Introduction
For landscaping professionals, municipal workers, and other snow-removal experts, winter brings a whole new set of challenges. Heavy snow accumulation, icy conditions, and long hours in the cold can make even the simplest tasks more demanding. But with the right techniques and tools, you can make snow removal more efficient, less strenuous, and even a bit more manageable.
In this guide, we’ve pulled together expert tips that will help you cut down on time, effort, and energy this winter. Whether you’re clearing large parking lots or keeping walkways safe, these strategies will help you stay ahead of the snow, keep your team safe, and get the job done faster. And while technique is important, having the right gear—like Gemplers’ ergonomic snow shovels and Snow Shield—will help you stay one step ahead in the fight against winter.
1. Pre-Treat Surfaces
One of the most effective ways to reduce the amount of snow buildup is to pre-treat surfaces before the first flake falls. By using a product like Gemplers Snow Shield, you can prevent snow and ice from bonding to concrete, asphalt, and other surfaces, making it much easier to clear later. Applying a treatment like this is especially useful for high-traffic areas or locations that need to remain clear, such as sidewalks, driveways, and parking lots.
In addition to making snow removal faster, pre-treating helps reduce the amount of de-icing materials you’ll need to use later, saving both time and money. The key here is preparation—don’t wait for the snow to pile up.
Pre-treat surfaces whenever snow is forecasted, and you’ll find the snow is far easier to manage.
2. Plan the Snow Path in Advance
Efficiency during snow removal isn’t just about muscle power—it’s also about strategy. One of the simplest ways to increase efficiency is to plan your snow-clearing route before you start. By taking a few moments to survey the area and determine the most logical path, you can avoid doubling back over cleared areas and reduce the amount of time spent on each job.
For instance, start from one side of the area and work your way in a straight line to the other, pushing snow towards the outer edges or designated piles. In areas like parking lots, map out zones and clear systematically to ensure you’re not wasting energy by shoveling the same spot twice. This small step can make a big difference in how quickly and easily you get the job done, especially in larger spaces.
3. Clear Snow Early and Often
One of the best ways to stay ahead of snow accumulation is to clear snow early and often. Waiting until the snow piles up too high will make it heavier and more difficult to move, which increases the risk of fatigue and injury. Instead, if you're dealing with continuous snowfall, plan to clear snow in intervals—this reduces the workload and prevents snow from compacting into hard, icy layers.
For professionals managing large areas, such as city streets or commercial properties, this tip is especially critical. Stay proactive by scheduling multiple clearings throughout the storm, using tools that make the job more efficient. By addressing snow in smaller increments, you also reduce the chances of ice buildup underneath, making it safer for pedestrians and vehicles.
Be sure to check out Gemplers' wide selection of snow removal tools to keep yourself equipped for regular snow maintenance, whether you need snow shovels, scrapers, or de-icing solutions.
4. Use Proper Lifting Techniques
Snow removal is physically demanding work, especially when shoveling heavy, wet snow. Over time, improper lifting techniques can lead to muscle strain or back injuries, which could sideline you or your crew during the busiest months. That’s why using the right lifting techniques is crucial.
Here are some key points to follow:
- Bend at your knees, not your back: Always lift with your legs to avoid straining your lower back.
- Keep the shovel close to your body: Hold the shovel close to your center of gravity to reduce strain on your arms and back.
- Avoid twisting: Instead of twisting your body when tossing snow, turn your whole body to face the direction you're moving the snow.
In addition to using the right technique, consider using ergonomic snow shovels, like those from Gemplers. Designed to reduce strain on the body, these shovels are made with features that help you move more snow with less effort, reducing the risk of injury.
For more tips on reducing injury and strain during winter work, check out this article.
5. Take Advantage of Snow Breaks
When you're faced with a heavy storm, sometimes working smarter means working with the storm rather than against it. Instead of waiting for the snow to stop completely, consider taking advantage of natural breaks in the snowfall to get ahead. Clearing snow during these pauses allows you to tackle smaller amounts of snow at a time, preventing it from accumulating into larger, heavier piles that are more difficult to move.
