Do I need to prepare my property for snow blowing service?

Preparing properties for professional snow blowing service helps ensure efficient clearing, prevents equipment damage, and protects valuable property features from accidental impacts or snow discharge. While professional operators handle most preparation considerations, property owners share responsibility for certain preparatory measures that facilitate safe, effective snow removal.

Removing or securing loose objects represents the most critical preparation step. Snow blowers discharge snow with considerable force, potentially throwing lightweight items significant distances. Doormats, decorative flags, garden stakes, hoses, extension cords, toys, and seasonal decorations should be removed from areas scheduled for snow blowing or secured in ways preventing displacement. Items left in snow blower paths can become projectiles, damage equipment augers, or suffer destruction during clearing operations.

Marking obstacles and property features helps operators avoid damage to valuable landscaping and hardscaping elements. Small landscape lights, sprinkler heads, decorative edging, driveway markers, and buried utility access points can be difficult or impossible to see under snow cover. Installing reflective stakes or markers before winter helps operators identify these features and maintain appropriate clearance. Many professional services request that clients mark obstacles during initial property assessments, creating reference maps for clearing operations throughout the season.

Addressing existing ice buildup before snow blowing service prevents equipment damage and improves clearing results. Ice layers bonded to pavement surfaces can catch snow blower augers, potentially damaging equipment or leaving rough cleared surfaces. Property owners should apply ice melt to problem areas between storms when possible, though professional services often include ice control as part of comprehensive snow management contracts. Informing service providers about known ice problem areas helps them plan appropriate treatment strategies.

Communicating property-specific concerns ensures operators understand unique challenges or sensitivities. Properties with delicate pavers, recently installed landscaping, decorative stone features, or areas requiring special handling benefit from clear communication before service begins. Many professional services conduct pre-season property walks, documenting special considerations and establishing snow discharge areas that avoid creating problems for neighboring properties or blocking critical access points.

Vehicle and parking management facilitates efficient clearing when snow blowing services include driveway maintenance. While snow blowers work around parked vehicles more easily than large plows, completely clear driveways allow faster, more thorough service. Properties with multiple vehicles or limited alternative parking should discuss scheduling flexibility with service providers, potentially arranging clearing times when vehicles can be temporarily relocated or accepting staged clearing that addresses different driveway sections as vehicles move.