Shovel the Snow: Tips for Efficient and Safe Snow Removal

Facing a snowy sidewalk? Learn how to shovel the snow effectively, with smart tips on the best tools and techniques to avoid strain and injury. This article provides clear guidance on transforming this winter chore into a manageable task.

Key Takeaways

Selecting the appropriate shovel the snow tools, like the right type of shovel blade and handle, is crucial for efficient and safe snow removal.
Mastering safe and efficient shoveling the snow techniques, including starting early, pushing rather than lifting snow, and employing proper lifting methods, is essential to prevent injury and ensure effectiveness.
Preparation for shoveling, such as warm-up exercises, dressing appropriately, staying hydrated, and taking breaks, coupled with adherence to snow removal etiquette and safety tips, can significantly enhance the snow removal experience and community safety.

Choosing the Right Shovel the Snow Tools

Choosing the right tools is integral to efficient and safe shoveling snow removal. The shovel that you select significantly influences the effort you put in and the results you achieve. Selecting durable materials enhances both efficiency and longevity. For instance, fiberglass handles offer high durability as they do not rust, bend, or break easily and are not affected by weather changes.

The shovel blades also have a pivotal role. Here are some options to consider:

Aluminum shovel blades: lightweight and sturdy
Plastic shovel blades: lightweight and reduce snow stickiness
Combined shovel blades: plastic with a metal edge, offering a balance between being lightweight and breaking through ice

Understanding the appropriate use and benefits of various snow shoveling tools can help avoid injuries.

Standard Shovel the Snow

Standard snow shovels are the go-to choice for many due to their versatility and affordability. They have:

Straight shafts
Blades made of metal or metal-edged plastic
Can be rectangular or curved, making them suitable for a range of snow removal jobs
Metal-edged plastic shovels offer a mix of durability from the metal with the lightweight characteristic of plastic.

However, considering the handle length is key for optimal use. For instance, aluminum snow shovels with larger heads can clear snow more efficiently, but this efficiency might be affected by the handle length which may need to be longer for optimal use.

The cost for a standard snow shovel typically ranges from $15 to $35, making it an affordable snow removal solution.

Ergonomic Shovel

Ergonomic shovels revolutionize snow removal for those concerned about back strain. Designed to help maintain a straighter back, they significantly reduce the risk of back injury during snow shoveling.

Models such as the True Temper 18-inch Ergonomic Mountain Mover Snow Shovel and the Garant Yukon 18-inch Ergonomic Snow Shovel are praised for their ergonomic design, promoting good posture and reducing back strain.

Ergonomic shovels with curved handles are particularly effective in reducing the necessity for excessive back bending when scooping or needing to shovel the snow.

Pusher or Wide Shovel

For those who prefer sliding and pushing snow rather than lifting it, pusher or wide shovels are ideal. These shovels enhance ease of use and reduce the effort of clearing snow. The extra-wide blade and durability of shovels like the Snowplow make them particularly effective for large areas covered in light, fluffy snow. However, if you’re looking for a more powerful solution, consider using a snow blower.

However, bear in mind that pusher shovels are not designed for lifting snow. For instances where lifting and throwing snow is necessary, a standard shovel is required due to the limitations of pushers with wide blades.

Safe and Efficient Shovel the Snow Techniques

Once armed with the right tools, the next step is to master safe and efficient shovel the snow techniques. To avoid injuries while shoveling snow, it’s necessary to maintain the spine’s natural curve and good posture. Using an efficient shovel such as the AMES #12 Aluminum Scoop can move large volumes of snow easily, reducing the need for re-shoveling.

These techniques are not just about the right posture or the right shovel, but also about the right approach. This brings us to three critical techniques that every snow shoveler should master: starting early and planning ahead, pushing instead of lifting, and employing proper lifting techniques.

Start Early and Plan Ahead

When it’s time to start shoveling snow, doing so early not only gives a headstart but also helps avoid compacted snow accumulations. Shoveling snow early after a snowfall, especially a few hours after a nighttime storm, can make the removal process significantly easier as the snow is lighter and fluffier.

