Removing Snow From Rock Driveway

If you have a rock driveway then you know that removing snow from a rock driveway can present a few challenges. Since rock driveways are not smooth you cannot just push a shovel along too well. The snow removal method that you would use on a concrete driveway or asphalt driveway will most likely not work. However, there are a few ways to get the job done.

The first thing that you need to do is to remove the top layer of snow. You can do this in a couple of different fashions. The first way would be to pull out your snow shovel and begin to remove as much snow as you can without going down to the surface. This is the most effective way but obviously requires the most amount of work. If you have deep snow then this is most likely what you will need to do.

If you only have a couple of inches of snow, you can simply use a leaf blower. A gas powered blower would be the best since it allows you to move more freely and you don't have to worry about protecting the electrical cord from the snow.

However, you can only use a leaf blower effectively if it is a light snow. If the snow if wet and heavy then you won't be able to use one. The blower will not move the snow very well if it is wet and heavy.

Once you have gotten most of the snow removed you can lay the edge of your shovel on the rocks and angle it correctly and push it lightly across the rocks. You are just trying to take the last layer off of the rocks. You cannot dig into the rocks.

When you are able to get most of the snow off if there is ice and snow caked in between the rocks then you can use a metal rake (garden variety) to break up the snow and ice. You can once again use the leaf blower to remove any pieces that you were able to break lose. If you don't blow the remaining snow away it will melt easier since it is now sitting on top of the rocks.

If you have any remaining snow then you can spread rock salt or any other de-icer that you want to use. However, this can get very expensive depending on the size of your driveway and the number of times that you get measurable snowfall during the year.