Things You Should Know about Snow Removal on Your Property

Safety First!

The removal of snow from driveways and sidewalks is critical to prevent injuries such as slips, falls and potentially more serious injuries. Icy surfaces are slippery and can present a significant amount of danger to you, your family, and visitors.

It is always best to clear snow and ice as soon as possible. Clearing snow and ice from your property will help prevent slips and falls. Never put off clearing paths and driveways, immediate removal ensures no one will get injured.

Preventing Property Damage

The accumulation of snow on driveways, walkways and other surfaces formulates the potential for water damage with higher temperatures. Melting snow will permeate into the cracks and crevices, compromising the integrity of driveways, patios, sidewalks and other surfaces. Prompt snow removal will help prevent the formation of ice, which can cause water to back up, resulting in flooding to your home.

Never wait too long, snow and ice removal can prevent damage and safeguard your property from costly future repairs. 

Professional Snow Removal services should include:

• Residential snow removal

• Residential windrow clearing

• Residential ice management

Frequently Asked Questions about Snow Removal

WILL SNOW CAUSE DAMAGE TO MY DRIVEWAY OR SIDEWALK?

Yes, not removing snow from your driveway or sidewalk will most certainly cause damage. When snow melts on your driveway or sidewalk, the melting snow seeps into the cracks and crevices, both in asphalt and in concrete. Sitting water will freeze up in the cracks allowing them to grow.

HOW TO PREPARE FOR SNOW REMOVAL?

Before a winter storm hits, use a de-icing compound on your driveway and walkways to assist in minimizing the formation of ice and snow.

If you hire a professional for snow removal, be sure to contact them in a timely manner to secure your spot. 

WHAT IS THE NORMAL SNOW PLOWING PROCEDURE?

Residential snow removal takes place when approximately 3" of snow has accumulated. Plowing continues until each customer has received at least one plow during 24 hours.

Recommendations for Driveway Snow Removal

How to remove snow from your property Do’s and Don’t’s

SNOW REMOVAL DO'S

• Remove snow from your driveway onto your property. 

• Remove the snow at the end of your driveway near the road. This will help reduce the chance of a snow berm being created across your driveway.

• Hire a professional snow removal service: this ensures effective snow removal and will help mitigate potential insurance claims relating to slips and falls.

SNOW REMOVAL DON’TS

• Do not push snow onto the road.
• Plowing, shovelling or blowing snow onto public roadways is illegal. This includes pushing snow across the street or into a ditch.
• Pushing snow can create the following hazards:
• Roadway blockages
• Drainage issues
• Drifting problems
• Slippery areas
• Sight obstruction 
• Hindered accessibility 
• Frozen ruts or bumps 

Your Responsibilities for Clearing Snow/Ice

The City of Hamilton’s Snow and Ice By-law No. 03-296 requires property owners and/or occupants to clear snow and ice within 24 hours after the end of a snow event from:

• sidewalks adjacent to their property

• roofs that overhang the City sidewalk

Learn more at:  https://www.hamilton.ca/home-neighbourhood/getting-around/streets-sidewalks/sidewalk-snow-clearing

Consequences for Violations 

– City of Hamilton

Failure to remove and clear snow and ice may result in one or all:

• A  Notice to Comply issued (A “Notice to Comply” is a document provided to the property owner/occupant that gives direction on what actions need to be taken)

• Charges up to $5,000 under the Provincial Offences Act, in addition to other court proceedings necessary to obtain compliance

• Fee for inspection costs  added to your property taxes

• The City removing the snow and the costs being added to the  property taxes

Property owners of vacant properties are responsible for ensuring sidewalks are cleared of snow and ice.

Learn more at:  https://www.hamilton.ca/home-neighbourhood/getting-around/streets-sidewalks/sidewalk-snow-clearing

The Benefits of Hiring a Professional Snow Removal Service

Snow removal can be a daunting task, one that not everyone may be able to do for a variety of reasons. Even though you may have the option and ability to remove it yourself, you may not have the time. Hiring a professional to clear snow from your property will help improve access to your home and help keep you, your loved ones and all visitors safe!

