Time and effort saving techniques for snow removal 

After a long winter of shoveling and blowing snow, if your back has been hurting, you may be doing it incorrectly. Home expert Eric Hado from Consumer Reports offers some tips for safer snow removal and a more comfortable winter. 

Applying a snow thrower 

For those who own Snow removal near me, according to Hado, time is of the essence. Why? If you move too slowly, your snowball won't travel very far. If you accelerate, snow may fly out of the side of your vehicle. It's up to you to try different speeds until you find the one that works best. 

The specific methods you use to clear your land will depend on its layout. It's best practice to avoid piling snow back onto cleared streets. Thrown snow will pack down and stick to the pavement, making further snow removal more of a chore. 

For driveways with room on both sides, it's better to begin in the middle and work your way to one side, where you may toss the snow. Turn around and return by the opposite route. Maintain a rhythm of alternate movements. You won't have to readjust the chute as often, and the snow that doesn't get caught the first time will be picked up on the next pass. It would be ideal if a second reading wasn't necessary. 

If your home is adjacent to the driveway, begin on the side nearest to the house. This will prevent you from re-dumping snow into the roads once they have been shoveled. 

Utilizing snow blowers safely is of paramount importance. About half of the projected 3,300 snow blower-related emergency department visits in 2012 were for finger injuries, including amputations. The tension on the back and shoulders was also prevalent. 

Excavation of Snow 

You can either dig in or use a shovel. Remove the snow in layers, either as it falls (after every several inches) or after the storm has passed. Don't shovel more snow than you can carry. 

If you want to clear your driveway, Hado suggests doing it in two phases. At first, use a pusher shovel, like the one depicted in Image #8, to move the snow to the perimeter. Then, remove what is left using a standard, sided shovel, such as a #2. You may want to consider Option #1, a multifunctional shovel with handles designed for tossing, lifting, and pushing. A plastic shovel without a steel edge is safer to use on uneven pavement. 

Securing the area with shoveling. According to the Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, between 1990 and 2006, an annual average of 11,500 snow shoveling-related injuries were treated at the ER. Back injuries accounted for one-third of all casualties, with arm, hand, and head injuries coming in second. One in five accidents occurred because of a slip and fall, and 15% were hurt when they were hit by a snow shovel. 

Proper equipment for the task at hand 

Before beginning any technique of snow removal, it's best to avoid driving or walking on the snow if at all possible. Packing snow makes shoveling more challenging. Spray silicone or, in a pinch, cooking spray on the shovel or snow blower's shoot if snow is sticking. Check out our evaluation of snow shovels and our results from our snow blower testing to identify the best equipment for the job. Find out which ice melts are effective and safe for your pets and property to make sure the cleared surfaces stay that way. 

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