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Snowblowers come in three different sizes: first-, second-, and third-stage blowers. Each additional stage is larger with higher intakes, more powerful, and has more gear options.

A first-stage blower, also called a snow thrower, is usually best for snow 6 to 8 inches or below. Electric snow blowers are usually only available in this size. If you regularly get snow that’s well above six inches, consider a second-stage snow blower. If snowstorms dump 2 to 3 feet of snow repeatedly during winter, you need a third-stage snow blower to tackle it.

The process to winterize your landscaping depends on the plants you have, but generally speaking, you should rake your lawn to avoid leaves from smothering your grass and leading to mold and fungi growth, wrap young trees to protect from fluctuating temperatures, and fertilize your lawn to provide some nutrients for the grass through the colder temperatures. You can also consider marking off small trees and shrubs to avoid accidentally damaging them with snow removal tools.

Yes—in fact, it’s an important step in how to start a snow blower. Allowing the engine to idle for a few minutes prior to using a snow blower helps it reach its optimal operating temperature, which gets the fuel running properly, improves its performance, and helps prevent stalling during frigid weather.

While it’s less common than on other kinds of roofs, yes, ice dams can form on metal roofs. Metal roofs, particularly those with snow guards installed, can still accumulate ice at the roof edge, although ice dams on metal roofs are less likely to cause roof or interior damage than on traditional asphalt shingle roofs.