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a person shovelling snow with a red shovel

Winter Shovelling Safety: Stay Cool While Clearing Snow

Written by BSLandscaping on . Posted in Winter Safety, Winterization.

Winter is all fun and games until someone has to shovel snow, right? But fear not, we’ve got your back. We’re sharing some valuable tips on how to keep safe this winter while shovelling your driveway or walkway.

Warm Up Before You Dig In (with your shovel!)

Before you dive headfirst into a mountain of snow, warm up your body. Think of it as a snow shovelling pre-game ritual. Start with some light stretching to get your muscles in the groove. This will help prevent those unexpected aches and pains that can sneak up on you when you’re least expecting them.

Dress for the Occasion

You’re not just stepping out for a leisurely walk in the park; you’re going to battle with the snow. Dress appropriately by layering up, wearing warm, water-resistant clothing, and donning a good pair of snow boots with a solid grip. Remember, it’s better to be slightly overheated than underdressed and freezing your socks off.

Choose the Right Shovel

Not all shovels are created equal. Go for a lightweight snow shovel with an ergonomic handle. This will save your back from unnecessary strain and make the job easier. If you can, go for one with a curved blade to minimize bending and lifting. You’re not trying to join a snow shovelling Olympics, so make it as easy on yourself as possible.

Take It Slow and Steady

Snow shovelling is not a race; it’s a marathon. Don’t rush it. Take small, manageable scoops of snow and pace yourself. Frequent breaks are your friends. Shovelling can be an intense workout, and you don’t want to overexert yourself. Remember, there’s no medal for finishing before your neighbours.

Use Proper Technique for Shovelling

When you’re shovelling, use your legs, not your back. Bend your knees, not your waist, and push the snow rather than lifting it. And when you do have to lift, use your legs and not your back muscles. 

Watch Out for Icy Surprises

Hidden beneath that fluffy white snow might be patches of treacherous ice waiting to trip you up. Be vigilant, and use ice melt or sand to deal with any slippery spots. A fall on the ice can ruin the rest of your winter.

Stay Hydrated and Take Breaks while Shovelling

Just because it’s cold doesn’t mean you’re not sweating. Keep hydrated by drinking water throughout your shovelling session. Also, remember to take breaks to rest, warm up, and recharge. You’re not a machine, and your body needs a breather.

Don’t Be a Snow Hero

If the snowfall is too heavy or you have any health concerns, don’t hesitate to ask for help. It’s not a sign of weakness to ask for a hand; it’s a sign of intelligence.

Since we know that snow comes heavy and often in the Toronto area, make sure to follow these tips and you’ll have a much more enjoyable experience.

Two trucks with snow plow attachments on front

Commercial Snow Removal – An Investment in Keeping Business Booming

Written by BSLandscaping on . Posted in Winter Safety, Winterization.

Winter, as picturesque as it may be, can be a tough customer for businesses, especially north of the Greater Toronto Area. The white stuff that blankets your property might look serene, but it can quickly turn into a frozen nightmare. Here’s why commercial snow removal is not a ‘nice-to-have,’ but a ‘must-have’ for all commercial spaces.

Accessibility Is Key: If people can’t get to your business, they can’t spend their hard-earned cash there. That’s the cold, hard truth. Snow and ice can become a barrier between you and your customers. Shovelling a path to your entrance is great, but professional snow removal ensures that parking lots, sidewalks, and access points are all clear and safe.

Safety First: Liability is a tricky beast. If someone slips and falls on your property due to inadequate snow and ice management, it could spell trouble. Legal fees, insurance premiums, and potential lawsuits are not what you signed up for. Commercial snow removal keeps your property safe and minimizes the risk of accidents.

Productivity Matters: It’s not just about customers; it’s about your team too. Employees need to access your place of business, and they need to do it safely. Delays and absenteeism due to winter-related accidents can impact productivity and morale.