To further streamline the process, developing a strategic plan for clearing snow, such as determining a starting point and direction, ensures an efficient snow shoveling process without stepping on fresh snow. Moreover, shoveling snow in mid-morning makes use of the sun’s warmth, which helps in melting the snow slightly and decreases the likelihood of ice formation after snow removal.

Push, Don’t Lift

Contrary to what one might think, pushing snow instead of lifting it can decrease strain and effort. By holding the shovel at a slight angle and making width-wise passes, you can push the snow instead of lifting it.

Pusher shovels with a C-shaped blade can help in this technique, enabling the clearing of larger areas with more snow more rapidly. Moreover, pushing snow by making controlled, one-sided and straight advances ensures that you do not overexert yourself by lifting and tossing heavy snow, while using the right tool, such as a snow rake or a shovel, to shovel snow efficiently.

Proper Lifting Techniques

However, situations when lifting snow is inevitable do occur. In such cases, it is crucial to use proper lifting techniques to avoid back injuries. Start by bending at the knees and lifting with your legs, not your back, to protect your spine while lifting snow. Keeping the push snow shovel close to your body can maintain balance and reduce strain.

When using a shovel to lift snow, it’s important to fill the blade to around a quarter to half-full, of ground up which is roughly the size of a basketball. This will help to prevent strain and make the lifting process more manageable. Moreover, ergonomic shovels with bent handles help keep the back straight by reducing the need to bend over, while providing added leverage.

Preparing for Shovel the Snow

Before starting your shoveling the snow task, take a moment to prepare yourself. Engaging in a warm-up routine before shoveling can prevent back injuries as cold weather tightens muscles. A pre-shoveling warm-up should include stretching extremities and the back, with exercises like piriformis and hamstring stretches, squat chops, bridges, ‘Open/Close The Book’, pec doorway stretches, and side lean stretches.

Additionally, it’s vital to dress suitably and remain hydrated with frequent breaks during this physically intensive task. This brings us to two crucial aspects that every snow shoveler should consider: dressing for the task and maintaining hydration while taking breaks.

Dressing for the Task

Dressing appropriately can make a significant difference to your shovel-the-snow experience. Layering clothing is key to keeping warm while shoveling snow. Thermal underwear can be an effective base layer for warmth during snow removal tasks.

Footwear is equally important. Boots with good traction are essential to prevent slipping on icy surfaces while shoveling snow. Moreover, moisture-wicking materials help maintain dryness by drawing sweat away from the body. It’s also crucial to wear gloves for added protection and warmth.

Hydration and Breaks

Even in the cold, staying hydrated is crucial to avoid dehydration and overexertion while shoveling snow. Keeping a bottle of water near the doorstep ensures convenient hydration while engaging in snow removal activities.

Listening to one’s body is critical during this physically demanding task. It’s important to take breaks when feeling fatigued or experiencing any unusual signs. Regular breaks help prevent overexertion and reduce the risk of snow shoveling-related injuries.

Snow Removal Etiquette and Safety Tips

Beyond the physical demands and challenges of snow shoveling, there are certain etiquettes and safety tips to adhere to. These practices ensure a safe and cooperative community environment.

Residents are responsible for clearing the snow from their driveway, the sidewalk in front of their house, the stoop area, and depositing the snow in tidy piles away from others’ property. While shoveling, it’s crucial to remain vigilant for icy conditions beneath the snow to prevent slips and falls.

Clearing Public Walkways

Clearing public walkways is often more than a simple courtesy; it’s frequently a legal obligation. Residents are often legally obligated to clear snow and ice from public sidewalks next to their property. Local laws may impose specific timeframes within which residents must remove snow after it has fallen.

Failure to comply with local snow removal laws can lead to fines and possible liability for accidents caused by uncleared snow and ice. Community efforts during snowstorms play a vital role in safety, especially when emergency services are concentrated on severe situations.

Helping Neighbors

Snow shoveling is also an opportunity for community building. Property owners are often encouraged to assist neighbors who may be unable to complete the task themselves, fostering community cooperation and safety. As an act of community care, it is considered polite to remove sidewalks or piles from neighbors over 70 years of age.

