How to Prepare Your Property for Winter With Snow Removal

Snow and ice appear early in Northern Ontario, and a poorly maintained property can turn risky fast. Whether you oversee a commercial site in Sault Ste. Marie or live on the edge of town, it only takes one icy step or blocked entrance for trouble to start. As a team providing snow removal services, we see how much of a difference early preparation makes. Many of our clients have avoided repairs, accidents and liability claims simply by taking a few key steps each fall. In the sections below, we walk through how to get your property ready before the first storm arrives.

Why Winter Preparation Matters for Safety and Liability

Preparing your property for winter isn’t only about convenience. It is a safety obligation for anyone responsible for a home or business. Walkways covered in ice, parking lots with packed snow and steps glazed over after a freeze can lead to serious injuries. In many Ontario communities, owners are expected to clear snow and ice within a set timeframe after a snowfall. Missing those deadlines can lead to fines or liability if someone is hurt.

Getting ahead of winter weather with proper snow removal services helps reduce the chances of slip-and-fall accidents or vehicle issues on your property. Proactive maintenance almost always costs less than emergency repairs, insurance claims or structural damage.

Beyond safety concerns, taking the time to winterize protects the property itself. Water from melting snow seeps into cracks. When it freezes overnight, those cracks widen. That cycle repeats until small surface flaws become potholes, broken concrete or crumbling steps. Ice around gutters or roof edges also causes leaks and structural strain. A solid ice removal plan protects everything from pathways to foundations.

Conduct a Thorough Property Assessment

A full inspection is the best way to start winter preparation. Walk the property and take stock of anything that could become an issue once snow arrives. Look for uneven steps, cracked pavement, loose stones or any surface that might catch a shovel or plow. Check railings and retaining walls to be sure they can handle heavy snow.

It’s also important to clear gutters and confirm that melting snow can drain away from the building. If water pools near the foundation and freezes, it creates long-term problems. Make sure downspouts direct water well away from the structure. If you rely on outdoor sump pumps or drainage systems, test them before temperatures drop.

Tidy Up Your Landscape and Lawn Before Snow Falls

Late-season yard work makes a big difference once snow arrives. Remove leaves, branches and garden debris from lawns and walkways. Anything left behind can freeze into slippery patches. Basic lawn care, including a final mow or aeration, helps protect the grass under snow buildup.

Trim trees and shrubs, especially those with weak or overhanging limbs. Heavy snow can snap branches, damaging buildings, fencing or vehicles nearby. Preparing landscaped areas now also gives plow operators more room to work.

If you have young trees or delicate garden features, cover or move them to sheltered spaces. That small effort helps you avoid spring cleanup problems caused by ice and wind.

Prepare Infrastructure and Equipment for Snow and Ice

Before temperatures drop, winterize anything that carries water. Have irrigation systems drained and shut off. Disconnect hoses and close exterior taps to prevent burst pipes.

Check outdoor lighting as well. With shorter daylight hours, good visibility reduces the risk of falls. Replace any burnt-out bulbs and confirm that fixtures are secure.

Next, gather your ice removal supplies. Keep salt, sand or alternative de-icers stored in a dry place. Inspect shovels and snow blowers and test them to make sure they’re working properly. Larger properties may rely on plows or skid steers, so schedule equipment maintenance ahead of time.

If your property has areas that freeze quickly, consider installing heated mats or cables beneath high-traffic paths. They reduce the need for constant de-icing and help keep surfaces safe.

Plan Where to Store Snow and Mark Boundaries

Having a clear snow storage plan keeps things organized once storms start. Pick places where snow can be piled without blocking driveways, entrances or sightlines. On commercial properties, be sure loading zones, accessible parking and fire routes remain unobstructed.

Before the ground freezes, mark edges of driveways, walkways and landscaped sections with reflective stakes. These markers guide plow operators and help prevent accidental damage to curbs, garden beds or irrigation lines hidden under deep snow. Using stakes saves time and reduces repair costs when spring arrives.

Secure Professional Snow Removal Services Early

One of the best steps you can take is arranging snow removal services ahead of the first major snowfall. Contractors fill their schedules quickly. Waiting until a storm hits may mean delays or limited coverage.

By booking early with a dependable team like ours at X.P.S Property Services, you secure consistent support throughout the season. A reputable provider will visit the site in advance, review high-priority areas and confirm snow placement locations. This preparation makes every storm easier to manage.

Why Professional Snow Removal Beats DIY Efforts

Handling snow and ice on your own may seem manageable at first, but the demands of winter build quickly. Professional crews use commercial-grade equipment and respond as soon as conditions shift. That level of readiness keeps commercial properties operating smoothly and ensures residential driveways and entrances stay accessible.

Outsourcing removes the burden from staff or family members, reduces liability and ensures compliance with local bylaws. It is often more cost-effective than buying, repairing and storing equipment yourself.

Combine Snow Removal with Ongoing Lawn and Property Maintenance

Winter maintenance continues long after the first snowfall. After storms, clear snow away from foundations and break up icicles around gutters and roof edges. Keep drains open so that melting snow doesn’t refreeze in low-lying areas.

Commercial property owners benefit from regular walk-throughs with their snow removal services provider. These visits help identify icy patches, adjust snow piles and assess new hazards throughout the winter. Protect landscaped areas by keeping an eye out for salt damage and addressing it early.

Snow Removal Services That Protect Your Property

Preparing your property for winter is about staying ahead of weather rather than reacting to it. A solid plan that includes inspections, lawn care, infrastructure checks and equipment readiness sets the foundation for a safer season. Marking boundaries and lining up reliable snow removal services helps you avoid damage and ensures your property remains accessible.

If you are looking for dependable help with snow and ice management in Sault Ste. Marie, our team at X.P.S Property Services is here to support you. We understand the challenges of Northern Ontario winters and provide plowing, ice removal and year-round property maintenance tailored to your needs. You can explore our full range of snow removal services at snow removal services.

Reach out to X.P.S Property Services today at 249-294-4913 or 249-356-4545, email us at connect@flemingcapitalgroup.ca or click here to get in touch online.