Do heated roof cables prevent ice damming?

• <div><p>Yes, and they do it exceptionally well. Heated roof cables have two purposes: melting snow and preventing ice buildup. <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/what-causes-ice-dams.htm">Ice damming</a> <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-to-prevent-ice-dams.htm">happens when ice forms on the roof</a> (usually where the roof meets the gutter) and melts stubbornly slowly, causing moisture to enter the roof itself and, therefore, the home. </p></div>

Do you need to clear snow from the roof?

• <div><p>While removing every snowflake from your roof is unnecessary, you should remove a significant buildup of snow. Since snow is wet and heavy, it can easily cause <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/did-storm-damage-your-roof.htm">damage to your roof</a>, which can lead to needing costly repairs. </p><p>Additionally, when the snow melts but has nowhere to go and refreezes, it can create an ice dam, causing mold concerns due to water leaking into your attic and ceiling. For these reasons, it’s best to hire a snow removal professional to clear heavy snowfall from your roof as soon as possible. </p></div>

How long do you leave a choke on a snowblower?

• <div><p>When starting the engine, you typically leave the choke on a snowblower in the "choke" or "closed" position. After starting, let the engine run for a few minutes to warm up. Then, gradually open the choke, moving it to the "open" or "run" position, allowing more air into the engine and transitioning to a normal fuel-air mixture. The exact duration varies based on the snowblower model and ambient temperature, but as a general rule, you should open the choke once the engine has stabilized and runs smoothly, typically within a few minutes.</p></div>

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Q: Does vinegar melt ice on driveways?

• <div><p>If you&rsquo;re struggling to find anything else suitable in your cupboards, a vinegar and water ice melt makes for a passable quick fix. Just don&rsquo;t expect it to clear your concrete the way commercial products or rock salt will. Mix equal parts vinegar and warm water and squeegee away the watery slush to prevent more slippery surfaces from forming.</p></div>

Q: How do you start a snowblower after sitting?

• <div><p>Before firing up your snowblower, ensure that essential switches are in the correct starting position. Take a moment to double-check the throttle, fuel shut-off, and choke, ensuring they're firmly set to the &quot;on&quot; position. Precision in verifying each switch's alignment is crucial, so don't rush through this critical step.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Snow Removal pros in Hilo, HI

*The Angi rating for Snow Removal companies in Hilo, HI is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Snow Removal needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Snow Removal companies in Hilo, HI is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Snow Removal needs.

Last update on October 24, 2025

Reviewed in September 2025
Hired to mow mac not orchard, remove 3 dying trees, and trim dead branches on everything visible. Most of the slash was power mulched and spread out, simply disappeared. Larger stuff removed. On time, efficient, and all within estimated cost, no surprises. Highly recommended.
Big Island Yard Works
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Reviewed in January 2025
Tyrone was awesome and came to help us remove debris from a fence and two trees that a car crashed into in our yard in Hilo. He came at a moments notice to look at it and was there the next day to clean it up with his crew and did an amazing job I would highly recommend his services.
precision Landcare
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Reviewed in November 2024
Thank you for doing an amazing job of tree cutting. The quality of service is A+. The crew who worked on this project were dedicated to doing the best job possible. They were professional, efficient, and friendly. They impressed us with their consistent hard work. They went the extra mile to...
Shaka Tree Care LLC
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Reviewed in August 2022
Fast and efficient! Did a clean out of our back yard and dead tree removal. Will hire again
Elite Landscaping and Irrigation
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Reviewed in May 2017
Nick's team was awesome. Great communication as to work days and scheduled times and like clockwork they always arrived when promised. Professional, thoughtful and meticulous. There were a lot of steps from removal, disposal, receiving of new material, etc. where things could have gone poorly,...
Dragon Roofing
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Reviewed in February 2017
Adam arrived within a couple of hours of my initial telephone call. He set about finding the leak. He did a marvelous job of repairing the leak in such a way that stress was removed from the pipe. He was cordial, friendly, happy; and the final cost was well below the initial estimate.
Keith Shigehara Plumbing Inc
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Reviewed in July 2015
Lucas came by quickly and provided a quote. The quote was less than others we've gotten so I decided to go with Long Limbs. I also liked that Lucas is a bit more friendly than other tree trimmers that came by. He took care of the mess within a day and he gave me a contact to do other work, like...
Long Limbs Tree Service
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Reviewed in September 2013
About half of my large backyard had become overgrown with ivy and brush. Aaron's removed all the ivy and brush thoroughly. The ivy was pulled out by the roots, not just cut down. They worked very hard to remove all the debris and i was very satisfied with the completed job.
Aaron's Yard Care
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Reviewed in September 2012
Arrived exactly on time as promised. Extrication/removal required about 4 hours of work. I was warned that grinding may ruin sprinkler lines. Luckily, all went perfectly and no water sprinkler lines were affected. I was most pleased with the work and the price was less than I had expected! ...
STOCKTON TREE SURGERY CO
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Reviewed in March 2012
John and his crew removed a water damaged deck, rebuilt the frame, repaired damaged house trim, and built a tumbled slate deck and stair. They matched the tile color and pattern to that existing inside the house. They then added a flagstone walkway around the house and reworked our patio. They...
AJ's Landscaping & Rockeries
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Find Snow removal pros in Hilo

