Tips for Clearing Snow from a Large Driveway

Clearing snow from a large driveway can be challenging, but with the right approach, it can be made easier. Here are some tips to help you effectively clear snow from a large driveway.

Tips for Clearing Snow from a Large Driveway

Start as Soon as Possible

It’s best to start clearing snow as soon as possible to prevent it from compacting and becoming more challenging to remove. Is it better to shovel snow in the morning or wait until later? The answer is it depends.

• If the snow has just fallen, it may be easier to shovel while it’s still fresh and hasn’t had a chance to freeze or become compacted. Shoveling in the morning can help prevent this.
• If the temperature is very low, waiting until later in the day when it has warmed up a bit might be more comfortable. This can also reduce the risk of slipping on ice.

Dress Appropriately 

Wear warm, layered clothing, and remember to wear proper footwear with good traction to prevent slipping on icy surfaces.

“You already know to dress in layers to trap heat, but face it: Shoveling snow is sweaty work! Wear a synthetic material against your skin to wick moisture away and keep you comfortable. The next layer should be insulating, such as fleece. The top layer should be wind and waterproof. Wear two pairs of socks, with a wicking pair first. Don’t forget a hat, and on extra-cold or windy days, add a face mask to warm the air you breathe and protect your nose from frostbite.” — Country Living — 6 Snow Shoveling Tips to Make the Chore Less Painful 

Use the Right Tools

Invest in a good quality snow shovel or snow blower that suits your needs and size of your driveway. A wide shovel or a snow blower with a large clearing width can help you clear the snow more efficiently. So, should you use a snow shovel or a snow blower?

• When shoveling snow, the choice between a snow shovel and a snow blower depends on various factors, such as the amount of snow, the size of the area, and personal preference.
• Snow shovels are good for smaller areas, lighter snowfalls, and areas with obstacles like stairs or narrow pathways. Shoveling can provide a good workout but can also be physically demanding and time-consuming.
• Snow blowers are powered machines that can quickly clear large amounts of snow. They are ideal for larger areas and heavy snowfalls. They can be more efficient and less physically demanding than shoveling, but they also require maintenance.

For a large driveway, the best answer might be both—a blower for most of the drive and a shovel to work around obstacles. 

Push, Don’t Lift

Before shoveling warm up with some light stretching exercises. When shoveling, use your legs instead of your back and avoid twisting your body. Try to push the snow to the sides instead of lifting it. Lifting heavy loads of snow repeatedly can strain your back and increase the risk of injury. 

Clearing a large driveway can be physically demanding, so take regular breaks to rest and avoid overexertion. Finally, clear the snow in smaller sections instead of trying to lift heavy loads at once.

After You’ve Cleared the Snow 

After clearing the snow, consider applying deicing agents to prevent ice from forming and making the driveway slippery.

“Snow days may be cause for celebration, but the party comes to a screeching halt when you shovel your snowy walkway only to discover a treacherous layer of ice beneath it—an accident just waiting to happen. Though conventional wisdom may lead you to throw salt on the problem, resist. While the salt will speed melting, when that water refreezes, the corrosive effect of salt may crack and damage the concrete.” —  Bob Vila — 3 Fixes for an Icy Walk and Driveway. Bob goes on to suggest Kitty Liter, Rubbing Alcohol, and Magnesium Chloride for deicing your driveway. 

You Have a Choice

Safety should be your top priority when clearing snow from a large driveway. If the task seems too challenging or you have health concerns, consider hiring professionals to handle the job. Stay safe, and take your time while clearing the snow!

How Can We Help You?

Berger Hargis has a company philosophy of providing personal excellence for all our services. Our growth and success have been due entirely to our commitment to honest, excellent customer service. The company is built on the referral business we have received due to this philosophy. If we can answer any questions about snow removal, please don’t hesitate to Contact Us. 

If you enjoyed this post you might also appreciate 10 Snow Shoveling Safety Tips . 

About the Author

Randy Clark is a speaker, coach, and author. He publishes a weekly blog at Randy Clark Leadership.com. Randy is passionate about social media, leadership development, and flower gardening. He’s a beer geek, and on weekends he can be found fronting the Rock & Roll band Under the Radar. He’s the proud father of two educators; he has four amazing grandchildren and a wife who dedicates her time to helping others. Randy is the author of the Amazon bestseller The New Manager’s Workbook, a crash course in effective management

Photo by Filip Mroz on Unsplash

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