How to Prep Your Driveway Before First Snowfall

4 min read · Thames Valley Snow, London, Ontario

The days before the first real snowfall of the season are the best time to get your driveway ready, but most homeowners wait until snow is already on the ground. A bit of prep work in November pays off all winter long, both for the quality of your snow removal service and for the condition of your driveway itself.

Start by marking the edges of your driveway with reflective stakes, especially if you have landscaping, gardens, or interlocking stone bordering the pavement. Plow blades work fastest when the operator can clearly see where the driveway ends and the lawn begins. Without markers, crews have to guess, which either slows them down or risks scraping grass and soil onto the surface.

Check your driveway for cracks or low spots before winter sets in. Water that pools in a crack and then freezes can expand and make the crack significantly worse by spring. If you're planning any driveway repairs, get them done before the first freeze rather than waiting until spring thaw reveals the damage.

Clear away anything that might get buried and forgotten, including hoses, planters, decorative rocks, and toys. These items become invisible under snow and can damage plow equipment or your own belongings when a crew or a shovel hits them without warning.

Check Drains and Downspouts

Make sure downspouts point away from the driveway and walkway, and that nearby catch basins are clear of leaves. Water that runs across pavement and freezes overnight is one of the most common causes of icy driveways in late fall and early spring.

Protect Special Surfaces

Interlock, pavers and stamped concrete need more care than plain asphalt. If you have one of these surfaces, mention it when you get a quote. Thames Valley Snow prices 3-car, interlock, paver and stamped driveways at $1,050 for the season plus HST.

What Thames Valley Snow Does Before the Season

Before the season starts, we mark edges, steps and drains on every seasonal property so crews can find them under snow. Your quote is measured from City of London maps and aerial imagery, and you receive a fixed price within 1 business day.

Book Before December 1

Seasonal service runs from December 1 to March 31, with automatic visits every time 5 cm or more falls, return visits in long storms and the City windrow cleared. A 30% deposit holds your spot, with the balance due before December 1. You can pay by cash, cheque, Interac e-transfer to sales@thamesvalleysnow.ca or card. If you want coverage earlier or later, the November 1 to April 15 extension is $95.

Clear Away Summer Leftovers

Walk the driveway and remove hoses, garden ornaments, toys and anything else that could be buried and hit by a plow or snowblower. Trim branches that hang low over the driveway, and coil and store hoses before the first hard freeze.

Check Drainage Before It Freezes

Clean gutters and make sure downspouts point away from the driveway and walkways. Water that runs across paved surfaces and refreezes overnight is a common cause of slick spots, and fixing drainage in the fall prevents much of that ice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to buy my own driveway markers?

No. Edges, steps and drains are marked before the season on seasonal plans.

What does a single driveway cost?

$650 to $725 plus HST for the season, with 5% off for seniors and front-line workers.

Want a fixed price for your property? Get a free quote or call or text (548) 888-8702. You can also read about residential snow removal and walkway and steps clearing.

What's included… and what's extra

A Thames Valley Snow seasonal residential plan starts from $650 for a standard driveway. It covers clearing the driveway every time snowfall reaches the trigger depth in your agreement, plus the windrow the city plow leaves at the end of the driveway. Larger driveways are priced on our snow removal prices page.

Popular add-ons, priced per season: walkway and steps $150–175, salting $175, priority service $125, pet-safe salt $120, driveway extension $95 and city sidewalk clearing $90. Add only what your property needs; everything is listed on the quote so there are no surprises. Get your fixed price or call or text (548) 888-8702.