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How Snow Removal Impacts Your Landscape and Hardscape
luke giammarioli • October 15, 2024
Snow and ice may look picturesque in the winter, but they can wreak havoc on your landscaping and hardscaping. Without proper snow removal techniques, your carefully maintained plants, shrubs, and pathways may suffer long-term damage. Let’s explore how snow and ice buildup affects your outdoor spaces and why professional snow removal services
can help protect your landscape investment.
1. Snow Pileups Can Damage Trees and Shrubs
The weight of accumulated snow can break branches, bend shrubs, and cause significant stress to your plants. Heavy snow, especially after multiple storms, can lead to long-term damage, making it harder for plants to recover once spring arrives. Salt used for de-icing can also damage roots and foliage, further weakening your plants.
Why Professional Snow Removal Matters:
Professional snow removal services take care to avoid piling snow in areas where it can damage trees and shrubs, helping to preserve your landscape. By positioning snow in safe locations, professionals can minimize the risk of stress and breakage to your greenery.
2. De-Icing Chemicals and Their Effect on Your Lawn
While de-icing agents are necessary to prevent slipping on icy surfaces, common salts like sodium chloride can harm your lawn. As the snow melts, the chemicals seep into the ground, disrupting soil quality and potentially killing grass in certain areas. Overuse of these products can lead to unsightly brown patches that take months to recover.
The Solution:
Opting for eco-friendly de-icing products or hiring a service that uses safer alternatives can mitigate this risk and keep your lawn healthy. Professionals are well-versed in applying these chemicals effectively, using just the right amount to prevent damage to your lawn while ensuring safe walkways.
3. The Freeze-Thaw Cycle: How Hardscaping Takes a Beating
Your driveway, walkways, and patios are all vulnerable to the freeze-thaw cycle. Water from melting snow seeps into cracks and expands when it refreezes, leading to larger cracks and potentially costly repairs. Over time, the surface of your pavers, concrete, or asphalt can deteriorate due to repeated exposure to ice and snow.
The Importance of Timely Snow Removal:
Regular snow removal prevents this buildup and reduces the strain on your hardscaping, prolonging its lifespan. Early intervention helps keep water from penetrating cracks, saving you from expensive repairs in the long run.
4. Protecting Your Irrigation Systems From Snow Removal Damage
Your irrigation systems, including sprinkler heads and underground pipes, are at risk during snow removal. Heavy equipment or improper shoveling can damage these systems, leading to costly repairs in the spring. Accidental hits to these systems can cause water leaks, pressure issues, and even flooding when the snow thaws.
Professional Approach to Prevent Damage:
Professionals understand where these systems are located and take extra care when removing snow from sensitive areas. They use precise equipment and strategies to clear snow without compromising the integrity of your irrigation system.
5. Snow and Ice Can Lead to Erosion
Excess snow and ice can lead to soil erosion in certain areas of your landscape. When snow melts rapidly, especially after a big storm, it can create runoff that washes away the topsoil, damaging plants and exposing roots. If left unchecked, this erosion can lead to long-term issues like uneven terrain and poor plant health.
Preventing Erosion with Snow Management:
By controlling how snow is removed and where it’s placed, professional snow removal services can help reduce erosion risk. Redirecting snowmelt away from sensitive areas ensures that your landscape remains intact and ready to thrive come spring.
6. How Snow Removal Equipment Affects Your Landscape
Using the wrong equipment or techniques can cause significant damage to your lawn and hardscaping. Snowplows, shovels, and de-icing chemicals can scratch pavers, crush grass, or damage flower beds if not used carefully. Large piles of snow pushed onto your lawn can compact the soil, making it difficult for grass to grow in the spring.
Why Expertise Matters:
At Luke's Landscaping, we use the proper equipment for each unique area of your property. Our experts know the delicate balance between efficient snow removal
and protecting your landscape and hardscape from harm.