5 Important Winter Safety & Snow Removal Tips

Snowfall is pretty beautiful, until it start causing discomfort. Snowballs all around a home offers a naturally magnificent look. Many of us love snow, but for those who have to go outside for work it is a great trouble. In winter months, removing snow and ice is an essential activity. Many homeowners, who have less open yard, swipes away the ice themselves. For those who have a large and wider area, needs to hire professional snow removal services Calgary.

Since snow is slippery, there are severe chances of getting serious injuries. The severity may range from small blisters to fractures. Therefore, if one is opting DIY snow shoveling, its important to follow safe procedures.

Few tips to keep in mind while removing snow are:

1. Find Whether You Should Shovel: Snow shoveling isn't an easy task. One needs to be strong to work with equipments and should know how to balance on snow. If you think you cannot grip better on ice, don't risk yourself for an injury. If you are one who certainly falls ill in extreme cold weather, avoid working with snow. 

2. Dress Appropriately: Those who love shoveling, often forget to cover them completely. Before tempting to run out for practicing ice removing, cover up yourself to avoid injuries and sickness. Its recommended to dress in layers, so that you can easily remove the clothing in case, you feel hot by working hard. Always wear warm socks, a scarf, and gloves along with waterproof boots that have a slip-resistant sole.

3. Warm Up: Before beginning the shoveling process, activate your muscles by warming up for at least ten minutes. Opt to do full body stretches and other light exercises. It's been proved that warming up reduces the risks of injuries and heart attacks.

4. Choose the Right Shovel: Use a snow shovel that fits your body and level of strength. Do make sure that the shovel handle should have the right length compared to your height. Using a short length shovel will make an individual to tire up fast, since one has to lean forward. This also increases the risk of a spinal injury. Therefore, choose a lightweight snow shovel that's comfortable to use.

5. Use Proper Shoveling Form: Snow shoveling requires a body technique that won't cause strain on muscles. The adequate way to lift a snow filled shovel, is to keep the back straight while bending and squatting down with distanced legs.

These were the few safety tips that needs to be followed in order to remove snow from a yard. The Lawnfather is a reputed lawn maintenance company that offers wide range of lawn installation, maintenance and snow removal services in Calgary at reasonable costs.

5 Tips To Repair The Bare Spots In A Lawn

A healthy and shinier lawn forms an important part of a home. It helps a home-owner to grab attention of visitors towards his yard. A greener lawn not only enhances curb appeal, but also increase the hygiene of a home by offering cool and fresh air to breathe in. If a garden is properly maintained, there are chances that it would remain greener for a longer time.

In few cases, a yard may develop bare spots where grass doesn't grow despite seeding again and again. To tackle such patches, one needs to follow effective lawn care maintenance practices regularly. If a home-owner isn't have enough of time to practice these techniques, he can get the problem solved by hiring landscaping experts Calgary.

Tips to handle brown spots are:

1. Water alone won't work: Just hoping that the bare spots will fill on their own is quite impractical. Watering them daily, wishing that grass may spurt out is a foolish idea. Water is a necessary measure that tempts a lawn to grow healthier and greener, but it is not responsible for spurting. So don't water the brown patches in a yard regularly, as it will make the soil wet and greasy which effects the respiration process.

2. Repair: Major cause of bare spots is daily wearing out. This wear out is often done by kids who play in the garden or by the pets who roam freely everywhere searching for insect hunts. Apart from these agents, another factor responsible is droughts. Its crucial to aerate a lawn once in a month, so that nutrients and water effectively reaches the roots of the grass. After aerating, sprint good quality grass seeds. A combination of high quality seeds and fertilizer will prevent the grass from dying. Keep the soil loose after planting, so that water can reach its roots.

3. Soil and sod: Sometimes, soil can be blamed for uneven growth of grass. One cannot replace the whole of the soil just for few brown patches. The effective solution to this problem is, plugging sod grass. One can purchase few pieces of sod to cover the bare spots. Prepare the area by tilling it a little, then apply a layer of fertilizer to improve the moisture retention. After this, lay the sod pieces directly onto the topsoil and press down the soil with hands.

