Pile Up

The pile of snow is damaging your yard, driveways, and pavements. The weight of the snow can cause cracks and other damage, and the moisture from the snow can seep into any existing cracks and make them worse.

It’s best to keep your driveway as clear of snow as possible, either by shoveling it yourself or having a professional snow plowing expert.

Weather Monitoring for Preventive Measures

Always keep an eye on the weather. This might seem obvious, but it’s an important step in preventing snow plowing damage to your driveway. If a big storm is anticipated, you can take proactive steps to prepare your driveway and make sure it’s ready to withstand the challenges posed by extreme weather.

Hire a Professional Snow Plow Service 

The damage can be minimized if you hire an expert landscaping and snow removal company to remove snow from your residential and commercial landscape because they have the knowledge and experience to operate the plow properly. 

Conclusion

If you want to protect your driveway from snow plowing damage, you need to take action before the first snowfall. Seek out a reputable landscaping and snow plowing company and engage in open communication with your chosen contractor to address any concerns you may have.

You have to be careful and cautious when hiring a snow removal company. Make sure to check the credentials of the company and its employees. If you are hiring a freelancer, make sure to sign a contract and make the payment in installments. It is always better to hire a reputed company to avoid any inconvenience. 

By following these guidelines, you can effectively protect your landscape from the impacts of snow plowing and maintain its appearance throughout the winter season.

Canadian snow is magical…until you battle the aftermath. Protecting your property with our snow plowing services prevents costly repairs and dangerous slips. Keep your landscape pristine this winter!