You know that feeling when the first big snowstorm hits? You’re out there at 6 AM, scraping and shoveling, wondering why this has to be so hard. Your shovel catches on every crack. The snow piles up in all the wrong spots. Your back starts screaming before you even finish the driveway.
Here’s what most people don’t realize. The secret to easy snow removal happens now, before the ground freezes solid. A few simple prep steps this fall will save you hours of misery all winter long. Trust me on this one.
Mark Your Borders While You Can Still See Them
The ground’s still soft. You can actually see where your driveway ends and your lawn begins. This is your window.
Grab some driveway markers or reflective stakes from any hardware store.
They cost maybe twenty bucks for a pack. Push them into the ground every few feet along your driveway edges and walkways.
When snow covers everything, these markers become your lifeline. You’ll know exactly where to plow or shovel without tearing up your grass or flower beds. Plus, if you hire someone to plow, they won’t accidentally destroy your landscaping.
Pro tip: Get the ones with reflective tape. Your headlights will catch them on those dark winter mornings.
Fix Those Cracks and Holes Now
Walk your driveway and paths right now. See those cracks? Those little divots? They’re annoying now, but they’ll be nightmares in winter.
Water seeps into cracks. It freezes. It expands. Your small crack becomes a crater by February. Then your shovel catches on it every single time you clear snow.
Grab some asphalt patch or concrete filler.
Most repair jobs take less than an hour. The material is cheap, and you don’t need special skills. Just clean out the crack, fill it, smooth it, and let it cure.
Your future self will thank you when that shovel glides smoothly instead of jamming every three feet.
Create a Drainage Plan
Here’s the thing about melting snow. It needs somewhere to go. If it doesn’t drain properly, it refreezes into treacherous ice patches.
Check your gutters and downspouts first. Clean out all the fall leaves. Make sure water flows away from your house and walkways. Adjust those downspout extensions so they direct water at least six feet away from your foundation.
Look at your driveway slope too. Does water pool anywhere? If it does, that spot will become an ice rink all winter. You might need to add some sand or adjust the grade slightly while the ground’s still workable.
Trim Overhanging Branches
Those tree branches look fine now. Wait until they’re loaded with heavy, wet snow. They’ll snap. They’ll fall on your car, your roof, or right across your walkway.
Walk around with pruning shears or a small saw. Cut back anything hanging over driveways, walkways, or parking areas. You want clear paths from above, not just below.
This also helps your actual snow removal. You won’t be dodging branches while you’re trying to shovel or blow snow.
Set Up Your Salt and Sand Stations
Create small staging areas near your most-used exits. A five-gallon bucket with a scoop works perfectly.
Fill it with ice melt or sand mixed with salt. Keep one by your front door, one by your garage, and one by any side entrances. Cover them so moisture doesn’t get in.
When you need to dash out quickly, you’re not hunting through the garage for supplies. Everything’s right there, ready to go.
The Payoff
These steps take maybe two or three hours total. But they’ll save you dozens of hours all winter long. Your snow removal becomes smoother, faster, and way less frustrating.
The ground’s still soft enough to work with. The weather’s still decent for outdoor projects. Do this now, and when that first snowstorm hits, you’ll be ready. While your neighbors are struggling, you’ll be done and back inside with your coffee before they’ve even found their shovels.