Photo by George Kroeker on Unsplash 

It’s nearly that time of the year again; when temperatures begin to drop, thermostats get turned up, and snow makes its inevitable return.  
Snow removal can be a hazardous hassle at the best of times, and the labor-intensive process can waste precious resources if you aren’t careful. 
The good news is that there are several options for making your shoveling and snow-blowing efforts as effective as possible, such as making use of a commercial snow removal service, for example.  
If you want to streamline the process as much as possible, take a look at five factors that will improve any snow removal strategy. 

Size is everything 

The first thing snow removal contractors do is look at property size. The size determines the type of equipment needed as well as how long the job will take. Careful planning in this regard will save you time and money and give you a better idea of scope and scale. 
Ideally, you want to map out the area in question and try to form an accurate gauge of the amount of snow that needs to be moved, where it will be offloaded, and how these logistical considerations will affect the cost. 
The clearer and more precise your analysis is, the greater the optimization and efficiency of your removal efforts. You can even go as far as calculating push time or containment rate, both of which will further enhance the accuracy of your planning. 

Save your salt 

Ice is one of the toughest elements to deal with when attempting snow removal. Most people use salt to break down these slippery surfaces, but the use of sodium-based solutions can end up being costly in the long run. 
Instead of wasting capital on bag upon bag of salt, use a sectional snow pusher with a steel cutting edge. Essentially, the sharp sections of the pusher can scrape hard-packed snow and ice, saving you from a lot of extra work and unnecessary effort. 
You don’t need to hire more than one operator with a sectional snow pusher. It can clear snow and ice with fewer passes than traditional methods, and the overall reduction in operating costs makes it worth the increased upfront investment. 

Photo by Juho S on Unsplash 

Start at the top 

Movement efficiency is everything when it comes to snow removal. Every inch of snow that gets removed is a drain on resources, so you need a plan that avoids common mistakes. When in doubt, start with the roof and work your way down. 
You can often cut costs by evaluating the state of your equipment. How well have the machines and tools been maintained? Which hitches and connections are most effective for the job at hand? You may be surprised at where you find the potential for improvement. 
A good example of this is correct hitch usage. Slip-style hitches can drop and lift at will, reacting to any level changes between pavement and road automatically. In comparison, other hitch styles can only be adjusted manually but are better suited to level terrain. 

Avoid fatigue 

Plowing, shoveling, and de-icing are all labor-intensive processes. What’s more, due to the complexity of the equipment, these processes can be dangerous for professionals and downright deadly for amateurs. 
Aside from ensuring that your contractors hold the correct licenses and qualifications, you also need to keep in mind that fatigue is a threat that often goes unnoticed until it’s too late. In fact, operator fatigue is one of the chief causes of heavy vehicle accidents. 
Stay safe and aware of your limitations at all times. Steer clear of overtime if you can, ensure that work hours are interspersed with sufficient breaks, and adjust schedules, where needed, to ensure that machinery operators don’t get exhausted. 

Photo by Elias Null on Unsplash 

 Find a tailored solution 
Every snow removal operation is different, and the same strategy may not work for two different scenarios. Your plan should be based on parameters specific to your situation, which is the main reason why professional services assess long before they execute. 
The benefits of outsourcing your snow removal far outweigh the advantages of trying to do everything yourself. All the planning and technical analysis are left to the professionals, giving you the freedom to focus on other tasks that are more deserving of your attention. 
Consulting with experts is the norm in any industry, so why should snow removal be any different? Find a service that caters to your needs and before you know it, you will have an ironclad removal strategy that not only makes the process seamless but also gives you peace of mind when it comes to maintenance and other long-term operating costs.