When the first snow of 2012 finally descends upon Kansas City, you had best be prepared. Taking certain precautions now will not only preserve your yard, but it’ll keep everyone safe from the hazards that come along with snow and ice.

  • Before it snows, insert stakes along the pathways, driveways and garden beds. This way you’ll know where to stop shoveling.
  • Avoid using giant and/or heavy shovels. If overloaded with too much snow, you’ll risk back pain and other bodily injuries.
  • Don’t become overly concerned with shrub that are covered in snow. Shaking the snow off can be very damaging.
  • If time and energy permit, it’s best to shovel several times instead of letting snow pile up into massive heaps. You’d rather shovel two inches of snow than seven, right?
  • Avoid piling snow onto retaining walls. Once the snow melts and refreezes, it can crack and damage the structure.
  • Keep sand or kitty litter on hand to spread onto icy surfaces once the snow has been cleared. It’ll provide much-needed traction and avoid slips and falls.

Tips adapted from This Old House

Image by Danielle Donders on GettyImages.com