Neighbors can also support each other by:

Shoveling sidewalks, vehicles, or driveways
Running errands
Delivering groceries
Checking in on neighbors who live alone

Personal experiences of neighbors helping each other, like the story of a veteran in Lackawaxen, PA, highlight the positive impact that such community support can have on individuals in need.

Snow Melt Usage

While snow melt products significantly aid in snow removal, they must be used responsibly to prevent damage to surfaces and vegetation. Ice melt products have different chemical compositions that make them effective in various temperature ranges, including extreme cold and milder conditions.

Pre-applying ice melt before snowfall can prevent the formation of a bottom layer of ice, reducing the risk of accidents and making snow removal more manageable. Overapplication of ice melt can lead to it being tracked indoors, causing damage to floors basement windows and vegetation, highlighting the importance of careful application.

Dealing with Specific Snow Shoveling Challenges

Despite having the right tools and techniques, snow shoveling may still pose unique challenges. Deep snow accumulations, stuck snow, and utilizing sunlight are just a few examples. But with the right approach, these challenges can be transformed into manageable tasks.

Snow is unexpectedly heavy with no wind, 12 inches of snow approximately equaling the weight of 63 pounds of water. To break thin compacted snow and ice, use the back side of the shovel to chop down every inch until it’s sufficiently broken up to be shoveled away. Be cautious when you throw snow, as its weight can cause strain on your body.

Removing Stuck Snow

Stuck snow can significantly complicate the snow removal process. However, a simple trick can make the task a lot easier. Applying a coating of hard ice to the shovel blade is a key method for preventing snow from sticking.

You can spray the shovel blade with cooking oil to create a non-stick surface that keeps snow and ice from adhering to it. For stubborn, compacted snow stubborn ice, use the snow shovel backward technique to chop at thin, compacted snow and ice, making it easier to remove.

Utilizing Sunlight

Mother Nature can also aid in snow removal. Utilizing sunlight contributes to the melting of snow, making its removal from pavements significantly easier. Clearing snow soon after a storm allows the sunlight to quickly melt any residual snow.

The best time of day to take advantage of sunlight for snow removal is when the sun is at its highest and strongest, often around midday.

Handling Deep Snow

Dealing with deep snow, especially when it’s freshly fallen snow or wet snow, can appear as a formidable challenge. But with the right approach, it becomes a lot more manageable. Start by removing snow or by slicing it down into sections to avoid overload.

If the snow is too heavy, slice it at a shallower depth to make the load on thin ice more manageable. To effectively handle deep snow, alternate between horizontal slices and vertical cuts to break up the snow into manageable chunks.

Summary

Snow shoveling may seem like a daunting task, but with the right tools, techniques, and preparation, it can become a manageable and even rewarding winter activity. Whether you’re dealing with a light dusting or a heavy snowfall, remember to choose your shovel wisely, employ efficient techniques, dress appropriately, and stay hydrated. And don’t forget to lend a helping hand to your neighbors, fostering a cooperative and safe community environment. Keep these tips in mind, and you’ll be well-equipped to master the art of snow shoveling.

For shovels, Certified MTP offers Digging Shovels, Garden Shovels, Scoop Shovels, Snow Shovels, Spade Shovels, Square Shovels, and Trenching Shovels.

We recommend the Lawn & Sand Roller for your landscaping needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you scoop snow or shovel snow?

You should use a pusher shovel for clearing light, fluffy snow quickly, and a scoop shovel for heavier, wetter snow. Both shovels have different uses based on the type of snow you need to clear.

What is the fastest way to shovel the snow?

To shovel snow efficiently, shovel a line straight down the middle of the area you need to plow to clear and push the snow away from the middle as you travel down the path you’ve made. This approach is more efficient than the common method of just clearing the driveway to one side.

How can I prevent snow from sticking to my shovel?

To prevent snow from sticking to your shovel, apply a coating such as cooking oil to the blade. This creates a non-stick surface that repels snow and ice.

What’s the proper way to lift snow?

To lift snow properly, bend at the knees and lift with your legs, keeping the shovel close to your body to reduce strain. Avoid breaking or using your back to lift snow.