To protect your plants, hardscapes and your health, please read these snow removal tips from Hittle Landscaping in Indianapolis. It’s easy to damage plants, sidewalks, patios and driveways with shovels and salt.
Take these precautions to avoid harm to them as well as to yourself! If you own a commercial property or manage an HOA, Hittle provides snow removal services. If you’re planning for the 2019-2020 season, give us a call.
Snow Removal Tips for Indy Homeowners: Plan and Mark Boundaries
As we move deeper into winter, it’s best to be prepared. Some planning as you create and execute landscaping designs will take you part of the way. For example, trees and flower beds should be planted away from pavement. Give leeway between rows of shrubs or trees if they line your driveway or walkways. If someone else plows your driveway, mark the edges with reflective poles before the snow falls.
Heavy Accumulation Snow Removal Tips
Indiana receives an average of 21 inches of snow each year, while the national average is 26 inches. We have the potential for few but extremely heavy snowfalls.
First, clear snow early. It will be easier to move. As it sits, it may melt a little in the afternoon sun before it refreezes into a harder block as the sun sets and temperatures drop. Once it requires more muscle to remove, the risk of damage to grass, plants, mulch and sidewalks increase.
Second, avoid bombarding your lawn with snow, if possible. Once piles of snow become heavy, it stresses the grass. It also leaves the grass vulnerable to fungal infections.
For smaller areas, like patios, walkways or areas with masonry, try a push-broom. This is easiest when the snow is fresh. Loose snow is easier to sweep away. Plus the broom won’t damage the masonry.
Snow Removal Tips for De-Ice Products
Use caution with de-icer products. While inexpensive, salt can create havoc for you later. Run-off from salted areas may seriously damage plant roots and soil. It may damage the flower and leaf buds of trees and shrubs when kicked up by tires.
It can cause “pitting” in concrete hardscapes with an increase in the freeze/thaw effect. It can even kill your trees and plants.
Try alternatives, such as products with potassium chloride, calcium chloride, magnesium chloride and acetate compounds. Technically and chemically, these are still salt products but far better for the environment and plants.
Hittle’s Best Snow Removal Tips: Take Care of Yourself
More important than cobblestone walkways and pitted concrete is your health and safety.
- If you shovel, use your arms and legs, rather than your back.
- Dress appropriately.
- Take breaks as needed and don’t overexert yourself.
- Use safety precautions if you operate snow removal machinery. Be sure pets and children are a safe distance away.
Indianapolis Homes and Businesses: Prepare for Winter with Snow Removal Tips from Hittle Landscaping
Be sure to follow these snow removal tips for a safe winter and spring without surprises. No one wants to find damage to the concrete or asphalt or dead plants once spring arrives.
Call Hittle Landscaping today for a complimentary consultation. For residential and commercial clients, we can design a four-season landscape plan which keeps softscapes like plants, trees and shrubs out of harm’s way.
We’ll design hardscapes which promote natural drainage. For commercial clients, we provide snow removal respectful of your property and landscaping investment.
Ready to create? We love to hear your ideas. We add our experience and expertise to turn your dreams into reality. If you want to be ready for winter 2020, reserve time with a designer now.
As a family-owned and operated business for more than 40 years, Hittle promotes Honesty, Innovation, Thankfulness and Teamwork. How can we assist you today?
Scott DeNardin is the President of Hittle Landscaping in Westfield, Indiana, where he leads the company in providing top-tier commercial landscaping services. With a focus on quality and customer satisfaction, Scott and his team are dedicated to delivering customized landscaping solutions that meet the specific needs of their clients, ensuring that every project reflects the company’s commitment to excellence and sustainable practices.