The TOP #5 Benefits of Hiring a Professional Snow Removal Service

1. Safety:  Not having snow removed can lead to slips, falls and at times severe injuries. Hiring a Professional to clear snow from your driveway and sidewalk will help you and others stay safe while on your property.
2. Prompt Snow Removal:  Snow removal can be a tedious and heavy job depending on the size of your driveway and the amount of fallen snow. This can a lot of hard work and hours to clear. You can save energy and time by hiring a residential snow removal professional who is the equipment specifically designed to complete the snow clearing quickly and efficiently.
3. High-Quality Results:  Professional snow removal services will guarantee the best results possible.
4. Curb Appeal:  Professionals can help clean and clear the snow, improving the overall aesthetics of your property, while making it safe.
5. Reduce Liability:  You don’t want to be liable for any accidents that may happen on your property due to inadequate snow removal so don’t risk it! Hire a reputable snow removal company and avoid any lawsuits or fines.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Ensuring your property is safe, protecting the integrity of your property against water damage and preserving its features, are just a few of the benefits of snow and ice removal.

Hiring a professional for snow removal is essential for property owners, ensuring safety and longevity.  Homeowners who hire a Professional Snow Removal company can relax during the winter months knowing they have taken the steps to safeguard their property.

The Importance of Fall Yard Cleanups

Regular lawn maintenance is vital to a healthy lawn year-round. 

Seasonal property cleanups play an important role in your lawn’s health. Fall yard cleanups are paramount in preparing your lawn for the upcoming winter months. A healthy lawn needs love, care and nutrients so it can grow back full and strong in the spring.

Professional yard cleanup services ensure all leaves, yard debris and organic matter are removed from your yard making space for new growth in the spring and relieves your yard of dangerous pests and diseases. 

 Fall Yard Cleanup Benefits:

• Helps prevent lawn disease and pests 

• Helps promote lawn health

• Prepares your property for winter

• Enhances the curb appeal of your home or business

• Helps saves you time and money in the long run

• Helps maintain ecosystem balance

• Encourages sustainable practices

Fall Yard Cleanups typically include:

• Shrub Pruning and Hedge Trimming

• Lawn and Garden Clean Up

• Raking and Leaf Collection

• Final lawn cutting for the season

Other Fall services available include:

• Winter protection for plants and shrubs such as Burlap installation

Have Your Yard Winter Ready

With winter comes cold and wet weather, disregarded lawns can sustain harsh damage from winter elements. Avoiding proper fall yard cleanup will leave your lawn in a weak and vulnerable state that is prone to damage from the cold, pests, diseases, and more. Leaf buildup will suffocate your lawn, depriving it of air and sunlight, both essential for its growth. Ensure your lawn is in the best shape possible before the cold winter months hit,  hiring a professional guarantees all leaf pileups and debris have been properly removed from your lawn.

Fall Cleanups equals New Grass Growth in Spring

When leaves and debris build on top of your lawn, they crush your grass preventing new growth from penetrating in the spring. Permitting debris, leaf buildup and organic matter to lounge in your yard will smother your lawn, this will prevent water evaporation, trapping in moisture which subsequently encourages mold growth, moss, fungi, and other lawn diseases that will destroy and eventually kill your lawn.

Weeding, Aeration and Overseeding

• Weed removal:  Removing weeds from your lawn will free up valuable space for new grass to grow in the springtime.
• Aeration:  Aeration will help break up compacted soil allowing nutrients to penetrate deep down into the soil and feed your grass roots. 
• Overseeding:  Overseeding after aeration submerges your lawn with new seeds that will germinate and grow in the springtime.

Removing Debris Gets Rid of Hazardous Pests

Debris and leave pileups pose health risks for your lawn, and welcome potentially hazardous pests that can hurt you, your family and your pets. Some pests such as spiders and snakes can be dangerous, in some cases even deadly. Permitting leaves and debris to accumulate on your lawn provides a protective layer for pests such as: snakes, spiders, fire ants, and other pesky pests. 

Disturbing leaf clutter can cause pests to come into direct contact with whomever has stumbled across the pile, this can result in getting injured or bitten by one of these pests. A Professional fall yard cleanup will eliminate pests from your yard and keep you and your lawn safe.

Fall Tree and Shrub Pruning

Professional fall tree pruning promotes long-term health of your plants, adds curb appeal and improves the safety of your property. 

Pruning trees in the fall will  have a positive impact on growth. Shrubs and Trees enter a dormant stage in the fall. This is the perfect time to prune them and give them the care they need and deserve.

Fall tree pruning includes:

- Removing dead, weak and damaged branches 

Fall pruning results in:

- Tree health and better tree growth 

Final Thoughts

Winter is coming… now is the time to start preparing your property with a fall yard cleanup. Professional landscapers will ensure your lawn is in tip-top shape with expert weeding, leaf and debris removal, pruning, and more.