Category Archives: Snow Plowing

How to Maintain Your Driveway This Winter

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Although curb appeal is important to all homeowners, sometimes, exterior home maintenance in the wintertime can seem like an impossible task. Keeping up with shoveling snow, regularly de-icing surfaces, and other tasks can be overwhelming. If you break big things, such as maintaining your driveway, down into smaller tasks, however, they suddenly seem much less daunting.Check out these five steps you can take to keep your driveway in good repair all winter long, from the professionals at Lola’s Landscape! 

Remove debris immediately 

When you notice debris in your driveway, you should get rid of it right away. There are a couple of reasons for this. Paper, such as newspapers and retail advertisements, can clog snow blowers and cause people to slip if they are not removed. Twigs and branches, on the other hand, are also fall hazards and can damage vehicles if they accidentally get run over.

Use ice melt products sparingly 

While you might be tempted to use ice melt products on your driveway frequently, it is best to use them as sparingly as possible. Salt-based solutions, in particular, can have adverse effects on asphalt driveways. If you want to avoid pockmarks and crumbling on the surface of your driveway, make sure you buy a calcium chloride-based product if you have to use one. 

Have your garage door inspected  

Your garage door plays an important role in whether or not you can effectively use your driveway during the winter months. If it malfunctions, you are unlikely to be able to use your garage and might have to leave your family’s vehicles sitting on your driveway for the entire season. This extra weight can actually cause the asphalt to shift and crack. Therefore, it’s a good idea to have your garage door inspected at the end of autumn.

Shovel before driving 

Driving over snow can pack it down, which makes it much harder to remove. If you have to scrape snow with your shovel to clear it, you run the risk of damaging your driveway in the process. Thus, it is always smart to shovel your drive prior to driving on any snow that has fallen on it. 

Have necessary repairs completed 

In some cases, homeowners find themselves tempted to put off driveway repairs. It is, however, wise to have any necessary repairs done before winter weather arrives. The longer problems, such as cracks, are allowed to persist, the more expensive it will ultimately be to have them fixed. 

The very best way to keep your driveway in exceptional condition in cold weather is to hire a professional snow removal team to handle maintenance for you. An expert crew will know what tools and chemicals are safest for your driveway and will efficiently remove any snow and ice. For snow and ice removal around the Franklin, MA area & beyond, contact Lola’s Landscape today! 

Do I Need Professional Snow Removal Services For My Commercial Property?

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Commercial property owners must always remain on their toes to make sure their property is safe for residents & business owners. For those in the New England area, this involves snow & ice removal in the winter months. Proper snow & ice removal is crucial to ensuring safe driving & no pedestrian injuries. Hiring the right professional for the job will alleviate a significant amount of stress during the snowy weather.

Snow Plowing & Removal

The first order of business for commercial snow removal is to clear the parking area with a heavy-duty plow. Although snowblowers can sometimes be used for perimeters or entire residential properties, plows are the best option for efficient snow removal on a large scale such as a commercial parking lot. Navigating a truck and plow can be a harder task than it appears. Hiring an experienced professional is the best way to make sure that your property is not damaged in the snow removal process. 

Safe Walkways & Stairs

Ice not only affects drivers in the cold weather – It can be just as dangerous for pedestrians. It is your responsibility as a property owner to make sure that all precautions possible are taken to eliminate the risk of injury. One of the most dangerous spots when snow and ice hit is a property’s outdoor stairs. Along with this, walkways are high traffic areas that can also see ice buildup. Stairs and walkways must be cleared of snow and also salted or sanded to prevent & melt ice buildup.

Proper Placement of Snow

If piles of snow are not placed properly around a large parking lot, drainage issues & parking inconveniences are bound to arise. A snow removal professional will be able to create snowbanks where they will least disrupt regular activity around the property. The snowbanks will also be located away from the building & its structures to prevent issues with flooding. Eliminating the risk for damage to any structures truly makes expert snow removal an investment in protecting your property.

If you haven’t hired a snow removal professional for your commercial property yet, it’s time! For properties around the Franklin, MA area, contact Lola’s Landscape today at 774-248-4584.