4. Water well: Water the newly seeded or sodded area regularly for a week to ensure that the grass doesn't dries up. It's best to water the whole garden deeply at least once in a week under normal weather conditions. One can even follow water sprinkling technique to ensure that water reaches the root system. This helps a strong and thick growth of lawn.

5. Follow with food: All kinds of seeds, grass, plants and trees need nutrients to grow. Tender seedlings are in more need of minerals so that they can spurt evenly. Therefore, its advised to offer high quality fertilizers for effective results.

A graceful lawn is necessary for improving the looks of a yard. Maintenance isn't a tough task, but it needs time and care. These were the few ways to remove the brown and bare spots from a yard, thereby keeping a lawn lusher and greener. The Lawn Father is a reliable company that offers high quality lawn installation and maintenance solutions at affordable costs including snow removal services in Calgary.

Safety Precautions You Should Know About The Snow Removal

Removing snow from your roof and around your house is very difficult and daunting job. You need to more safety and security while you remove snow at your own. Snow removal is very hard and time consuming task. No doubt, a white blanket of snow is looking so beautiful but it can be cause of any injury or accident.

To prevent any injury or accident, keep your sidewalks, driveways snow free. If you think that you can clean snow from your driveway with your old fashioned equipment, you might be face any injury or major problem. Residential snow removal service in Calgary offers you few snow removal tips which are very important and helpful for you.

1. Be Prepared: May be a winter is the most beautiful season for you, but it also bring some harsh conditions with it like heavy snow fall. Make sure you prepare your self before starting the snow fall. Before start any thing, a good preparation is very important. If you prepared for any thing, you can definitely do it very well. If you feel that you are not able to remove snow from your sidewalks at your own, you consider to hiring a snow removal professional.

2. Picking The Right Equipment: If you decide that you remove snow with your self with out getting the help of snow removal experts, make sure you get right snow removal equipment. There are many snow removal equipment are available including shovel, snow pusher, wheeled snow plows and electronic snow thrower. You can choose one of them according to your choice.

3. Dress Appropriately: When you start snow removal process, make sure you dress appropriately. Wear many layers of warm clothes but light weight. Remember light weight clothes do not make any difficulty into your snow removal task. It is vital that you wear warm socks, gloves, hat and scarves. All these items help you to protect from any accident or injury. Do not wear shoes that have slip resistant soles.

4. Stay Away From Walls And Plants: When you start snow removal task, make sure you don't bury any plant and watch out your house walls. Make sure you remember where small plants, bushes and shrubs are located under the snow.

By adopting these given tips, you can remove snow from your driveway and side-walk easily and without any injury. If you don't have enough time to remove snow around your house, Lawn Father is here for you. You can tell us or share your snow problem with us at (403) 499-8410. Our passionate snow removal experts definitely help you.

How to Pick the Right Snow Removal Company in Calgary?

There are many crucial factors to consider when choosing the right snow removal company in Calgary for your property. Here are the tips to help you differentiate the good companies from not-so-good ones.

Ask for reliable referrals

Google is a valuable way to search local businesses. However, all businesses look alike on their website. That's why you need to ask friends, family and neighbours for reliable referrals. “Word of Mouth" is the best advertising form for any snow removal company Calgary.

Make sure they are REAL business

Steer clear of companies that do not have a physical address, only contact numbers and e-mail addresses. Reputable businesses have physical addresses.

Speak with multiple companies

Contact as many snow removal contractors as you can. Then, slim down your list  according to their specifics. Finally, pick the snow removal company that best meets your needs and budget.

Find out the exact costs

Before you hire a company, you'll need to determine the specific areas of your property that you want the snow removal service to work on. For instance, do you only want them to clear your driveway, or do you want them to remove snow from the sidewalks too?Find out exactly how much will they charge you for each area.

