- How to remove snow safely with a shovel<\/a><\/li>
- How to remove snow safely with a snow blower<\/a><\/li>
- How to use your leaf blower to remove snow<\/a><\/li>
- General snow removal safety tips<\/a><\/li>
- FAQ about snow removal<\/a><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>
How to remove snow safely with a shovel<\/span><\/h2>
A snow shovel is a standard tool for many homeowners, and you must use it safely when scooping or pushing snow to clear sidewalks and driveways. <\/p>
Let\u2019s start with the snow shovel itself \u2013 get an ergonomic shovel \u2013 and use the proper technique when wielding it.<\/p>
\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBest Snow Shovels<\/span> \t\t\t\t<\/div> \t\t\t<\/a> \t\t<\/div><\/div>Get an ergonomic snow shovel<\/span><\/h3>
![\"A](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/16735706925_7aa9494de5_c.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Alan Kotok<\/a> | Flickr | CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Snow shoveling can be a literal pain in the back. You can alleviate some pressure off your back by investing in an ergonomic snow shovel. <\/p>
What is an ergonomic snow shovel? An ergonomic snow shovel\u2019s curved handle helps reduce the amount of stress and bending you place on your back.<\/p>
Use the proper technique<\/span><\/h3>
![\"A](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/pexels-karolina-grabowska-6952450.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pexels<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> To use a snow shovel the right way \u2013 to avoid slipping, falling, or straining your back or heart \u2013 follow these directions and tips: <\/p>
- Stand with a wide stance, with your knees bent.<\/li>
- Hold the shovel with your hands about 12 inches apart to create leverage.<\/li>
- Don\u2019t bend at your waist. Squat instead. <\/li>
- Push<\/em> the snow in small movements forward before you lift it. <\/li>
- Evenly disperse the snow in different areas instead of making big piles. (Although, if you get a foot or more, you might not have a choice.)<\/li>
- Avoid back injuries. When the snow is deep, avoid throwing snow over your shoulder. Use a snow blower or hire a snow removal pro<\/a> instead.<\/li>
- Limit twisting of your body. Pick up your feet as opposed to twisting around to avoid slipping and falling on slick driveways and sidewalks while shoveling snow. Another tip? I use a chopping motion with a metal snow shovel edge to break up the ice.<\/li> <\/ul>
How to remove snow safely with a snow blower<\/span><\/h2>
![\"Man](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Snowblower_5341723168.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Kurt Bauschardt from Edmonton, Canada<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ CC BY-SA 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> A snow blower is a must-have winter tool if your city typically receives more than 20 inches of snow annually. (See our Snowiest Counties in the U.S.<\/a> study story.) A snow blower saves time, your back, and reduces your risk of having a heart attack shoveling snow.
In my case, we use a snow blower whenever we get more than 6 inches of the white stuff. It saves us when we have to do multiple passes.
I’ve used a snow blower to clear snow from my parents\u2019 driveway multiple times over my lifetime.
Pro Tip: <\/strong>You\u2019ll need a place to store a snow blower when it\u2019s not in use. Its large size will require a substantial amount of space. For example, our snow blower is stored in the garage, but oftentimes, folks keep their snow blower in a shed in their yard.<\/p>\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBest Snow Blowers<\/span> \t\t\t\t<\/div> \t\t\t<\/a> \t\t<\/div><\/div>How to use your leaf blower to remove snow<\/span><\/h2>
![\"A](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Leaf_blower_in_a_garage.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Donald<\/a> | Wikimedia Commons | CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> A leaf blower for snow removal? Yes, but this only works if you get a dusting of light, fluffy snow and not a lot of it. Our snow here in Hatboro, Pennsylvania, can be very heavy, wet, thick and like moving a block of ice with a shovel! <\/p>
\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBest Leaf Blowers<\/span> \t\t\t\t<\/div> \t\t\t<\/a> \t\t<\/div><\/div>General snow removal safety tips<\/span><\/h2>
Set a schedule<\/span><\/h3>
On days when the snow is non-stop, you should set a schedule to shovel every one to two hours during the day to keep the amount of snow manageable.<\/p>
Take breaks<\/span><\/h3>
![\"A](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/329415538_2ac6be8d09_o.jpg\")
Photo Credit: NegesoMuso<\/a> | Flickr | CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Take a water or snack break mid-shoveling. You\u2019ll likely sweat while shoveling, so it\u2019s important to rehydrate yourself.<\/p>
FAQ about snow removal<\/span><\/h2>
Why is snow removal safety important?<\/span><\/h3>
In addition to sore muscles, heart attacks and deaths can also happen from snow shoveling, which makes snow removal safety that much more important.
From 1990 to 2006, a study shows that there was an average of 11,500 people treated for snow-related injuries<\/a> per year<\/em>, with 6.7% of those people experiencing a cardiac-related emergency room visit. Studies have also shown that an estimated 100 people, most of which are men, die each year from snow shoveling<\/a> \u2013 these deaths occurred during or right after shoveling snow.<\/p>Caution: <\/strong>If you\u2019re inactive or have had a previous heart attack or other heart problems, you should check with your doctor before attempting to shovel. Once you get the all-clear from your doctor, ensure you\u2019re dressed in warm layers before heading out to shovel and warm up those muscles with a quick stretch.<\/p>
How much does a snow shovel cost?<\/span><\/h3>
Snow shovels cost<\/a> $60 on average. However, the typical range is between $20 and $115.<\/p>
How much does a snow blower cost?<\/span><\/h3>
Homeowners can look to spend around $950 for a snow blower<\/a>, but the cost typically varies from $285 to $1,600. <\/p>
When to call a snow removal pro<\/span><\/h2>
Some people find snow shoveling a great workout, while others would rather stay indoors and enjoy the warmth. Contact a snow removal professional<\/a> if you\u2019d rather stay nestled in your house and avoid the risks of snow shoveling. <\/p>
And once the snow has melted and your grass needs some TLC come springtime, connect with a local Lawn Love lawn care pro<\/a>.<\/p>
- How to remove snow safely with a snow blower<\/a><\/li>