As a premier landscaper in Natick, our team at Cataldo Landscaping understands the challenges Mother Nature brings to both residential and commercial property owners. For instance, snow removal during a New England winter can be quite the hassle! Even with the proper equipment, one can easily ruin elements around their property.
Here, we are taking a look at some of the most common snow removal mistakes for residential owners.
The type of shovel you use makes a difference.
Often, homeowners grab any shovel available to tackle snow removal. However, depending on the surface you are shoveling, you could be doing more damage than good. For instance, if you use a metal shovel on your wood deck, you may not be too happy with the result come springtime. Instead, using a plastic shovel is the best way to prevent scratches and dents. Likewise, the direction you shovel can also compromise the integrity of the wood. Always shovel with the grain of the wood, never against. By doing so, you are ensuring a lesser chance of causing damage.
However, if you’re shoveling a concrete driveway, you may want to consider grabbing the metal shovel. In this instance, using a sharper edge will ensure a cleaner snow removal process. Concrete is one of the toughest materials when it comes to shoveling, so the chances of your shovel causing damage are very small.
Finally, walkways are another area requiring snow removal. This category, however, is not a one-size fits all solution. To protect the integrity of your walkway, you first must understand the material. If you are dealing with concrete, the same rules apply as mentioned above. If you have brick walkways or bluestone walkways, the maintenance is a bit different.
Understanding the world of rock salt.
Which, leads us into the next category – rock salt. Like shovels, understand the type of salt (or deicer) you are using is imperative. Wood, concrete, brick, and natural stones all have different properties and characteristics, making their vulnerabilities to salt significantly different. Furthermore, you need to consider your four-legged family members in this category as well.
With various products on the market, it’s crucial to understand where and what you are dealing with. Each product offers unilateral solutions but accomplishes them in different ways. Do your research and ensure the product you choose is safe for your environment.
At Cataldo Landscaping, we are not only the best landscaper in Natick, but we are also the best team to contact for snow removal! Make sure your family, guests, and customers are safe this winter by contacting Cataldo Landscaping today at (781) 304-8900!