People love a good snowfall in Connecticut — that is until they have to remove it from their driveway and walkways. Then suddenly it’s no longer about snowmen, sledding and picturesque views, and more about snow plowing or snow shoveling so that they can get to work and school on time.
We want to make sure you’re ready for the Connecticut’s snowy season. And that’s why we’ve put together this helpful guide, whether you plan on hiring a snow removal company such as T&J Landscaping and Masonry or will be shoveling your own driveway.
Connecticut’s snowiest months
The first snow fall of the season typically arrives in Connecticut’s Fairfield County in November or December. We say typically because who can forget the October snowstorm of 2011 (a.k.a. the Halloween Nor’easter)?
The snowiest time of the year around these parts is late-January and February. The NOAA’s National Centers for Environmental Information says that’s when the majority of snowstorms category 3 or higher take place.
Those dreaming of a white Christmas in Fairfield County typically don’t get what they want. There’s only a 35% chance of at least 1 inch of snow on Christmas in inland Fairfield County and a 21% chance near the coast, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. But don’t rule out a white Christmas in Fairfield County. It did snow here on Christmas day in 2017.
Snow plowing near me
Snow removal can be a time-consuming and strenuous job if you have a large driveway. Save yourself the time and potential back problems by hiring professionals to plow your driveway. Some companies will also shovel or blow your walkways, spread salt/sand, and remove snow from your roof.
The cost of snow plowing often depends on the size and angle of your driveway and how difficult it is to remove snow from there. Other factors include the height of the snow at the time of the snow plowing.
Do you need snow plowing in Weston, Wilton, Westport, Norwalk, Darien, Redding, New Canaan, or the surrounding area Fairfield County, CT area? Call or text T&J Landscaping and Masonry at (203) 451-8877 or email us at info@tjlandscapemasonry.com to discuss which snow removal options are best for you.
Snow removal cost
We charge based on the height of the snow. That means the lower the snow, the lower the bill. For example, if we agree on a price of $70 for 3-4 inches, we would then charge $105 for 5-7 inches, $140 for 8-11 inches, and $210 for 12 inches or more (Note: We often make multiple trips during snowstorms). When determining the agreed upon fee, we take into account the size and angles of your driveway. And yes, your front walkway is included in the price.
Mark your driveway boundaries
Anyone living in Connecticut knows how difficult it can be to see in a snowstorm. Placing tall stakes around your driveway to mark boundaries will help you know where you’re going when pulling in and out of your driveway. And if you hire a snow removal company, they’ll appreciate it as well.
Know your ice melts
Ice melt contain chloride that can cause your concrete driveways to crack or deteriorate. To minimize the damage, mix your ice melt (calcium chloride or magnesium chloride work well) with sand. It not only cuts back on the salt on the concrete but also provides some traction.
Be wary of ice melt that claims to be pet-safe. Some that contain urea might be more pet-friendly than the very common sodium chloride (rock salt), but none is entirely pet-safe.
Keep your pets away from salted areas as much as possible to prevent them from eating ice melt and make sure to wash their feet after they’ve been outside. Paw wax and booties can also help keep ice melts from harming your pet’s paws.
Prep your snow blower
Old gas can gum up your gas snow blower’s carburetor. If you didn’t drain your snow blower’s tank or fill it with fuel stabilizer before storing it away for the season, break out a siphon or turkey baster and drain away. Top it off with a fuel stabilizer after that.
Next check your snow blower’s oil and make sure it’s golden or amber and not dirty — this goes double for those who haven’t changed their snow blower’s oil in over a year. Once you do that, your snow blower should be ready to come out of hibernation and go to work.
Snow shoveling safety
About 11,500 people in the U.S. end up in the emergency room every year due to snow shoveling-related injuries, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. The study also stated that 100 of those injuries are fatal.
If you plan on shoveling your own driveway and/or walkways, please keep these National Safety Council safety tips in mind:
Lift with your legs, not your back. This one is a biggie.
Don’t shovel after eating or while smoking.
Take it slow and stretch beforehand.
Shovel only fresh, powdery snow (it's lighter).
Push the snow instead of lifting it.
If you do lift it, use a small shovel or only partially fill the shovel.
Don’t work to the point of exhaustion.
Know the signs of a heart attack and call 911 if you're experiencing any of them.