When Should You Shovel Your Driveway, While It’s Snowing Or After?
When the snow's already falling and you know there's a bunch more on the way, you might find yourself wondering; is it worth it to shovel your driveway now, or should you wait until the snow's over? Whether you're an early bird or a procrastinator, the timing of your snow removal can affect your back, your schedule, and your safety. Let's break down the best approach to keep your path clear without burning out before spring arrives.
The Weight of Waiting
If you wait until the storm ends, you're dealing with the full accumulation at once. Snow compresses under its own weight, making the bottom layer more dense and difficult to lift. This is especially true if the snow is wet and heavy. By the time the clouds clear, you might find yourself facing a massive, frozen block that's twice as hard to move as the light powder that first fell on your pavement earlier that morning.
Incremental Clearing
Shoveling while it's still snowing is often the smartest move for your physical health. Clearing two inches three times is much easier on your heart and spine than clearing six inches once. You're moving lighter loads, which reduces the risk of strain, and it also keeps the snow from being packed down by foot traffic or tires. Taking it in shifts ensures that the job never becomes an overwhelming or dangerous physical feat.
Ice Barriers
When you clear snow early, you prevent the bottom layer from melting and refreezing into a sheet of ice. If you let snow sit, the heat from your house or the ground can cause the lowest level to melt, then overnight it refreezes into a dangerous sheet of ice. Once that ice bonds to your driveway, shoveling becomes nearly impossible without heavy salt or a deicer. Getting down to the pavement early helps the ground stay warmer and prevents dangerous slips later.
Temperature and Sun
You should always check the forecast before deciding your strategy. If the temperature is going to drop significantly after the storm, you must clear the driveway before the freeze happens. However, if the sun's coming out and the temperature's rising, you might get away with waiting. The sun can do a lot of the heavy lifting for you by melting the thin remnants of snow that your shovel couldn't quite reach on the first pass.
Municipal Plowing
One of the most frustrating parts of shoveling is the city plow. If you shovel your entire driveway perfectly while it's snowing, the plow might come by an hour later and block you in with a heavy wall of slush. It’s often best to clear the main area of your driveway during the storm but wait until you hear the plow go by before tackling the very end of the path near the street.
Etiquette
Think about your neighbors and your daily responsibilities. If you have to leave for work at a specific time, waiting until the storm ends isn't an option if the snow's deep. Clearing at least a path early on ensures you aren't trapped during an emergency. It also helps your neighbors by keeping the sidewalk clear for pedestrians. Being proactive shows you're prepared for whatever the weather throws at you while keeping your property accessible and safe for everyone.
In the end, the best strategy is usually a mix of both. It's smart to do some early passes to keep the weight manageable, but save the final tidy-up for when the snow stops falling. It may feel like more work now, but your back will thank you later. Now that you've got a plan, go grab your boots and your favorite shovel!