5 Ways to Find Your Ideal General Contractor

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No matter how you slice it, home renovations are stressful. During almost every project, at least one thing doesn’t go according to plan, leading to issues for homeowners and contractors alike. Selecting the best contractor to oversee your next project, however major or minor it may be, is absolutely critical to making sure you have a positive experience. As you continue reading this article, you will discover five important steps you can take to find the ideal general contractor for you.

  1. Credentials are essential 

    Good contractors have valid credentials. This means they carry the necessary business licenses for the area in which they operate, they have all of the correct insurance policies, and they are actually certified in any specializations they claim to have. If a specific contractor’s credentials don’t measure up, he or she shouldn’t even make it onto your shortlist.

  2. Referrals can help you make your decision

    Sometimes, especially if you’ve narrowed it down to just a couple of options, getting referrals from people you trust can be the deciding factor in which contractor you actually hire. Knowing that your friends and family trust a particular professional is likely to sway you in his or her direction for good reason. Therefore, you should never hesitate to ask around for recommendations.

  3. Spend time researching

    Even though you’re probably chomping at the bit for your renovation to get going, conducting research ahead of time is extremely important for multiple reasons. Not only will it allow you to see what kinds of reviews other people in your area are leaving about the contractors you’re considering, but it will give you the opportunity to find out if any of the professionals have areas of specialization that will be beneficial during your remodeling job.

  4. Consider the environment

    As people become more aware of the negative impact that construction and home renovation can have on the natural environment, many of them are making a concerted effort to use green building materials. If this is a priority for you, make sure you find a local contractor who shares your concern about sustainability.

  5. Always look at a portfolio

    All quality contractors maintain portfolios of their work. It doesn’t matter if the gallery is online or in a traditional paper format as long as it showcases projects you love. Furthermore, reputable professionals are always willing to answer questions about their past jobs openly and honestly. Don’t hire anyone who is cagey with his or her responses to legitimate inquiries.

There will probably be snags along the way during your residential renovation job, but by following these tips, you should be able to pick a contractor who is perfect for your project. He or she will provide you with assistance and assurance every step of the way, even when you feel like your house is never going to be done. As your local contractor, Lola’s landscape cares for you and your house. We understand your worries and concerns and we try our best to make you feel at ease, that is why we are here to answer your questions. Call us now or visit our website to learn more about our services

 

Parking Lot, Sidewalk, & Driveway Cleanup For A Safe Winter

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As all the leaves fall from the trees and we finish fall cleanups, our thoughts naturally turn to winter and the coming snowfall.  Ice and snow bring with them their own separate cleanup demands, but prevention is just as important as cleaning up after the snow hits the ground.  Whether you own a business with a parking lot and sidewalk that requires maintenance, or your residential driveway is in need of some attention, Lola’s Landscape provides winter cleanup services to fit your needs.

Salting and sanding any paved areas you have will go a long way towards keeping you and others safe.  Ice accumulation on pavement is extremely slippery, and can be a hazard for your home or business. There are also liability issues that go along with failing to properly clear your public surfaces of snow and ice, and no one wants to deal with a personal injury lawsuit.  Salting your parking lot and sidewalk helps prevent ice from forming in the first place, as well as melting ice that has already formed. This will keep customers, employees, and yourself safe as more intense winter weather approaches New England. Sand does not melt any ice, but does provide extra traction for tires and shoes as people move around.  These two services together help provide the best environment for foot and car traffic, and gives you peace of mind.

One heavy snowfall can make any snow removal job seem overwhelming, but Lola’s is here to help!  We offer snow blowing, plowing, and shoveling services to quickly clean up accumulated snow that makes getting in and out of your home or business a hassle.  We can clear any walkways, stairs, decks, driveways, parking lots, porches, or yards that need attention.

Snow plowing and removal is critical to maintaining a functional business and being able to safely get in and out of your home.  Removing this snow can be time consuming and difficult, so we offer emergency snow removal. Lola’s will come plow your driveway or business parking lot in the middle of the night so you have a clear path to work in the morning, or your employees have somewhere to park.

