How to make snow clearing easier this winter
When the snow piles up, it can be both cozy and demanding. With the right equipment and some smart habits, snow clearing becomes much easier – and your home, entrance, and garden stay safe throughout the winter. Here are our best tips on how to handle snow and ice, without stress and unnecessarily heavy work.
Start with the right planning
It pays off to clear the snow early, before it settles and becomes heavy. If you clear a little and often, you avoid large, heavy lifts later – and prevent the snow from freezing into ice. Feel free to make a quick assessment before you start: where should the snow be placed, and where is the smartest place to start? Small preparations save you a lot of work.
How to clear snow most efficiently
Work in strips and decide on a direction, so you don't move the snow multiple times. Start where the snow is lightest, and work your way towards areas that often get dry or compacted snow. A good snow shovel also makes the job easier – look for light materials, a good handle, and a blade wide enough to let you move a lot of snow at once.
Take care of your body – avoid injuries
Snow clearing is exercise, and the body works hard. Use your legs when you lift, not your back, and avoid sudden jerks and quick turns. Vary your movements, take small breaks, and dress in a way that keeps you warm without getting too sweaty. A little warm-up before you start also makes a big difference.
Gritting with gravel is the simplest step to prevent slippery accidents this winter.
Prevent ice and slippery surfaces
After clearing the snow, it is smart to spread sand or salt where people walk the most. Sand provides good grip, while salt melts ice – feel free to use a combination. Think especially about stairs, entrances, and other places where it is easy to slip. Gritting sand with small stones provides extra good grip on ice.
Fir branches can also be used for gritting – they provide grip on slippery surfaces, while also looking natural and nice by the entrance.
Follow-up work: keep it safe and clear
When the snow piles up layer upon layer, edges and mounds can become high. Level them out so that visibility is good around the parking lot and walkways. Also remove snow that blocks lights, stairs, and paths – small adjustments make everyday life safer for both you and your guests.
Where should you put all the snow?
Do not pile large snow drifts right up against the house wall or over plants. This can cause moisture problems, ice formation, and damage to garden plants when the snow melts and freezes again. Instead, place the snow a little further away from the house, preferably in a sunny area that melts early in the spring. On narrow driveways, several small piles may be better than one large one. Also consider where people walk and where cars need visibility – small adjustments make a big difference.
Remember the plants – how to care for them in snowy weather
Snow can be good insulation against the cold, but heavy and wet snow can damage bushes, small trees, and evergreen plants. Gently shake the snow off if the branches are bending, and consider tying up vulnerable plants before heavy snowfall. Potted plants tolerate less cold than plants in beds – place them against the house wall, and wrap the pot in jute or insulation for extra protection. Also, be careful with ornamental grasses, boxwood, and small conifers: let them stand as much as possible, but remove heavy amounts of snow that could break them.
Equipment that makes the job easier
Good equipment means less strain and more efficient snow clearing:
- Snow shovels in light materials with ergonomic handles
- Snow blowers for large areas and heavy snowfall
- Gritting sand and salt for safe walkways
- Gloves, spikes/cleats, and good footwear for safety and warmth
With the right equipment, winter becomes both safer and easier to handle.
Summary — how to make the snowy winter a little more pleasant
With good routines, the right technique, and good equipment, snow clearing becomes both easier and safer. Clear the snow early, plan where you place it, and take care of both your body and your plants throughout the winter. This will make your winter days both safer and a little more pleasant – even when the snow is falling heavily.
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