With winter weather just around the corner, it’s time to start preparing your parking lot and landscaping for heavy snow and ice. Besides regular snow removal, there are several steps you can take to ensure your lot is safe to use all winter long. Review the following guide to learn how to ready a parking lot for cold weather.

A Parking Lot Preparation Guide for Winter Weather 

1. Fill in Cracks

Cracks in asphalt allow water to permeate the pavement where it can freeze and expand with fluctuating temperatures. This will weaken the ground over time and worsen existing cracks, leading to crumbling asphalt and potholes. To avoid an expensive repaving project down the line, fill in minor cracks before winter weather sets in for a tight seal against moisture. 

2. Purchase Ice Melt

Salt and ice melt can keep your parking lot safe for drivers and pedestrians, minimizing snow and ice accumulation. Regularly salting a parking lot will prevent dangerous slick spots that pose as a liability for businesses. This will also prevent black ice, making the ground safer to walk on.

When choosing an ice melt, avoid substances that contain ammonium. This chemical can break down asphalt over time and make it more susceptible to cracking. Calcium-based ice melts, however, are more asphalt-friendly and won’t damage your lot.

3. Arrange Professional Snow Removal

To ensure your parking lot is safe to use after heavy snowfall, hire a trusted snow removal company. Inexperienced plow drivers may set the plow blade too low, scraping the pavement and damaging the asphalt. A professional company will efficiently clear the space without damaging the parking lot’s surface. Mark curbs and parking lot islands with cones so the plow operator can avoid them as they work.

4. Clear Debris

If a major winter storm is predicted, make sure your parking lot is clear of all debris. When a snowplow clears a lot, materials like tree branches can also scrape against and damage the pavement. Piles of fallen leaves under snow can trap moisture against the asphalt, weakening the pavement over time.

If you’re searching for a trustworthy snow plow service, look no further than Tom's Bobcat & Snowplowing in La Crosse, WI. With over 35 years of experience, they offer first-rate landscaping, excavation, and lot clearing services. They specialize in timely and efficient snow removal and offer 24/7 plowing services during the winter months. Call (608) 785-1888 to speak to a friendly representative, or visit them online to learn more about their snowplowing services.