How to Prepare Your Driveway for Winter Plowing

3 min read · Thames Valley Snow, London, Ontario

A little prep before the first snowfall makes plowing faster, safer, and less likely to cause accidental damage to your property. Here's what to do before the season starts.

Mark your driveway edges

Once snow covers the ground, it's easy to lose track of exactly where your driveway ends and the lawn or garden bed begins. Reflective driveway markers along the edges help the plow operator stay precise and avoid clipping grass, interlock, or landscaping, especially on the first visit of the season before the route is memorized.

Move vehicles and clear obstacles

Cars, trash bins, basketball hoops, and toys left on the driveway are the most common cause of a skipped or incomplete visit. If a vehicle is blocking part of the driveway, that section often can't be cleared until the next visit. During active winter months, try to keep the full driveway clear of anything that isn't meant to be there overnight.

Protect fragile landscaping near the edge

Snow gets pushed to the sides of the driveway, so anything fragile right at the edge (small shrubs, garden lights, decorative stone) is at some risk over a full season. Simple burlap wrapping or temporary removal for the winter prevents most of this.

Confirm access instructions

If you have a gate code, a shared laneway, or a specific spot where plowed snow should be piled, let your contractor know before the first snowfall rather than during it. This is especially useful for corner lots and shared driveways where the "right" place to push snow isn't obvious.

Getting set up for the season is easy: email sales@thamesvalleysnow.ca with your address and driveway details and we'll confirm everything before the first snow flies.

Walk the driveway in November

Look for loose interlock, cracked concrete, raised edges and low curbs. Note anything that could catch a blade and tell your snow company so it can be marked or avoided.

Mark edges and obstacles

Before the season, Thames Valley Snow marks driveway edges, steps and drains so crews can find them under snow. If you have garden beds, low walls or a mailbox near the edge, mention them in your quote request.

Clear the driveway of hidden items

Hoses, extension cords, decorations, kids toys and planters all disappear under the first snowfall. Move them before December.

Think about where snow will go

On small lots, piles build up quickly. Tell the crew where you would prefer snow to be pushed, and keep it away from drains, gas meters and walkways so meltwater does not refreeze where people walk.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need stakes along my driveway?

Stakes or reflective markers help anyone clearing the drive find the edges of the pavement, lawn and garden beds under deep snow. Ask about marking when you request your quote, and mention anything easy to miss, such as a low curb, landscape lights or a drain near the edge.

What if my driveway is pavers or stamped concrete?

Decorative surfaces are cleared with a raised rubber-edge blade. Pricing is $1,050 plus HST for the season.

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.