How Can I Avoid Snow Drift Problems Around My Property?

Snow drifts are more than just an inconvenience—they can block driveways, pile snow against doors and siding, create slip hazards, and place unnecessary weight on vulnerable areas of your property. In windy cities like Edmonton, drifting snow is especially common, and managing it requires a combination of smart planning and strategic snow removal.

In this guide, we’ll break down why snow drifts happen and the most effective ways to prevent them from building up around your home.

Why Snow Drifts Form

Snow drifts occur when strong winds pick up loose snow and redistribute it, often piling it against structures, fences, and open driveways. Edmonton’s wide-open neighbourhood layouts and winter wind patterns make certain properties more prone to drifting.

Common areas affected include:

• Driveway edges

• Walkways and front entrances

• Around garage doors

• Along fence lines

• In open backyard spaces

Understanding the airflow around your property helps you predict where drifts will form—and how to prevent them.

1. Clear Snow Promptly and Consistently

Loose, uncompacted snow is the kind most likely to drift. Keeping surfaces clear reduces the amount the wind can lift and transport.

Neighbourhood Heroes offers unlimited snow removal visits from November to April, clearing snow within 24 hours of every trace of snowfall. This consistency significantly reduces the amount of loose snow available to blow around your yard.

For more strategies on staying ahead of the weather, read:
➡️ [How Can I Create an Effective Snow Removal Plan for My Home?]
➡️ [How Often Should I Clear Snow From My Sidewalks?]

2. Install Windbreaks on Key Sides of Your Property

Windbreaks slow down wind speed and reduce the formation of drifts.

Effective options include:

• Temporary snow fencing

• Shrubs or evergreen hedges

• Trellises or slatted fencing

• Strategically placed outbuildings or storage sheds

Even temporary fencing installed in fall can dramatically reduce drifting in winter.

For landscaping protection tips, see:
➡️ [What Is the Best Way to Protect Plants During Snow Removal?]

3. Build Up Protective Snow Banks (Yes—On Purpose)

Create controlled snow piles on the windward side of your property. These snowbanks act as barriers that catch drifting snow before it reaches your driveway or front entrance.

This is an easy, low-cost strategy when done early in the season.

4. Use Ice Melt and Sand to Reduce Surface Build-up

Snow that melts and refreezes can create hard-packed layers that wind pushes into drifts.

Applying ice melt or sand helps prevent:

• Packed snow surfaces

• Thin layers of ice that wind lifts

• Hazardous buildup on walkways

Add-on options like Sand and/or Ice Melt Application can help reduce drift-prone areas.

Learn more about safe ice melt use here:
➡️ [How Do I Clear Ice Without Damaging Concrete Surfaces?]
➡️ [What Is the Environmental Impact of Snow Removal Chemicals?]

5. Keep Driveway and Walkway Edges Defined

Clear, crisp edges reduce the amount of loose snow that accumulates and later drifts.

Useful techniques:

• Edge your driveway after every snowfall

• Prevent snow piles from spilling over onto sidewalks

• Keep transitions between lawn and pavement clean

This also helps minimize ice damage—explained in:
➡️ [How Do I Deal With Frozen Driveway Cracks After Snow Removal?]
➡️ [How Can I Reduce Ice Buildup on My Driveway Edges?]

6. Position Snow Piles Strategically

Avoid piling snow:

• Directly in front of doors or garage openings

• Along fence lines where wind tunnels form

• In open areas where it can easily blow back onto cleared surfaces

Instead, pile snow:

• On the side of the yard that faces prevailing winds

• Behind solid structures

• In shielded corners

Even small placement adjustments can significantly reduce drifting.

7. Invest in Professional Snow & Ice Management

Drifting snow can lead to daily cleanup—even without new snowfall. Neighbourhood Heroes’ unlimited-visit model ensures your property stays manageable all season, not just after storms.

Our packages include:

• Essential Removals — Driveways & main walkways

• Pristine Removals — Full property coverage

• Add-ons like Priority Removal & Sand/Ice Melt Application

These services help reduce drifting by minimizing the loose snow available for wind to carry.

Final Thoughts

Preventing snow drift issues around your property comes down to a combination of proper snow placement, timely removal, and smart wind management strategies. By being proactive and understanding how wind interacts with your landscape, you can dramatically reduce drifts, protect your home, and keep walkways and driveways clear all winter long.

For hands-off, reliable winter protection, Neighbourhood Heroes provides prompt, consistent, unlimited snow removal all season—making drifting snow one less thing to worry about.