Ask the right questions

• Are you an established business or is this a part-time job?
• How long have been in this business?
• Are you insured?
• How do you charge for your snow removal services?
• What according to you is the ideal snow removal season?
• Do you offer discounts?
• What type of equipment do you use?
• What if I decide to cancel my contract?

Check out each company's reviews

Take the help of Google to find out what previous customers have to say about a company. Are they satisfied with the quality of work they received?

Don't let the price blind you

Do not make the cheapest service your final choice. When you pick a snow removal company Calgary, compare prices, services offered, and other details to ensure that you remain satisfied with your decision down the lane.

Carefully read the contract
 
Don't let the representative of the snow removal company tell you what the contract says, then insist you to sign the dotted line. Thoroughly read the entire contract. Ask all your questions and concerns. Don't seal the deal until you are completely satisfied with it.

Are you looking for one of the best snow removal contractors Calgary? Contact The Lawnfather today. We offer a winter maintenance program which includes, snow removal and ice melting services.

Tips to Take Care of Your Lawn Before the Winter

Harsh winter conditions can cause a significant amount of damage to your lawn. Homeowners pay due heed to their lawns and landscapes during the falls, but overlook the fact that they need to prepare their landscape for the harsh winter season as well. You need to protect your lawn and landscape from heavy snow, icy winds and other fungal issues. In order to help you prevent winter and cold damage, the snow removal companies in Calgary have provided a few tips helping homeowners safeguard their lawns. 

Continue watering: One of the biggest misconception people have about grass during winter is that it doesn't need watering because it doesn't grow in that season. But, reality is totally different. If it snows in your area, then the melting snow will be enough to maintain the water levels in the grass. But, if you live in a warmer climate, you can limit the amount of watering the plants, but don't stop it. Although, grass doesn't grow in the winter but it still needs moisture, so water is necessary.

Fertilize and feed: Make sure you provide fertilizer to your grass and landscaping plants before the winter sets in. You can visit your local garden center to get the right products that will best suit your climate and region. Plants require food in the winter and fertilizer will keep the grass roots stronger for the following season. This should be done before the first snow fall.

Grass should be mowed: The length of your grass play a vital role in keeping it healthy during the winter. It would be easy for cold winds to reach the roots if the length of the grass is too short. And in case the grass is too long, it might get attacked by mold or disease. In case you find that the grass is not growing, stop cutting it and leave it for a few weeks.

Rake leaves and debris regularly: Your grass requires sufficient sunlight during the winter months. You need to make sure that the grass gets ample sunlight and air, and for that rake up leaves and debris throughout the season. If you left leaves and debris over the grass, it gets mold, and disease, which is quite common in winter months. It is advised to never leave trash bags, trash cans or other heavy items on grass for a longer period of time.


With a little maintenance and care, you will find your yard and landscaping better and fresh throughout the year. Consider mulching plant beds and landscaping area to provide an extra protection against cold and harsh winters. You can also call in our professionals at The Lawnfather for snow removal services in Calgary. We are not limited to just snow removal services, we also do lawn cleaning, hedge trimming and fence and deck building services.

Lawn Care and Yard Maintenance Tips to Take Care

Are you looking for Lawn Care Calgary? The worth of your property and comprehensive appearance of your neighbourhood rises manyfold because of a green and healthy lawn. It acts as a great place in your residential property where your family and yourself can relax and unwind.

Here are a few tips you can keep in mind to take care of your lawn and make it greener.

1. Watering

Deep roots are encouraged by frequent watering of the garden. The amount of water depends on various factors like species of grass, soil type, mowing height, wind, temperature etc. One inch of soaking is generally considered to be adequate. South facing slopes and higher areas would require more water than other areas. Areas which receive less than 4 hours of direct sunlight require less water. The grass beneath a large tree requires more water as the roots of the tree tend to soak most of the water. It is advised to water lawns in the morning since it decreases likelihood of evaporation. Watering lawns in the evening leave it wet for a long duration of time and increases chances of diseases.

