How to protect your home and yard after a major snowstorm
How to protect your home and yard after a major snowstorm
Maddie McGay, NorthJersey.comMon, February 9, 2026 at 9:55 PM UTC
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Snow and ice might offer some beautiful sights, but they also come with a number of challenges for homeowners. And regardless of how long you've been one, it can be tough to remember all of the post-winter storm maintenance that you have to do.
From scraping snow off of your home's roof to melting that stubborn layer of ice on your sidewalk, cleaning up your property after a storm will ensure it's safe and risk-free. Here are three things that are commonly overlooked after a snowstorm, and how to handle them.
Should I remove the snow from my home's roof?
We've always been told to remove all of the snow from the roof of our car, but are we supposed to remove the snow from the roof of our home?
It's not always necessary, as the amount of snow your roof can safely support depends on the type of roof you have, its age and its condition. But as a general rule of thumb, Travelers Insurance recommends that homeowners have the snow removed if it is heavy, wet and more than a foot deep to prevent damage.
You can attempt to remove the snow yourself by using a roof rake: A long-handled tool with a wide blade that allows you to stand on the ground and pull snow off your roof. There are several variations of this tool, but it is recommended that you get one with rounded edges, wheels or bumpers to prevent damage to the shingles.
Cleaning up your property after a storm will ensure it's safe and risk-free.
If cleaning the snow off yourself feels dangerous, or you simply can't reach it even with a roof rake, you can also hire a professional to do it.
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Should I remove snow from trees and shrubs?
While snow can be damaging to the trees and shrubs on your property, it isn't always necessary to remove it.
If the snow is light and fluffy, you can gently brush it off with a broom, according to Aspen Arborist and Tree Services. But if the snow is heavy and wet, or if there's a layer of ice, it's best to leave your trees and shrubs alone.
"Heavy snow and ice can make tree branches brittle," the Davey Tree Expert Company said. "So, when you shake the weak limbs, you could actually break or snap the branches."
What to do if you shovel show and there's ice underneath
If you don't put down enough salt, or any at all, before a winter storm, you may be stuck with a layer of ice after removing the snow from your walkways.
One of the most effective ways to remove it is by using a de-icing product, like rock salt, calcium chloride pellets or calcium magnesium acetate, according to Curti's Landscaping. You can also try a DIY method by using a mixture of rubbing alcohol, dish soap and warm water.
For faster results, you can try to gently break up the ice using a sturdy shovel or an ice chopper as it begins to melt.
Maddie McGay is the real estate reporter for NorthJersey.com and The Record, covering all things worth celebrating about living in North Jersey. Find her on Instagram @maddiemcgay, on X @maddiemcgayy, and sign up for her North Jersey Living newsletter. Do you have a tip, trend or terrific house she should know about? Email her at [email protected].
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Snow or ice hit your home? 3 post-storm winter tasks.
Source: “AOL Money”
