Living in a private home has both advantages and disadvantages. One of the latter is the need to clear snow and ice from the property in winter. Simply chipping away at the ice on the walkways with a pickaxe to prevent them from slipping isn't the best solution. Besides the physical effort, the owner may also end up damaging the paving stones. To ensure that clearing snow from the yard doesn't require too much effort or damage the décor, it needs to be removed properly.
Throwing snow onto the lawn
Throwing piles of ice crystals onto the lawn is a common mistake among homeowners. While this is the simplest solution, it's not worth it. By systematically dumping snowdrifts onto one area, the owner creates a dense, thick layer that disrupts the lawn's natural microflora: blades of grass not only break but also suffocate, deprived of oxygen and other essential nutrients.
You may be interested in:The resulting thick layer poses a danger to the lawn during the spring snowmelt: snow mold thrives under these conditions and is very difficult to eradicate. If properly distributed, snow can act as a protective layer. Since frozen grass is brittle, it is recommended to cover it with a breathable snow blanket. Precipitation flakes are evenly distributed over the lawn without compacting it. This will give the yard a neat appearance and protect the lawn from damage.
Removing ice from paths
When removing ice from garden paths in a parking space, consider the surface. Paving stones, concrete, and other materials may have been used. The necessary equipment is also prepared. The most important is a shovel. It doesn't matter what it's made of (steel, plastic, or wood). The important thing is that it's easy to use. Both square and rectangular shapes are acceptable.
Other garden tools are used for ice removal: a pickaxe, a sledgehammer, a crowbar, or a hammer. However, when combined with brute force, these "weapons" can be very dangerous and can even damage asphalt. Such equipment should be used only in extreme cases. If icy conditions are common in your region, it's better to purchase specialized tools with plastic or rubber tips.
Non-mechanical methods
It's not always necessary to literally clear snow. Freezing rain, which instantly turns to ice, can make sidewalks and garden paths feel like skating rinks. But clearing such icy surfaces with specialized garden tools is impossible. Besides, the physical effort required will far outweigh the benefits.
You may be interested in:Sanding
Loose sand has long been used to sprinkle sidewalks in public places. It's completely safe for health and doesn't damage the surface of paths. However, it does have a downside. Snow needs to be sprinkled with sand frequently, as it is blown away by the wind and quickly spread by shoes and car tires. Using this non-mechanical de-icing technique can cut into the owner's budget for other purchases.
Small pebbles
Granite chips have a sharper texture, making them more durable than sand. However, they are also more expensive. Because small pebbles provide good traction on adjacent surfaces, they are best used on driveways and parking spaces. The material is reusable: it can be swept into a bag at the end of the season and reused the following winter.
With salt
You may be interested in:To prevent ice from forming, you can sprinkle salt on your paths. Industrial grade salt is used. It only takes a few hours for the ice to melt. Avoid using salt in areas near flower beds. Thanks to modern technology, salt with a special composition is now available on the market. It is completely safe for shoes, plants, and animals. It is available in the following packaging:
- 25 kg bags;
- 50 kg bags;
- in bulk.
With the arrival of winter, homeowners face the need to remove snow. These tips will help you quickly and easily clean up your property without damaging the pavement, lawn, or perennial flowers in the adjacent front garden.