Skip to main content

Tag: winterization

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.

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.

Image shows a work truck starting to bleed the lines for a sprinkler winterization

Don’t Leave Your Sprinklers Out in the Cold: Why Winterization Is a Must.

Written by BSLandscaping on . Posted in Sprinklers.

As summer quickly shifts to fall in Southern Ontario, it’s time to start thinking about protecting one of your home’s vital assets—your lawn sprinkler system. At Black Swan Landscaping, we understand the importance of safeguarding your irrigation system during the chilly winter months. Winterizing your sprinklers is not just a good idea—it’s an absolute must. We wanted to break down all the reasons why. 

Frosty Pipes = Burst Pipes

Simply stated, your sprinkler system is a network of pipes that deliver the gift of water to your lawn. When temperatures dip way below zero during the harsh winters, any water not flushed from your system turns to ice and wreaks havoc.  This scenario can lead to costly repairs come spring. However, with proper winterization, we ensure that your system is completely drained, preventing the nightmare of burst pipes.

Save Money, Save Water

A leaky or burst pipe not only means repair costs but also wasted water. By opting for our winterization service, you’re taking an eco-friendly and wallet-friendly step. Preventing water wastage is not just good for your budget—it’s a responsible choice for our planet.

 Prevent Sprinkler Head Damage

Icy conditions can be brutal, especially for exposed sprinkler heads. The freezing temperatures can cause them to crack or break. When spring arrives, you might find your lawn transformed into a soggy mess with uneven watering. Winterization helps protect your sprinkler heads, ensuring they remain intact and ready to work their magic when warmer days return.

 Avoid Costly Repairs

Winterizing your sprinkler system isn’t just about the present; it’s an investment in the future. By protecting your system from freezing temperatures, you’re preventing the need for expensive repairs down the line. This foresight can save you a considerable amount in maintenance costs.

Extend Your System’s Lifespan

Just like any machinery, your sprinkler system has a lifespan. However, proper winterization can help extend that lifespan. By taking care of your system during the winter months, you ensure that it continues to take care of your lawn for years to come.
Southern Ontario winters often start early and can catch us all by surprise.  Don’t wait until the first frost to think about your sprinkler system. By taking this proactive step, you’re not only safeguarding your irrigation system but also your wallet and the environment. Contact us today to book your service and enjoy peace of mind knowing your sprinklers are ready for winter’s chill. At Black Swan Landscaping, we’ve got your sprinklers covered.