Heavy lake-effect snow can turn your driveway into a hazard overnight, making it hard to get to work, school, or even your mailbox. Clearing it quickly and correctly not only keeps your family safe but also prevents slips, falls, equipment mishaps, and even heart strain.
We know how exhausting it can feel to face another round of shoveling after a long day.
That is why this guide brings you practical, proven snow removal tips to help you clear snow faster, protect your health, and do it in a way that is better for your property and the environment.
Before you start moving snow, a few minutes of preparation can make the job safer and faster.
Ensure that you do the following every time you prepare for snow removal:
1. Warm up for Safety: Do light stretches or a short walk to loosen your muscles and reduce the risk of strain or heart stress.
2. Dress for Warmth and Traction: Wear layered clothing, insulated gloves, non-slip boots, and a hat or face covering to protect against frostbite.
3. Check the Area: Look for icy spots, uneven surfaces, or hidden obstacles like hoses and garden tools.
4. Gather the Right Tools: Choose an ergonomic shovel, prepare your snow blower, and have eco-friendly de-icing products ready.
Percy’s Pro Tip: Clear snow before it freezes overnight to make removal easier.
The extra minutes you spend here will prepare you for a safer, quicker, and less stressful snow removal. With everything ready, you can move on to the best ways to clear your driveways and walkways efficiently.
Clearing snow the right way can save time, reduce strain, and keep paths safe for everyone:
Working smart at this stage can make the rest of your snow clearing much easier and faster. With your driveways and walkways clear, it is time to look at how to use a snow blower safely and efficiently.
A snow blower can save time and energy, but it also brings its own set of risks. Using it correctly will help you work faster, protect your equipment, and keep yourself safe:
Always start and run your snow blower outdoors to avoid carbon monoxide buildup. Never operate it in a garage or enclosed space, even with the door open.
If snow jams the chute, turn off the engine, wait for all moving parts to stop, and use a clearing tool. Never use your hands, even if the engine is off, as stored energy in the auger can cause injury.
Plan your passes so you work with the wind and throw snow away from cleared areas. Overlap slightly to prevent streaks of leftover snow, but avoid unnecessary re-passes that waste fuel and time.
Allow the engine to cool entirely before adding fuel to prevent fire hazards. Store fuel in an approved container, away from heat sources, and never top off indoors.
Proper snow blower habits not only protect your safety but also extend the life of your equipment. After your blower work, you can focus on safe shoveling techniques that protect your back, joints, and overall health.
Shoveling can be an intense workout, and doing it the wrong way increases the risk of muscle strain, back pain, and heart problems. A few smart adjustments to your technique can make a big difference in safety and comfort:
A well-matched shovel makes the job easier and reduces strain:
Whenever possible, move snow without lifting to conserve energy:
If you must lift, the right posture keeps your spine protected:
Steady, paced work is safer and less exhausting:
Early action saves you effort later:
By using the right tools, proper form, and a steady pace, you can clear snow effectively while protecting your body from unnecessary strain and injury.
What you put down next can mean the difference between a safe, ice-free walkway and damage to your driveway, plants, and even your pets’ paws.
Not all ice-melting methods are created equal, and some can do more harm than good. Keeping surfaces safe in winter does not have to come at the expense of your lawn, plants, or local waterways:
Choosing the right de-icing approach keeps walkways clear, your property healthy, and the environment protected.
Once the snow is gone, taking a few minutes to care for your tools will make them last longer and keep them ready for the next snowfall.
Looking after your equipment now prevents costly repairs and ensures it works when you need it most.
Regular upkeep after each storm helps you avoid mid-season breakdowns and keeps your snow removal routine running smoothly.
Preparation, safe technique, and eco-friendly practices are the foundation of effective snow removal, but doing it consistently through a Western New York winter can be a challenge. Lake-effect snow arrives fast and often, and keeping up requires both experience and the right equipment.
Percy’s Lawn Care has been serving Buffalo, Amherst, and Cheektowaga for more than two decades, helping homeowners stay ahead of the snow season after season.
Our team knows the patterns, timing, and intensity of local storms, allowing us to clear snow quickly and prevent dangerous ice buildup. We provide timely snow clearing, use eco-friendly de-icing products that protect your property, and keep walkways safe for family and guests.
Contact Percy’s Lawn Care today to schedule professional snow removal and enjoy a winter where your driveway, sidewalks, and entryways stay clear, safe, and ready for use.
1. What is the safest way to shovel snow?
Warm up your muscles first, take it slow, use proper form, push snow instead of lifting it, bend with your knees, and stop if you feel dizzy, short of breath, or chest discomfort.
2. How often should you clear snow?
Shovel snow early and often after every 2 to 4 inches instead of waiting, to avoid compacted, hard-to-move layers.
3. Are natural de-icing alternatives effective?
Yes. Options like sand, wood ash, kitty litter, or biodegradable compounds such as calcium magnesium acetate offer traction and reduce environmental impact compared to salt.
4. What should you know about heart risk while shoveling?
Cold weather plus physical exertion raises heart attack risk, especially for those with health conditions or over 50. Pause every 15 to 20 minutes, use smaller shovelfuls, and warm up before starting.
5. What homemade or unconventional de-icers work?
Simple solutions like coffee grounds, vinegar mixed with water, beet juice, or heated snow mats can melt ice and provide traction without harmful chemicals.
