Winters in Minnesota are no joke! The snow piles up quickly, engaging you in a never-ending battle to keep your driveway, sidewalks, and pathways clear.
But with the right strategies, you can stay ahead of the snowfall. Whether you’re new to Minnesota winters or a seasoned snow warrior, these essential snow removal tips will help you tackle the cold months with confidence.
Pre-Treat Surfaces
Number one on the list of snow removal hacks is to plan ahead. When the forecast says snow is on the way, a bit of winter prep work can make removal easier. Applying salt, sand, or an eco-friendly ice-melting product is a key way to prevent ice buildup.
Magnesium chloride is a great option for environmentally friendly de-icing. You can also talk to Tomms about making pretreatment options part of your fall maintenance program, so your surfaces are ready before the storm hits.
Start Early and Keep Up
Experienced homeowners know that it’s vital to clear snow as soon as possible and to stay on top of removal throughout the season. If you wait too long, you’ll be dealing with a heavy, compacted pile that’s hard to get rid of.
Fresh Minnesota snow is a lot easier to shovel than packed or icy snow, putting diligence near the top of the snow removal hacks checklist. But if the snowfall becomes overwhelming, then hiring Tomms ensures consistent clearing when you don’t have the time or energy to manage it yourself.
Invest in the Right Tools
Having good tools is one of the most practical snow removal tips. Ahead of the next Minneapolis winter, consider investing in:
- An Ergonomic Snow Shovel – Buying one that’s comfortable and well-balanced prevents back strain and makes lifting heavy snow easier.
- An Ice Scraper – This is an essential tool for keeping your car free from buildup.
- A Roof Rake – With a roof rake, you can get snow off the top of your house while staying safely on the ground.
- Melting Mats – These offer a high-tech way to keep your walkways clear, by heating walkways to prevent snow buildup.
Shovel Properly
As with any lawn or landscaping maintenance work, using the right tools is important. But good technique is another of the top snow removal hacks. Shoveling can be incredibly tough on your body, so take care when tackling your snow.
- Push the snow instead of lifting when possible
- If you must lift, bend your knees and lift with your legs, not your back
- Work in small sections and don’t overload the shovel
- Switch up your grip to prevent repetitive motion injuries
Consider a Snow Blower
If you have a large property, using a snow blower can be much more practical than a shovel. Although not the cheapest of these snow removal hacks, it’s the quickest way to clear big areas of snow. These devices do require proper maintenance and usage, and they take up a good amount of storage space.
Don’t Forget Roofs and Gutters
Heavy snow buildup on roofs can create ice dams that cause major damage to your home. The weight of snow can cause cracks and holes that require roof repairs, and your entire home structure may be compromised. Be sure to clear your roof after a heavy snowfall, and keep your gutters clean and free from ice to prevent blockages and water damage.
Install Heated Surfaces
Although it can require a significant investment, heating your driveway and walkways can save a lot of time and effort each Minnesota winter. These systems work by melting snow and ice automatically, staying ahead of pileups so you never have to shovel again. Be aware that not all home or business sites are suitable for snow removal tips like installing heated surfaces.
Call in the Professionals
Even with the best snow removal hacks, dealing with snow can be exhausting, time-consuming, and even dangerous. Hiring a professional snow removal service ensures your property stays clear without back-breaking labor and expensive equipment.
That’s why reaching out to Tomms’ Minneapolis snow removal services is one of the smartest tips you can follow. We’re here to make winter easier for you by providing fast, reliable snow clearing so you can enjoy the season. Call Tomms today to schedule your snow removal service and stay ahead of winter’s worst!
Tommy Vannelli is the founder and CEO of Tomms Property Solutions, a leading 360-degree home maintenance company based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. With a focus on providing comprehensive and high-quality home care with a customer-centric approach; Tomms has quickly become a trusted name in the industry.
Before launching Tomms, Tommy had a professional hockey career that lasted a handful of years. After his hockey career was over Tommy accumulated extensive experience in the home services sector, developing expertise that now drives the company’s success.
In addition to leading Tomms, Tommy enjoys spending time with his 2 rescue cats, his family, friends, and the great outdoors.
