Everything you need to know to prepare your Oakland County property for Michigan winter — from choosing the right snow removal service to protecting your hardscaping from ice damage.
Michigan winters in Oakland County are serious business. With an average of 45–55 inches of snowfall per season and temperatures that regularly drop below zero, proper preparation is essential for both safety and property protection. This guide covers everything you need to do before the first snowfall to ensure your property is ready for whatever winter brings.
The most important step in winter preparation is securing a reliable snow removal service before the season begins. Reputable providers fill their seasonal contract slots quickly — often by October or November. Waiting until after the first snowfall to find a service provider typically means settling for whoever is still available, which may not be the best option.
When evaluating snow removal providers, ask about their equipment, staffing, and response time commitments. A provider with a large fleet of GPS-tracked equipment and a dedicated winter operations team will be far more reliable during major storms than a small operator with a single truck. Ask for references from current customers and verify that the company carries adequate liability insurance.
Paver patios, walkways, and driveways need attention before winter to minimize damage from ice, freeze-thaw cycles, and de-icing products. Seal paver surfaces with a penetrating sealer in late fall to protect against moisture infiltration. Avoid using rock salt (sodium chloride) on concrete or paver surfaces — it accelerates deterioration. Use calcium chloride or magnesium chloride instead, which are effective at lower temperatures and less damaging to hardscape materials.
Mark the edges of your driveway and walkways with driveway markers before the first snowfall. These flexible stakes help snow removal crews identify the boundaries of paved surfaces and prevent damage to lawn edges and landscaping. Place markers at least 12 inches inside the paved surface to account for the width of plow blades.
If you have an in-ground irrigation system, winterization is essential. Water left in irrigation pipes and heads will freeze and expand, causing cracked pipes, broken heads, and expensive repairs. Irrigation systems should be blown out with compressed air before the first hard freeze — typically by mid-October in Oakland County. Contact your irrigation installer or a qualified irrigation contractor to schedule this service.
Elowsky Lawn Services offers comprehensive fall preparation services, including paver sealing, driveway marker installation, and coordination with irrigation contractors. Contact us in September or October to schedule your fall preparation visit before our schedule fills up.
Sign up for snow removal service in September or October, before the season begins. Reputable providers fill their seasonal contract slots quickly, and waiting until after the first snowfall typically means limited options.
Apply a penetrating paver sealer in late fall, use calcium chloride or magnesium chloride instead of rock salt for de-icing, and ensure proper drainage so water doesn't pool on the surface and freeze.
Keep a bag of calcium chloride ice melt, a quality snow shovel, and a snow brush/ice scraper for your vehicles. For extended power outages, have emergency supplies including water, food, flashlights, and a battery-powered weather radio.
Ask neighbors for recommendations, check Google reviews, verify insurance coverage, and request a written contract that clearly specifies service triggers, response times, and what's included. Elowsky Lawn Services is accepting new snow removal clients — contact us to discuss your needs.
No pressure, no obligation. Just honest advice and a detailed written estimate from Oakland County's most trusted outdoor living specialists.
Prefer to call? (248) 802-6514
Get a free, no-obligation quote from Oakland County's most trusted lawn and landscape company. We'll contact you within 24 hours.