2. Mowing
Mowing the grass too short gives and opportunity to weeds to contest with the grass. You should allow your grass to be 2.5 to 3 inches tall. Mow in alternate direction and change the pattern each time. It will help in cutting down on soil compaction and wearing of the turf from wheels. Dull blades in the mower tear off grass rather than cutting it. Hence, sharpening your blades at least once a year is advisable.

3. Pests

Lawn care Calgary can play a crucial role in providing protection against pests. The perfect defence against weeds and pests is a healthy, dense and vigorous turf. It is advisable to manually remove weeds before they start producing seed heads. You can also spray herbicides on the spot where weeds grow.

4. Taking Care of weak spots

A healthy lawn has the ability to take care of itself. Small gouges, thinned areas and dead spots will fill in with appropriate fertilizing and watering. Large dead patches can be repaired with the method of reseeding. The grass seed is mixed with soil in a container and spread over the dead spot. Pack it lightly by stepping on it but make sure that the spot is dry before doing it. Keep the spot watered till the time the seeding are established.

5. Thatch

A layer of dead and living stems, shoots and roots that builds between the soil surface and green vegetation is called Thatch. It tends to restrict penetration of water also decreases the movement of fertilizers and air into the soil. You can get rid of thatch problems with the method of aerating. It requires a core aerator which punches small holes of several inches and pulls out the core. The core is left on the surface to dry and crumble and later spread with a rake.

Do you find all this to complex and difficult? Get in touch with The Lawnfather. We are the best in  Lawn care Calgary and provide reliable and affordable maintenance of property at highly competitive prices.

Expert Tips For Safe Snow Removal Calgary

In Calgary, winter typically synonyms with snow, and the winter this year seems to have followed the same concept. Once the charm of a new snowfall wears off, property owners are often left with snow mountains to remove from their driveways and front yards.

Snow removal Calgary is a must, but it is important to do so in the safest manner.  Let's have a look at some expert tips to keep in mind.

1. Understand the Dangers

The first step to keeping yourself safe during the snow removal process is to understand the dangers you may face. When it comes to snow removal, the leading cause of injury and death is gravity. There is a risk of falling off the edge while removing snow and ice from the roof. The cold-weather is another concern, especially when the temperatures fall to sub-freezing levels.

2. Know your roof

If you are familiar with your roof, it becomes easier to minimize the risk of accidents caused by unexpected factors. Familiarize yourself with things such as the maximum load your roof can take – taking into account the weight of all the snow and ice. If there are any gutters that could pose slipping hazards, make sure you are aware of them. These things often get concealed by snow and it is easy to trip over them.

3. Avoid heights

One easy way to ensure you don't fall off the roof is to simply avoid going there in the first place. It is recommended to clear the snow and ice from the ground. Better yet, call the professionals for snow removal services Calgary. They can apply deicer to prevent the formation of more ice.

4. Don't let snow accumulate

It is much easier and safer to remove 2 inches of snow than trying to shovel 20 inches. Snow accumulates very quickly, and as new snow falls, the snow beneath may freeze, creating a stiff layer of ice that's even more difficult to shovel. Don't wait until snow piles up into a bigger problem before addressing removal.

5. Practice proper lifting form

Much like lifting heavy boxes and equipment, moving huge amounts of snow can pose a risk to those who don't use the right tools and techniques. Do not attempt such difficult physical task without warming up your body first. In fact, since snow removal Calgary takes place out in the freezing weather, it's even more important to warm up your body.

Not only can pile up snow create inconvenience by blocking walkways, it can also be a risk if allowed to accumulate on your property, and can even cause expensive damage. Contact snow removal services Calgary to ensure the work is done professionally and safely.

If you are looking for snow removal services in Calgary, contact Lawnfather. We efficiently remove snow from both residential and commercial facilities.