6 things to do before the big snowstorm hits

We all know the feeling of dread that hits us when we hear meteorologists utter the words “major snowstorm on its way.” Our to-do lists suddenly jump from 5 to 25 tasks to complete before the snow begins to fall…but don’t worry, we’re here to help you! Rather than deal with a supersized to-do list, here are six simple steps to help you prep.

1. Your prized rosebushes are awfully close to the edge of the driveway making it nearly inevitable they’ll be buried in excess snow or crushed as someone drives over them entering the lane. Stake them now with a brightly coloured stick to prevent damage (and to ensure a happy wife once the snow melts.)
2. Use a good quality ice melt before the snow falls. Ice melts can help prevent up to 2cm of snow from sticking, which means when you wake up in the morning to see the weatherman was wrong (again), you won’t have to get out there and shovel your walks. Wondering which ice melt is best for you? Check out our blog post on Ice melts from earlier this season!
3. The right shovel is key. Use a shovel that’s too big and you’ll likely overload it and increase the risk of injuring your back. Find one that is a good size and made of plastic or aluminum with a non-stick coating. Metal edges can be helpful for scraping, but don’t use them in areas that could be damaged by the edge such as a wooden deck.
4. If you’re sitting at home catching up with your PVR, why not pause it and get outside to do a quick and easy shovel as the snow is falling? After all, shoveling 5cm at a time is much easier than 30cm all at once! And who couldn’t use a good break from the couch anyway?!
5. Once you’re done your quick shovel, add some ice melt to prevent snow from building up again. If you are looking for a little more traction in certain areas, try spreading some sand. Always try to prevent spreading these products on your turf or gardens, as it could cause damage to your spring growth.
6. Lastly, if you have tried all these tips and the snow is still getting the better of you, it may be time to break out the snowblower and get rid of it for good.

Doing these six simple tasks can make for a much easier cleanup at the end of a snowstorm! Why not take a few minutes to make your life easier in the long run?!

Good luck!