Town Of Newburgh Shares Tip To Avoid The ‘Second Shovel’

After a heavy snowfall, many homeowners clear their driveways only to find a massive ridge of snow dumped back across the entrance once plows come through. That frustrating problem is known as the “second shovel,” and according to local officials, it is often preventable.

The Town of Newburgh recently shared helpful graphics explaining how residents can reduce the amount of snow that ends up back in their driveways after streets are plowed.

What Is The Second Shovel Problem

The second shovel happens when snowplows clear roadways and push snow toward the curb. If snow is piled directly at the end of a driveway, the plow can push that snow right back into the cleared entrance, forcing homeowners to shovel again.

Get our free mobile app

This can create large, heavy snowbanks that are difficult to remove and can block vehicles from entering or exiting driveways.

Why Where You Shovel Matters

According to the Town of Newburgh, the direction and placement of shoveled snow plays a major role in how much ends up back in your driveway.

Pushing snow straight into the road or piling it near the right edge of your driveway increases the chance that plowed snow will be pushed directly back across the entrance.

Read More: Health Experts Warn Of The Dangers Of Shoveling Snow

How To Prevent The Second Shovel

To help reduce the amount of snow pushed back into driveways, officials recommend clearing an additional area to the left side of your driveway, looking out toward the street.

By creating a small pocket or open area on the left side, snow pushed by the plow has a place to go instead of being forced directly into the driveway entrance.

This technique allows the plow to move snow past the driveway opening more effectively, significantly reducing the amount that piles up at the end.

A Little Extra Effort Can Save A Lot Of Work

While this method may require shoveling a bit more snow before the plow arrives, it can save homeowners from having to tackle a much larger and heavier pile later.

Using this approach can make winter cleanup faster, safer, and far less frustrating after plows pass through your neighborhood.