We take the stress and hassle out of any snow removal and winter preparedness job so you can go about your day without disruption.  Our team is standing by to help you with any winter cleanup job you need! Call Adam at 774-248-4584 or contact us online to schedule your winter service today.

Salt vs Sanding. What’s The Difference?

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This morning brought another few inches of snow in some Massachusetts Counties. Lola’s Landscape is available to provide snow removal services to residents of Norfolk County. This service is for both commercial and residential accounts. Additionally, we provide salting & services for those accounts that require it. We often get asked what the difference between salting and sanding. Hopefully this blog post clears up some confusion!

Salting

Salt, or “rock salt” is made up of sodium chloride, or table salt. It usually comes in the shape of large chucky crystals. Salt lowers the freezing point of water, so salt is spread on roads, walkways, and driveways to prevent them from getting icy or to melt ice that has already formed.

It works in temps above 12 degrees, but can be harsh on grass and shrubs. An experienced snow removal contractor will be careful where they are applying salt.

Sanding

As we mentioned above, salt melt ice, sanding surfaced does not. Sand is laid down on commercial parking lots, driveways, & walkways to provide traction for vehicles and pedestrians themselves.

Contact Lola’s Landscape

Lola’s Landscape provides snow removal services in Norfolk County. These services include snow removal, snow blowing, as well as salting & sanding. To receive a quote on snow removal, or any of our winter services, contact us here, or call us at 774-248-4584

Questions To Ask Your Snow Removal Contractor

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At Lola’s Landscaping we are continuing to see clients inquire about snow removal services. With last week’s blizzard dropping over 18 inches of snow in parts of Massachusetts, snow removal companies are in high demand. If you are in the market for a snow removal team still for the winter, consider these questions before you sign a contract.

How Long Have You Been in Business?- Nowadays, it’s very easy to claim you run a “snow removal business”. Strap on a plow to your truck and send our some flyers and boom, you can appear to be legitimate. When it comes to snow removal though, you want a trusted company with years of business under their belt.

Pre-plow Plan– Pardon the alliteration on this one folks. When you are about to sign a snow removal contract, you should ask them what they do before the first snowfall. They should access your property for any potential problems and create a plan on how to deal with them. Discuss the plan with homeowners or business owners about what to do with cars that will be there as well.

Documentation- What type of documentation do they provide? If you are billed by the amount of snow fall are they tracking this? Do they document the hours they were at your location for? Hopefully you never have a billing dispute, but you’ll want to make sure you have documentation from your plow company.

Do They Have Insurance Coverage- This one is self explanatory. Snow plows will be working around your home, cars, and other property. Verify the insurance they carry.

If you are still looking for a plow company this winter, contact Lola’s Landscape today!

Snowplowing Tips

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At Lola’s Landscaping, we are expert snowplowers. We provide snowplowing for both commercial and residential properties and our drivers are fully insured and know the best practices and tips for safe and practical snowplowing techniques. If you are starting out snowplowing yourself, take some of these tips from the expert snowplowers in Norfolk County.

When Transporting a Snowplow: You should angle the blade to the right, doing this will reduce the chance of catching a curb or snowbank and risking pulling your truck into it.

Do Not Go Faster Than 40 MPH When Transporting A Plow

Do Not Go Faster Than 14 MPH When Plowing

If Its Yours First Time Plowing An Area: Talk with the property owner about any objects of landscaping materials that could be hidden by snow. This will prevent damage to your plow and the homeowners property.

When Plowing on Dirt & Gravel: Lower the plow shoes. This will prevent scraping away the ground surface.

Be Weary of your Transmission Temperature:  A common transmission issue is caused by the overheating of your transmission due to plowing. You might want to invest in a transmission temperature reader.

These are just a few basic tips when it comes to the art of snowplowing. If you are looking for snowplowing in Norfolk County this winter, contact us at Lola’s Landscaping.

