If you've been wondering, 'Should you shovel snow during a storm,' or 'How often should you shovel during a snowstorm,' it's likely that you've been affected by the recent winter storm that has more than 250 million people* in the US still under cold alerts.
And, even if you do know the best way to shovel snow, the frequency matters more than you may think. Here, our landscaping experts reveal exactly how often you should be shoveling, and why.
How Often Should You Shovel During a Snowstorm?
According to Gene Caballero, co-founder of GreenPal, who has over 25 years of experience in general landscaping maintenance and snow removal, the best practice, once you've prepared your home for a snowstorm and the storm has hit, is to shovel snow every two to four inches of accumulation.
'Do not wait until the storm is over,' he warns. 'This will prevent the snow from compacting into ice, and it makes the job so much harder when it's already compacted.
In turn, this means that whether you use a snow blower or a snow shovel, shovelling snow off gravel, or removing snow from a driveway, will be far easier and far less time-consuming. To get the job done efficiently, the Snow Joe Shovelution Snow Shovel, available at Amazon, is a number one bestseller and features a spring-assisted design to minimize strain during use.
Gene's advice is also applicable if you're looking to remove snow from trees, too, where it's crucial to act quickly to lighten the weight of snow sitting on the branches.
In particular, Gene advises that waiting too long to shovel snow will increase the strain on your back and body while shoveling, especially when the snow gets wet and heavy.
Therefore, he says, 'Older homeowners or anyone with health concerns should absolutely avoid shoveling anything heavy, especially when the increased risk of slipping is apparent. I would always consider calling in a professional to do this for you.
'One tip I can give is to always push snow instead of lifting it when possible, take frequent breaks, stay hydrated, and stop immediately if you feel dizzy or short of breath.'
Of course, also, in terms of whether you should shovel snow during a storm, don't attempt to go out shovelling snow if doing so poses any danger to yourself. While allowing snow to compact will make the task far harder, it's still certainly preferable to putting yourself at risk of any danger posed by extreme cold weather and high winds.
Then, once the worst of the weather has passed and it's safe to do so, acting quickly will help you to avoid any home maintenance mistakes never to make in winter.
What to Shop
All prices were correct at the time of publication.
This snow shovel features an impact-resistant blade that's durable, heavy-duty, and long-lasting. With two handles, it also provides added leverage, allowing you to lift and move heavier loads more efficiently with less effort.
This cordless snow shovel offers consistent power at any charge level and comes with the charger included. It's perfect for clearing decks, patios, sidewalks, and steps with minimal effort, and features over 1,000 five-star reviews.
This electric snow shovel kit is powered by a robust 400-watt motor and moves up to 1,620 lbs of snow in a single charge, which lasts 22 minutes. It's also whisper-quiet while in operation, and, without a cord, is easy to manoeuvre, too.
This snow shovel ensures efficient snow clearing with an 18-inch push and scoop combination blade, and weighs only four pounds, so is both lightweight and easy to use, with improved control.
This heated snow-melting mat requires minimal maintenance and allows you to enjoy cold and snowy winter weather without having to shovel snow or salt your walkways or driveway. It's available in four different sizes.
This snow brush features a dual-sided head and detachable ice scraper to sweep away snow from high-up, hard-to-reach areas like your garage door. It's also built with an ergonomic rubber handle to allow for more control during use.
Meet the Expert
Investing in the winter garden tools you'll actually use is one of the best ways to ensure you have what you need, when you need it, whether clearing snow, gardening in the wet and cold, or shifting heavy loads around your yard with a reliable wheelbarrow.
