7 Tips For Preparing Your Driveway for Snow Removal

Winter snow removal services are so vital not just for businesses that wish to remain open, but for homeowners who need access to their driveway during the colder months.

At Earth Development, we have more than 20 years of experience providing reliable snow removal services in Iowa, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and beyond. We aim not just to provide the best snow removal services at prices we can afford, but also some key advice that everybody can take on board.

Whether you access our services or not – and we hope you do! – the following five steps will help you prepare your driveway for snow removal. This minimizes the impact of the snow and means snow removal experts may be able to get the job done for you a little more quickly.

Start Preparing Before Snow Arrives

One of the first pieces of advice we offer people is to prepare for snow before it arrives. We do this with our seasonal plans, providing pre-emptive deicing treatments before snowfall and storms arrive.

You can take pre-emptive action by spreading salt if you have any, which will minimize ice formation on your driveway and make it harder for the snow to bond to the ground. It makes the snow removal process much easier, especially if our snow removal team hasn’t previously attended your property.

Tip #1: See if Your Driveway Has Any Cracks

Hairline cracks in driveways are common, but they can continue spreading, widening, and deepening as the seasons pass. Look for cracks before the first snowfall and compare what you see the following spring.

Tip #2: Seal Those Cracks

Regrettably, current cracks in your driveway will only worsen. Melting ice and snow can seep through them and refreeze. As this water freezes, it expands and widens the cracks. Want to know how to prep your driveway for snow and protect it? Sealing it during fall to avoid this cycle from repeating itself.

Tip #3: Check for Drainage Issues

Standing water like puddles that don’t clear up in fine weather conditions should be dealt with immediately, as they can deteriorate and damage the pavement’s chemical bonds.

Tip #4: Spread Salt Before Snow Hits

Take preemptive action by spreading rock salt or ice melt, which minimizes ice formation on your driveway and makes it harder for the snow to bond to the ground. This makes the snow removal process much easier, especially if your driveway snow clearing service hasn’t previously attended to your property.

What To Do If the Snow Already Arrived

If the snow has already arrived and you want to ensure a professional snow removal team can get the job done as quickly as possible, there are a couple of options for you to consider.

Tip #5: Don't Wait to Clean Your Driveway

As a general rule of thumb, you should keep your driveway in good nick all year round. Still wondering how to keep your driveway clear from the snow? When the snow begins to fall, make sure to clean your driveway as quickly as possible and try to keep it clean.

If you use salt or ice melt, remember certain ice melts have chemicals that can seep into cracks and erode pavements. Be sure to power wash your pavement thoroughly.

Plant debris and rocks that are left behind after the snow melts can also deteriorate driveways. Always sweep your driveway clean once the weather has cleared.

Tip #6: Use the Right Snow Removal Tools for Your Driveway

Snowblower: This machinery is excellent for removing early layers of snow and preventing it from bonding with the ground.

Shovel: Simple and effective, but tiresome. Get a head start and prevent falling snow from bonding to the ground, or simply call Earth Development to do it for you.

Tip #7: Move Cars and Obstacles

If possible, try to move cars and obstacles before snowfall, as this will make driveway snow removal with shovels and snowblowers easier once the snowstorm has subsided.

Earth Development Has Your Back

Whether you’re able to take preventative action or not, Earth Development has your back this winter. We perform preventative maintenance treatments, helping you stay on top of ice and snow this winter. We’ll attend to your property before, during, and after weather events to keep your driveway in use even during the snow.

For a free quote or to find out more about our services, don’t hesitate to contact the Earth Development team! A friendly expert will be happy to walk you through the options available to you and even give you a free, no-obligation quote.