Winter in Omaha is no joke. One day, the driveway is clear. The next day, strong winds push the snow right back where you just cleared it. That’s why many property owners turn to experienced snow plowing contractors who understand how drifting works, not just how to move snow. We see this every year across Omaha, Papillion, Gretna, Ralston, and Council Bluffs.
At ShurLawn & Landscape, we just finished installing new snow fencing along a commercial lot in West Omaha because drifting kept blocking the entrance. Within one storm, the difference was clear. Less buildup. Safer access. Fewer headaches.
Snow plowing is not just about pushing snow. It’s about planning for wind, placement, and safety.
Why Does Snow Drifting Happen So Much in Omaha?
Omaha gets steady winds in winter. When open areas sit next to driveways or parking lots, wind grabs loose snow and moves it fast.
How wind direction changes everything
Wind usually blows across open fields and wide streets. When that moving snow hits a driveway, curb, or building, it drops and piles up. That’s why some areas drift badly while others stay clear.
Why plowing alone is not always enough
If snow is plowed into the wrong spot, wind can push it right back. We’ve seen driveways cleared in the morning and blocked again by evening. That’s frustrating and unsafe.
Proper snow placement means moving snow where wind cannot push it back onto walking or driving areas.
How Do We Control Snow Drifting Before It Becomes a Problem?
Good snow control starts before the first storm hits. We look at layout, wind direction, and traffic flow.
We just did this for a property near Millard where drifting kept covering the sidewalk along the main road. After adjusting pile locations and adding a wind barrier, the problem dropped fast.
Smart pile placement
Instead of pushing snow anywhere open, we choose lower areas and protected corners.
Strategic snow stacking keeps piles away from wind paths and entry points.
Snow fencing for open areas
Large open lots near fields drift the most.
Temporary snow fencing slows the wind and drops the snow before it reaches your driveway or lot.
We install fencing early in the season so it works all winter long.
Ongoing monitoring after storms
We don’t just plow and leave. After high winds, we check back if needed.
Follow-up service helps stop small drifts from becoming large blockages.
How Does Snow Plowing Improve Safety?
Slippery, blocked access is more than annoying. It can lead to falls and car accidents.
Clear drive lanes reduce collision risk
When lanes narrow due to drifting, cars have less space.
Full-width plowing keeps traffic moving safely in driveways and lots.
Open walkways prevent slips
Packed drifting snow turns into ice fast.
Cleared and treated sidewalks lower the risk of slips and falls.
We always use approved ice control products and apply them at the right rate. Too much product can damage concrete. Too little won’t work. Our licensed team handles it the right way.
What Makes Professional Snow Control Different?
Some folks try to handle snow with a pickup and a basic blade. That can work for small storms. But drifting in Nebraska needs more planning.
At ShurLawn & Landscape, this is what we focus on:
Weather tracking helps us prepare before storms hit. We watch forecasts closely so equipment and crews are ready.
The right equipment for the job improves results. We use commercial-grade plows, pushers, and spreaders sized for each property.
Clear communication keeps property owners informed. You know when we are coming and what to expect.
We just wrapped up a multi-day storm response in Gretna, where wind gusts kept shifting snow. Because we planned pile zones early, we avoided repeat blockages that nearby properties struggled with.
That kind of planning comes from years of working in Omaha winters.
Can Snow Control Protect Property Long Term?
Yes, it can. When snow melts and refreezes in the wrong spots, it damages pavement and concrete.
Preventing ice dams near entrances
If snow piles sit too close to doors, melting water can refreeze at the threshold.
Proper spacing of snow piles protects entryways from freeze damage.
Reducing pavement wear
Heavy piles left in one spot all season stress the asphalt.
Balanced snow distribution reduces surface cracking and sinking.
We plan where snow will sit for months, not just days.
How Do You Know If Your Property Needs Drift Control?
If you notice the same area blocking over and over, that’s a sign.
If wind pushes snow across open driveways, that’s another sign.
If sidewalks near streets keep filling in after plowing, drifting is likely the cause.
We offer on-site evaluations to check wind exposure and layout. Sometimes a small change in the plowing pattern solves the issue. Other times, fencing or barriers make a big difference.
Frequently Asked Questions About Snow Plowing
Can snow fencing really reduce drifting?
Yes. Snow fencing slows wind and forces snow to fall before it reaches driveways or lots. When installed in the right spot, it greatly reduces buildup.
Will regular plowing stop drifting by itself?
No. Plowing clears snow, but wind can push it back if the piles are in the wrong place. Drift control planning is needed to prevent repeat problems.
Is professional snow service safer than doing it myself?
Yes. Professional crews use proper equipment and approved ice control products. This lowers the risk of injury and property damage.
Keep Your Property Safe This Winter with ShurLawn & Landscape
Omaha winters bring wind, snow, and drifting that can block access fast. Smart snow plowing is about more than clearing a path. It’s about planning, placement, and safety from the first storm to the last, including using the right ice control methods so surfaces don’t refreeze overnight—something we cover when we talk about how proper deicing supports better plowing results.
At ShurLawn & Landscape, we handle snow with care and skill. From driveways to large commercial lots, we help keep access open and reduce drifting problems before they grow.
If drifting snow keeps coming back to the same spot, let’s fix it the right way. Call ShurLawn & Landscape today at 402-572-0710 to schedule your snow plowing and drift control service. Let’s keep your property safe, clear, and ready for whatever Nebraska winter sends next.
