Why snow is hard on trees and shrubs
Light, fluffy snow usually slides off branches on its own. Wet snow is much heavier and sticks, and freezing rain coats every twig in ice. Our guide on heavy wet snow versus light powder explains how to tell what a storm will bring. The plants most at risk are:
- Upright evergreens such as cedars and junipers, which can splay open under weight.
- Young trees and shrubs with thin branches.
- Branches that already hang low over the driveway, walkway or street.
- Shrubs right beside the driveway, where cleared snow is piled on top of them.
Before winter
- Look up. Walk the driveway and walkway and note any branches that hang over them or over where you park. Dead or cracked branches are the most likely to fail. Pruning and tree work are best left to a certified arborist.
- Tie or wrap upright evergreens. Loosely tying cedars with soft twine or wrapping them in burlap helps them hold their shape under snow. A garden centre can advise on the right method for your plants.
- Protect plants from salt. Shrubs near the road and driveway get salt spray and salty meltwater. Burlap screens on the road side help, and our guide on ice melt products that are safer for pets and plants covers options near garden beds.
- Mark what is close to the driveway. Small shrubs, young trees and garden edges are easy to miss under the snow. Our guide to marking driveway edges shows how.
During and after a storm
- Gently brush loose snow off evergreens and shrubs with a soft broom, pushing up from underneath rather than pressing down.
- Do not shake or hit branches coated in ice. Frozen branches are brittle and can snap. It is usually better to let the ice melt.
- Never stand or park under a branch that is bending under ice or heavy snow.
- If a branch comes down across the driveway or walkway, remove it only if it is small and safe to handle. Call an arborist for anything larger.
Branches and power lines
Ice-loaded branches can bring down power and service lines. Stay well away from any downed or sagging line and from branches touching it, and report it to London Hydro right away. Do not try to clear snow or branches near it. For trees on the City boulevard in front of your home, contact the City of London rather than cutting them yourself.
Keep sightlines at the end of the driveway
Hedges and shrubs near the road, plus growing snowbanks, can block your view of the sidewalk and street when you back out. Keep piles low near the end of the driveway, and consider trimming hedges in that spot before winter so you can see children, pedestrians and traffic.
Where the driveway snow goes
Snow cleared from the driveway has to go somewhere close by, usually beside the driveway. If there are shrubs, young trees or garden beds right along the edge, tell us when you request a quote so they can be noted for your property. Our guides on protecting landscaping during snow plowing and protecting lawns and garden beds have more tips.
How a seasonal plan helps
Tree and shrub care is a job for you or an arborist, but the driveway and the path to your door can be covered. A seasonal snow removal plan clears your driveway automatically from December 1 to March 31 whenever 5 cm or more falls. In long storms we come back for return visits, the City windrow is cleared, and you get a timestamped photo after every visit. Edges, steps and drains are marked before the season, so they are easy to find under the snow.
Prices (all plus HST):
- Single or 1.5-car driveway: $650 to $725 for the season
- Double driveway: $815
- 3-car, paver or stamped driveway: $1,050
- Walkway and steps: from $150, or $175 for a walk plus up to 6 steps; sidewalk $90
- Seasonal salt, including freezing rain and refreeze visits: $175
- Pet-safe de-icer: $120
- Priority early-morning clearing: $125
- Season extension from November 1 to April 15: add $95
Prefer to pay only when you need it? Per-visit snow removal is $70 to $85 a visit. Seasonal plans take a 30% deposit with the balance before December 1, and seniors and front-line workers save 5% on seasonal plans. We carry $2,000,000 in liability insurance, are registered with WSIB and are LPMA members.
Get a quote
Every quote is measured from City of London maps, and residential quotes come back within 1 business day. Ask for a free quote or call or text (548) 639-2069.
Frequently asked questions
Do you remove fallen branches or prune trees?
No. Tree work is not part of our plans. Call a certified arborist, and call London Hydro for anything near a power line.
Should I knock ice off my trees?
No. Ice-coated branches are brittle and can break when shaken. Brush off loose snow only, and let the ice melt.
Want it handled for you?
Seasonal snow removal from $650 + HST. Automatic at 5 cm, photo after every visit.
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