Natural Green Systems, LLC

97 Skipjack Road, Unit 2

Natural Green Systems, LLC

97 Skipjack Road, Unit 2

Customers say: Quick response

103 local quotes requested

9 years of experience

Welcome to Natural Green Systems, LLC proudly servicing Calvert, St. Marys, Charles, Anne Arundel, Prince Georges and Queen Anne Counties. Our goal is to complete your project to perfection. We look forward to building long lasting relationships with the customers that we serve. We look forward to serving you. Call us today! You will not be disappointed.

"Do NOT hire Natural Green Systems Lawn and Pest. The salesman will promise you "a lawn that looks like Arlington and a warranty if it doesn't work." They do NOT stand by their promises nor their warranty. My lawn looks terrible a year and a half later after paying them thousands of dollars. Stay away from this company."

Amber G on August 2024

"Do NOT hire Natural Green Systems Lawn and Pest. The salesman will promise you "a lawn that looks like Arlington and a warranty if it doesn't work." They do NOT stand by their promises nor their warranty. My lawn looks terrible a year and a half later after paying them thousands of dollars. Stay away from this company."

Amber G on August 2024

Snow Removal questions, answered by experts

If you’re struggling to find anything else suitable in your cupboards, a vinegar and water ice melt makes for a passable quick fix. Just don’t expect it to clear your concrete the way commercial products or rock salt will. Mix equal parts vinegar and warm water and squeegee away the watery slush to prevent more slippery surfaces from forming.

Yes, and they do it exceptionally well. Heated roof cables have two purposes: melting snow and preventing ice buildup. Ice damming happens when ice forms on the roof (usually where the roof meets the gutter) and melts stubbornly slowly, causing moisture to enter the roof itself and, therefore, the home.

Before firing up your snowblower, ensure that essential switches are in the correct starting position. Take a moment to double-check the throttle, fuel shut-off, and choke, ensuring they're firmly set to the "on" position. Precision in verifying each switch's alignment is crucial, so don't rush through this critical step.

While removing every snowflake from your roof is unnecessary, you should remove a significant buildup of snow. Since snow is wet and heavy, it can easily cause damage to your roof, which can lead to needing costly repairs.

Additionally, when the snow melts but has nowhere to go and refreezes, it can create an ice dam, causing mold concerns due to water leaking into your attic and ceiling. For these reasons, it’s best to hire a snow removal professional to clear heavy snowfall from your roof as soon as possible.

When starting the engine, you typically leave the choke on a snowblower in the "choke" or "closed" position. After starting, let the engine run for a few minutes to warm up. Then, gradually open the choke, moving it to the "open" or "run" position, allowing more air into the engine and transitioning to a normal fuel-air mixture. The exact duration varies based on the snowblower model and ambient temperature, but as a general rule, you should open the choke once the engine has stabilized and runs smoothly, typically within a few minutes.

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