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The best way to save money on snow removal is to sign up for a seasonal contract that guarantees service throughout the entire winter. Most companies charge between $200 and $600 for this service, and they’ll often give you a break on the price if you extend annually. Of course, savings will depend on your area. If you live in a moderate climate where snowfall may or may not occur, you could pay more than you need during a light snow year. Still, it’s usually a safe bet to sign a seasonal contract.

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.

While most people associate defrosting icy roads with salt, you can also use sugar for a similar result. Sugar lowers the freezing point of water, melting ice in a pinch.

However, sugar doesn’t melt ice as well as salt because it doesn’t separate the water molecules as efficiently. So, if you need to quickly melt a stubborn patch of ice on your driveway or walkway, it’s best to use salt over sugar for faster results.

The cost to purchase a snow blower ranges from $100 to $2,300 on average, depending on the make, model, type, and age of the machine. More advanced two-stage and three-stage models, which are often self-propelled and include features like power steering and heated hand grips, can cost between $950 and $1,500 or more. If you only need a snow blower temporarily, you can rent one for an average of $75 per day from a local hardware store or rental facility.