Winter takes its toll on driveways, no matter their material. Gravel driveways, in particular, present some unique challenges when it comes to snow removal. Not all snow blowers are equipped to remove snow from these surfaces, and you can accidentally remove gravel and snow if you use a shovel. Fortunately, there are a few steps you can take to prepare your driveway for winter weather.

How to Ensure Your Gravel Driveway Is Ready for Snow

1. Apply Salt

If snow and ice are in the forecast, consider creating a mixture of equal parts of sand and rock salt. The rock salt will help to melt any snow before it can accumulate, while the sand provides traction for navigating the driveway.

Salt is effective because it lowers the freezing point of water. Water freezes around 32 degrees, but salt can bring this temperature down to around 15 degrees. This keeps snow or ice in liquid form as long as the temperature doesn’t drop below the teens.

2. Consider Heated Mats

One innovative way to prevent snow accumulation on a gravel driveway is to lay down heated industrial mats. These mats consist of thermoplastic material and can melt up to two inches of snowfall each hour. These devices are powered by electricity, connected through cables, and only require one plug. Even during moderate storms, the mats can melt snow quickly without damaging the gravel.

3. Get the Right Equipment

During especially strong storms, snow may accumulate too quickly for salt or heating mats to work. In these instances, you will need to remove snow in a more traditional manner. However, this requires the proper equipment.

Only use a snow blower with an adjustable auger. The auger is the part of the blower that spins to pull snow into the discharge chute. If it’s adjustable, it can be raised high enough to avoid kicking up gravel. Use a shovel to clear the uppermost layers of snow and a roof rake to brush away lingering snow without removing the gravel. Consider using a leaf blower for particularly light snowfalls.

Whether you need gravel driveway repair or assistance with snow removal this winter, Tom's Bobcat & Snowplowing has your needs covered. This company serves La Crosse County, WI, offering year-round services for local businesses and residents. They have a 40-year track record of customer satisfaction. Call (608) 785-1888 to request a quote, or explore their list of services online.