Maintaining Your Reputation: Let’s face it; no one likes a business that doesn’t take care of its property. If your storefront is perpetually buried in snow, potential customers might assume your business is equally neglected. Commercial snow removal keeps your reputation intact.

The Cost of Lost Revenue vs. Snow Removal Costs

Now, let’s talk numbers. The monthly costs of snow removal, relocation, and salt might seem like an added expense, but let’s compare them to potential lost revenue.

  1. Revenue Loss: If your business is inaccessible or unattractive due to snow and ice, you could lose a significant chunk of your monthly revenue. Customers might go elsewhere, and they might not come back.
  2. Legal Costs: Slip and fall accidents can lead to costly legal battles, not to mention increased insurance premiums. Commercial snow removal is an investment in avoiding these expenses.
  3. Employee Productivity: If your employees can’t get to work, your business suffers. Lost workdays and decreased morale can impact your bottom line.
  4. Reputation Damage: Your business’s reputation is priceless. Neglecting snow and ice removal can tarnish that reputation, and the long-term effects could be far more costly.

In the world of business, it’s all about making smart investments. Commercial snow removal might seem like a monthly expense, but it’s an investment in maintaining accessibility, safety, productivity, and reputation. The cost of lost revenue and potential liabilities far outweigh the expenses of snow management. If you are a business owner in Caledon, Vaughan or Concord, contact us about your commercial snow removal needs!

Cut off image at feet showing hands salting a walkway

Presalting Your Property – Is It Worth It?

Written by BSLandscaping on . Posted in Winter Safety, Winterization.

Presalting your property is a topic that often leaves people wondering if it is worth the investment.  We have some thoughts: Grab a chair, a cup of coffee, or a sprinkle of salt (just kidding, you don’t need any of that yet) and let’s get to it.

The Art of Presalting

We all know that winters in Southern Ontario can be, well, dramatic. The snow, the ice, and the ever-changing weather patterns can keep us all guessing. But you’re a savvy homeowner; you’re not going to let Mother Nature play dice with your property.

Presalting, for the uninitiated, is the practice of spreading salt on your driveway and walkways before the snow or ice rolls in. It’s like giving your property a preemptive strike against the icy forces of nature.

Is It Worth the ‘Salt’?

Presalting is like buying insurance for your driveway. You invest a bit now to save a lot later. Here’s why it’s worth considering:

  1. Safety First: It’s all about safety, folks. Presalting prevents ice from forming, reducing the risk of slip and falls. 
  2. Time Saver: By Presalting, you can often skip the heavy-duty snow removal session. A little preventive action can save you hours of back-breaking shovelling.
  3. No Damage Zone: Rock salt, when applied before a snowfall, helps to prevent the formation of thick ice layers, which can damage your pavement. Protect your property and your wallet!
  4. Peace of Mind: Knowing your property is prepared for winter weather helps with peace of mind. No more late-night weather app checks or worrying about that surprise freeze.

Timing Is Everything

Now that we’ve got the ‘worth it’ part down, let’s talk timing. When should you whip out the salt shaker? The key is to be proactive, not reactive.

Pre-Storm Prepping: As soon as you hear that winter is knocking on your door, start spreading the salt on your driveway and walkways. Don’t wait for the snow to fall.

Maintain & Refresh: Keep an eye on your property. If the weather is particularly nasty and a lot of precipitation is expected, give your property another sprinkling to keep that ice at bay.

Temperature Matters: Salt works best when it’s not too cold. If it’s frigid out there, the effectiveness of the salt decreases, so don’t be shy with the salt when the mercury starts to plummet.

Don’t Overdo It: Remember, a little goes a long way. You don’t need to create a salt desert on your property. Just a light, even sprinkling should do the trick.

Presalting your property in Southern Ontario is an investment in safety, sanity, and your property’s longevity. So, the next time you’re thinking about the ‘salt life,’ remember – it’s better to be salty in advance and stay ahead of the winter curve.