Winter brings challenges, and protecting your property during snow removal is one that homeowners can overlook. Snowplows, while crucial for clearing pathways and driveways, can unintentionally damage various elements of your yard or home. Understanding what’s at risk will help you avoid costly repairs when the snow melts. Continue reading to explore things on your property that a snowplow could unintentionally harm.

Mailboxes

Mailboxes are one of the easiest targets for snowplows. Plows can knock them over or damage them entirely if they’re positioned too close to the street or lack a sturdy structure. A heavy push of snow can weaken loose-standing posts, causing them to topple. If your mailbox seems wobbly or unstable, securing it with stronger materials or repositioning it can help.

Landscaping

Landscaping often takes a hit during snowy months. Snowplows can bury shrubs and hedges or shear them off if they’re close to the driveway. Flowerbeds, especially those near pavement edges, can become churned up along with snow. Consider marking boundaries with visible stakes to protect your landscaping so plow operators know where to stop pushing.

Sprinkler Heads

Sprinkler heads are particularly vulnerable during snow removal because they lie hidden under the blanket of snow. Plows can easily rip them from the ground if positioned near driveways or walkways. This damage leads to potentially expensive repairs when spring comes around. Placing markers near their locations can help avoid this type of damage.

Decorative Items

Seasonal decorations and permanent items like fences or lighting features can be damaged when a snowplow pushes snow into them. Snowplows clearing an area can unintentionally shove snow against these elements, causing breakage or displacement. Removing smaller items like yard ornaments before the first snow and checking the sturdiness of fences and lights minimizes the risk of harm.

Curbs and Driveway Edges

Snowplows can chip or crack driveway edges and curbs if they’re positioned too close to the pavement. The repeated impact of heavy plow blades scraping against surfaces often causes this type of wear and tear. Regular maintenance of driveways and creating clear boundaries between the pavement and plowable areas go a long way in preserving the condition of concrete or asphalt.

Manhole Covers

Manhole covers on your property may seem durable, but snowplows are a hidden hazard for them. The force of clearing heavy snow can dislodge or even damage these covers, posing safety risks once the snow is gone. Identifying and marking manhole locations around your property helps protect them from unnecessary impact during snow removal.

Snowplow property damage can be a headache, but a little preparation can save homeowners a lot of trouble. Inspect your property, reinforce vulnerable areas, and mark potential hazards to help prevent unnecessary repair costs once the snow starts piling up. Protecting your investment begins with getting your property ready before the first snowfall—don’t wait until it’s too late.