Components of landscaping

Into everyone's landscape a little snow must fall, if you live north of the Mason-Dixon line that is, and snow removal is a problem for certain areas of your landscape. Sure, that snow looks kind of pretty on top of the shrubs and clinging to those bare branches like an landscaping ice sculpture, but on your driveway and sidewalk it's just another nuisance. Most homeowners have a preferred method of removing unwanted snow from their landscape.

The Trusty Snow Shovel

The snow shovel is the weapon of choice for most homeowners battling snow on their landscape. Some shovels have handles designed to help keep your back straight while you lift and scrape your landscape clear again, but most are just the standard issue straight handle. Tough to use, but it gets the job done, though not without some physical cost to the snow soldier struggling to clear the landscape.

The Less Trusty Snow Blower

In principle, a snow blower seems like just the ticket to remove snow from the landscape without winding up in the emergency room, but can you count on it when the snow comes down? Like any engine powered machine, snow blowers require maintenance to keep them in good running order. Nothing is more frustrating than going out to blow the dreaded white stuff off your landscape, only to find your engine won't turn over. Unless you have a knack for mechanics, you're back to shoveling that landscape again.

Snow blowers also require fuel, an added expense and down right inconvenient if you run out before clearing your landscape.

Snow blowers also arent' very effective for wet heavy snow on your landscape. They grind it into slop pretty efficiently, but you're going to have to scrape it off the landscape before it refreezes into ruts.

Heated Driveways

Heated driveways are constructed with tubing underneath that circulates warm water which melts the snow. Melted snow is channeled to drains and away from your foundation. Nice if your landscaping budget can afford it.

Shoveling Safety

Shoveling snow from your landscape is a tough job no matter what your age. Following these tips will lessen your risk for accident or illness.

Dress appropriately. Instead of wearing bulky clothing and working up a sweat shoveling your landscape, try dressing in layers you can remove as you begin to overheat. Non-slip boots and gloves are a must. Drinking fluid will also help your body stay regulated, kind of like the fluid in your car's radiator.

Only shovel your landscape for 15 minutes at a time and then give yourself a break. This will give you heart a chance to return to it's normal rate. Stop shoveling your landscape immediately if you begin to feel chest or arm pain. This could be a sign of heart trouble. Don't feel self-conscious, call someone for help immediately. At best, you're fine but a little embarrassed. At worst, help is on the way before you're unable to ask for it.

Protect your back. Be sure to bend your knees and lift with your legs, not your back, when shoveling your landscape. Back pain is the number one complaint from shovelers after the landscape is cleared.

And probably the best tip you're ever going to get about shoveling snow off your own landscape- give the neighbor's kid a ten-spot to do it, and go back inside for another cup of coffee.