If you're working on larger properties, like city streets or parking lots, these breaks give you the opportunity to clear priority areas first and then return for a second round of removal. This reduces the risk of having to deal with thick, packed snow and ensures safety for those who need to use the space sooner rather than later.
6. Leverage Teamwork
Snow removal is often a team effort, especially for larger areas like business parks, municipalities, or multi-unit residential properties. Working as a coordinated team can dramatically cut down the time it takes to get the job done, but it requires a solid plan and communication to execute well.
Here are a few teamwork strategies:
- Divide and conquer: Assign specific zones to team members so each person can focus on a designated area, avoiding overlap and wasted effort.
- Clear in layers: If snow is coming down fast, have one team member clear the top layer while another follows up with detailed work closer to the ground.
- Use signals: Establish clear communication with hand signals or radios, so everyone knows when to switch areas or coordinate efforts without stopping the work.
7. Utilize Efficient Shoveling Techniques
While snow removal might seem straightforward, using efficient shoveling techniques can make a significant difference in both time and energy. For example, rather than lifting snow, try pushing it to the side whenever possible. This reduces strain on your back and allows you to move larger amounts of snow at once.
When you do need to lift, remember to scoop small amounts and toss it in the direction of the wind to prevent it from blowing back into the cleared area. If you're clearing pathways or narrow areas, start in the middle and work outward, reducing the distance snow needs to be moved.
Ergonomically designed tools can also help here, but the main focus is using the proper technique to minimize fatigue and avoid injury.
8. Start with the Right Tools
Once your technique is solid, it’s time to think about the tools you’re using. High-quality, durable tools can make all the difference when it comes to long days of snow removal. Shovels with ergonomic designs can help reduce strain on your body, allowing you to work more efficiently and with less fatigue.
When choosing a snow shovel, look for features like sturdy construction, ergonomic handles, and blades designed for the type of snow you’re dealing with—whether it’s light and powdery or heavy and wet. These tools can be a valuable investment, particularly if you're handling snow on a large scale throughout the season.
Quick pro tip: many professionals prefer shovels without the metal strip. This allows the shovel to make better contact with the ground for faster snow removal.
Not sure what makes a landscape tool professional grade? Be sure to read this article.
9. Use Snow Removal Attachments for Larger Jobs
When faced with large commercial properties, expansive city streets, or parking lots, sometimes hand tools just aren't enough. In these cases, using snow removal attachments for vehicles—such as snow plows or blowers—can significantly speed up the process. However, it's important to still use manual tools for detailed work, like clearing tight corners, walkways, or spaces around obstacles.
A combination of vehicle attachments for bulk removal and manual tools for finishing work is often the most efficient approach. By matching the right tool to the job, you can get through large areas more quickly while maintaining attention to detail.
10. Finish with Ice Control
After the snow is cleared, one of the final and most critical steps is controlling ice formation. Left untreated, even a thin layer of ice can turn cleared areas into hazardous zones, creating slipping risks for pedestrians and vehicles alike.
After removing snow, apply a layer of de-icing product to prevent ice from forming. Additionally, you can use a surface treatment to minimize the chances of snow and ice bonding to surfaces in future storms. This not only ensures safety but also reduces the need for additional snow removal down the line.
Conclusion
Snow removal doesn’t have to be a grueling task, especially when you’re equipped with the right strategies and tools. By staying proactive, using efficient techniques, and relying on well-designed equipment, professionals can get the job done faster, with less physical strain, and in a way that keeps areas safe for the public.
From pre-treating surfaces to mastering shoveling techniques, these 10 expert tips will help landscapers and municipal crews work smarter this winter. For those looking to upgrade their gear or find new solutions for snow management, you can always explore tools like ergonomic shovels and snow treatment solutions available at Gemplers.
Stay ahead of winter with smart planning, teamwork, and the right equipment for the job!
