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Best Time to Shovel Snow with Ease

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by Bryan Mckenzie

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If you want to avoid injuries or getting stuck in your house, you have to pick the best time to shovel snow. It is hard to believe that even modern homeowners can’t avoid problems with snow. However, hard snowing or hidden ice underneath snow can lead to hospitalization or cause other numerous problems. If you have no idea when to shovel snow, the process might become too difficult for one person. Follow this detailed guide that will teach you to pick the right time for shoveling and how to reach your goal in no time. Be more efficient with less effort.

In Short

Numerous questions might arise when the ground is covered in white. Should you shovel snow while it is still snowing? When to start shoveling snow? The most popular option is to shovel snow early in the morning when it is not snowing. Snow is still firm and less slippery in the morning. If it is snowing, you should wait. Remove snow layer by layer; it is easier.

Guide to the Best Time to Shovel Snow

shoveling snow

Shoveling deep snow is a hard task, especially for people who are not used to such physical activities. It might be a dangerous task as well since snow can melt and become slippery. However, if you can’t drive your car from the garage, you have to learn the best way to shovel the driveway safely. Read this simple guide.

How to make shoveling while it snows safer

It is simple to stay safe while shoveling if you know the basic rules. Once you learn all the safety measures you can take, you might even find the benefits of shoveling snow, including exercising. The measures that can help you during this procedure:

  1. Get a high-quality wide snow shovel made of plastic. Make sure it does not break.
  2. If the road is slippery, use an ice-melting product without salt. It will not damage anything in your yard since there is no salt, and you can move freely.
  3. Pick the best time to shovel. While it might be warmer in the afternoon, morning time is the most optimal since snow is still crispy and does not melt. It is easy to throw away.
  4. Shoveling snow at night is never a good idea because it might be extremely dangerous.
  5. Wear an outfit that will keep you warm but not sweaty. Choose non-slippery boots.
  6. If you run out of energy, it’s better to stop. You might be halfway through the snow but you should recharge your batteries when you feel exhausted.

Should you shovel snow while it is still snowing?

There are two opinions about shoveling while it is snowing. Some people say that removing snow while it is still snowing is easier since you remove a small layer. If it is lightly snowing outside, you can try to clear the road. It is not the easiest way to shovel snow, since you have to work during snowfall. It is better to wait until there is a break, and you can clear the area you need without snow falling on your face. Don’t try to work in a blizzard.

Man shoveling snow

If you need to clear your way, and it is snowing hard, try to follow the basic safety rules. Try to move less on snow since it will be harder to remove it. If snow is sticking to your shovel, use a cooking or silicone spray. You can shovel while it is snowing only if there is no strong wind. You can wear protective goggles if you need them.

What time of day should you shovel?

The best time to shovel is during the day. Early in the morning, snow is still firm and does not melt. You can wear your warm winter clothes and remove snow layer by layer. Don’t wait till it gets warmer unless you want to see the melting snow and multiple puddles in your yard or on the pavement. Don’t delay the procedure until evening, since it is hard to work in darkness.

When is the best time to shovel snow?

The perfect time is in the morning and while snow is not heavy from the water. Once the sun is up, and the temperature rises, you can’t postpone the procedure because snow will quickly turn into a mess. You don’t need to rush once you start. Take your time and remove snow everywhere you need. If you still need to shovel snow in the darkness or while it is snowing, take extra safety measures, including applying an ice melt, sand, or even salt on the driveway.

Why is this the best time?

I believe that morning is the most appropriate time mainly because it is safer then. Snow is still not slippery, and you can easily see the process. The afternoon hours might be warmer, but there can be too much water and ice. Morning is also better for shoveling work mainly because you are not that tired. Besides, you can significantly reduce any potential danger while snow shoveling after a storm or between snowfall in the daylight.

Simple Ideas to Clean Snow

Although I believe that morning after snowfall is the best time to clear your yard, there can be different circumstances. If you need to drive somewhere immediately, you will take a shovel no matter the time. I recommend you to take a compact shovel with you and carry it in your car during the winter season.

If you can choose the time, my recommendations might be helpful for you. Pay attention to snow-melting products, and choose the one that you really need. If you have more recommendations for other readers, express them in the comments below. Which time of the day is your favorite to shovel snow?

About
Bryan Mckenzie
Hi there — my name is Bryan McKenzie. Before I’d got into gardening, I worked as a landscape designer at landscape design and consultation company in Jacksonville. I enjoy sharing the vast gardening experience I’ve accumulated throughout the years with like-minded green thumbs. Read more about me and my wife.
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