Getting Your Driveway and Walkways Ready for Snow and Ice

A bit of fall preparation on your driveway and walkways makes a real difference once the snow starts, both for safety and for how much work winter ends up being.

If you have an asphalt driveway, fall is a good time to check for cracks and consider sealing, since water that gets into small cracks and freezes will widen them over the winter. Gravel driveways benefit from a fresh layer before the ground freezes, which helps with drainage and makes plowing or shovelling easier once snow arrives.

If you’re not doing it yourself, now is also the time to line up a snow removal contract, especially in rural areas where plow operators can book up quickly once the first snow falls. Waiting until after the first storm often means a longer wait or a higher price.

Walkways deserve their own attention. Uneven pavers or cracked concrete are a bigger fall risk once they’re covered in snow or ice, so it’s worth doing any repairs while the ground is still workable. Stock up on ice melt or sand before you need it, and if you have pets, look for a pet-safe option, since some traditional ice melts can irritate paws.

Finally, mark the edges of your driveway with reflective stakes if it’s not obvious where the pavement ends, particularly useful for a plow operator, and for anyone pulling in after dark once the snowbanks start to build up.

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