How to Efficiently Plow a Driveway

A homeowner’s driveway requires a specific strategy to get the job done safely and efficiently, so be sure to consult with the homeowner to find out if they have any special requests.

Become Familiar With the Property

Conduct a pre-inspection and stake out the driveway before the first snowfall, being mindful of any outdoor décor or obstacles. This can save you money on property repairs and vehicle damage by knowing what is beneath the snow.

Tips for Plowing Efficiently

Always think two or three storms ahead, particularly on a smaller property. You may not have a lot of space to pile snow, so think strategically, knowing that you’ll likely need to pile more on during future storms.

• For long, straight driveways, drive all the way to the end—usually to the garage—and back drag snow about two car lengths away. Then, back up into the area you cleared, and push the snow out to the end of the driveway. When you reach the street, do not leave any snow piles in the street. Push the snow up on the sides of the driveway, being sure to not block other cars, sidewalks, mailboxes or fire hydrants. Also, do not leave any clumps of snow in the driveway. They can freeze and be dangerous for the property owners.

• On shorter or narrow driveways, it may be easier and more efficient to back drag the entire driveway.

• If you’re plowing a circular driveway, clear it in a series of passes that are as straight as possible. Plows do not maneuver around tight corners well. Plow in a series of passes from the inside edge, pushing snow to the outside of the curve. Finish with a final cleanup pass around the outside of the curve to clean up any remaining trails and leave a neat edge.

Keep safety precautions in mind and keep a careful watch of vehicles and pedestrians since you may be working close to the street and sidewalks.