Prepare Your Snowblower For Winter

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Former Poet Laureate, Donald Hall once said “November in New England is for putting Fall to sleep”. We agree with this statement. November is also a time that we have seen the first snowfall of the year. That means by now you have probably gotten your winter clothes out and have started preparing for snow. One thing that is often overlooked to prepare for winter, is very important, and that is your snowblower. Make sure to follow these steps this winter to ensure you wont be stuck shoveling with the heavy stuff starts to fall in December and beyond:

Gas Lawnmowers- If you have a gas powered lawnmower, hopefully you removed the fuel when you put it away for good last Spring. If not, use a siphon or turkey baster to remove old fuel. Fill the tank with gas and top it off with a fuel stabilizer that can be found at your local hardware store.

Check Your Tires- Nothing is worse than getting ready to use your snowblower, only to realize you have flat tires. Make sure your snowblower’s tires are properly inflated to the manufactures recommenced PSI.

Mechanical Aspects- Make sure your spark plug  is working properly. It is cheap to replace a sparkplug, and you’ll be sorry if you didn’t take the time to do it prior to the first snow fall. Also, take a look at the various belts on your snowblower just like you would your car. If you see any that are frayed, you’ll want to replace those, as they could break with the first heavy snow.

If you have gotten rid of your snowblower all together recently, or have just decided, “the heck with it”, when it comes to snow removal, get in touch with Lola’s Landscape. We offer both commercial and residential snow removal programs! 

Winter Services for Norfolk County

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This morning many people across New England woke up to frost on their lawns, and maybe even a frozen windshield. With that in mind, we figured it would be a good time to go over some of our winter services for customers in Norfolk County.

Snow Plowing:

Lola’s Landscape is a professional snow plowing company. Not some guy who picked up a plow for the first time and decided it was an easy way to make money. We have the proper equipment and know the right way to plow without causing any damage to your property.

For large Nor’earsters, where snow piles up relentlessly over multiple hours, we offer emergency snow plowing services.

Salting & Sanding Services:

For large commercial properties, we can provide salting services to prevent ice buildup during the winter. If you have a property with a lot of foot traffic, contact us to help prevent slips and falls!

Sanding wont help melt ice, but will provide more traction for car and foot traffic.

To get an estimate of the costs associated with our services, we will come by to provide a free quote which is based off the size of the area that needs to be serviced. To schedule a time to get your quote, call us at 774-248-4585 or use our simple contact form and will we contact you!

Why Your Business Needs Snow Removal

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Major snowstorms can be detrimental to small businesses. If you are not properly prepared a snow storm can force you to shut down your business, resulting in loss of customers and revenue for the day. Commercial snow removal is essential to keep your business up and operating all winter long.

Check out some of the reasons why your business needs professional snow removal services.

Safety

Safety is the number one priority during a snow storm or other winter conditions. The safety or your customers and the safety of your employees. Make sure your parking lot, driveways, walkways, and sidewalks are all cleared off for the safety of anyone walking on them. If snow is not cleared quickly it can freeze and create extremely dangerous situations for people walking on them. As a business owner, it is your responsibility to your customers and your employees to create a safe environment. Not to mention you can be liable for slip and fall injuries that occur on your property.

Emergency Services

We all know New England weather can be unpredictable, which is why 24/7 emergency services are essential for efficient business operations and safety. So no matter what time the snow falls you know your business will be able to open and operate at regular business hours. We will come to your business in the middle of the night to clear parking lots and pathways.

Dependable Service

Knowing someone will take care of your snow during a snow storm will allow you to rest easy. If you own a business you may think you can handle the snow removal process on your own. Snow removal is hard, laborious work often done is hazardous conditions. Rather than spending hours outside removing snow hiring the professionals at Lola’s Landscape to take care of your snow removal this year so you can focus on what really matters, running your business.

To go along with our snow plowing services, we also offer salting and emergency snow removal. With snow, comes a lot of ice; we’ve all had the misfortune of falling or slipping on ice. We will salt driveways, walkways, stairs, and business parking lots.

Contact Lola’s Landscape and get your free snow removal quote today!