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How to Protect Your Lawn & Pavers from Snow Plow Damage ❄️
By JGM Landscaping & Design— Serving Chicagoland & the Northwest Suburbs
When winter hits in Illinois, snow plowing becomes essential — but it can also leave your yard and driveway looking rough by spring. Scraped pavers, torn-up grass edges, and hidden damage under the snow are common problems. Here’s how to protect your lawn and hardscaping from snow plow damage this season.
Reflective driveway markers placed along a brick paver driveway extension and lawn edge to prevent snow plow damage during winter in Illinois.
🌿 1. Mark Your Driveway and Lawn Edges
Before the first snowfall, install sturdy driveway markers or reflective stakes along the edges of your driveway, walkways, and lawn.
These help snow plow drivers see boundaries clearly — preventing them from pushing heavy snow over your grass or into your landscaping beds.
➡️ Tip: Use tall, flexible markers that won’t snap in the cold.
Orange snow plow clearing snow with a rubber-edge blade to protect brick and stone paver driveways from scratching during winter.
🧱 2. Avoid Metal-Bladed Plows on Pavers
If you have a brick or stone driveway, make sure your snow removal provider uses a rubber or polyurethane blade edge instead of metal.
Metal blades can scratch or chip your pavers, especially when temperatures drop below freezing. JGM Landscaping’s team always uses equipment that’s safe for hardscaping surfaces.
🌧️ 3. Don’t Pile Snow on the Lawn
It’s tempting to push snow off to the side, but piling it high on grass can cause compaction and mold once it melts.
Instead, try to spread snow evenly or direct it to low-traffic corners of your property. This prevents patches of dead or yellow grass in the spring.
Close-up of brick paver driveway with white salt residue showing winter de-icing damage on hardscape surfaces.
⛔ 4. Skip Salt on Decorative Pavers
Traditional rock salt can damage both plants and hardscapes. For safer de-icing, switch to calcium magnesium acetate or sand — they’re gentler on stone and less harmful to your soil.
If your driveway is sealed, this also helps preserve the color and finish of your pavers.
🧰 5. Hire Professionals Who Know Lawn Protection
Not all snow removal crews take landscaping into account. JGM Landscaping offers services that protect your property year-round — using proper plowing angles, safe equipment, and careful attention to your lawn and hardscape layout.
⛅ Final Thoughts
Protecting your lawn and pavers during winter isn’t about avoiding damage— it’s about saving time and money when spring arrives. With the right tools, materials, and professional help, you can enjoy a clean, damage-free property all season long.
📍 JGM Serving Areas
Wheeling - Northbrook - Palatine - Buffalo Grove - Arlington Heights - Mundelein - Evanston - and surrounding Chicagoland suburbs