Tough to see damage that plows do to turf
The snowstorm that caught many people off-guard last week also marked an early start to grass-gouging season by sidewalk plows.
It’s already hard to tell that we had about 13 centimetres of snow just over a week ago, thanks to a sustained melt. But evidence of the freak storm will remain for months next to many sidewalks.
The peanut-pusher plows that cleared sidewalks in suburban areas also tore up large swaths of turf on adjacent boulevards and lawns, leaving residents to gnash their teeth in frustration.
A neighbour pointed out that windrow clearing at the end of my Bluffs-area driveway had badly gouged the grass on one side. I long ago learned to not get mad about plow damage; it often happens after a serious snowfall.
But not everyone is as sanguine about it. Many residents lovingly tend to the grass on the lawns and boulevards in front of their homes and take offence to damage that appears to be a result of carelessness.
A walk through my neighbourhood revealed the extent of the destruction of just one plow, which I followed along Fordover Drive and Greyabbey Trail, where it peeled up grass in many places.
Wherever the plow driver had to adjust for something — fire hydrants, hedges or retaining walls, for instance — on one side, the turf on the other side paid the price.
In one spot, several stones from a retaining wall had been knocked loose and were on the sidewalk, which had the homeowner wondering how the plow managed to brush the wall.
It may not make the damage any easier to swallow, but it’s important to keep a few things in mind that will help to understand why it’s best not to get too worked up about it.
Sidewalk plows often work at night, when the operators, who usually are unfamiliar with the local geography, can’t see the snow-covered edges of the sidewalk. It’s easy to drift to one side, especially when they must adjust for something on the other side.
When the snow comes early, before the ground is frozen, the plow needs only make contact with grass along the sidewalk edges to peel it up. Later on, when the frost sets in, there’s much less damage from plows.
All boulevards and a small strip along the front of every homeowner’s lawn are actually part of the road allowance. It’s city property, even if homeowners take care of it, and the city has the right to damage its property.
But the good news is that the city will make at least a token effort to repair turf damaged by plows, if it is reported to 311. Contractors are dispatched in spring to lay down new sod and seed in damaged areas, even if the new sod doesn’t always take root due to foot traffic and other factors.
Eric Holmes, a spokesperson for transportation services, emailed to say that 311“will log a service request … and staff will be notified and investigate the extent of the damage.
“Following the investigation, results are forwarded to contractors who will perform necessary repairs in the spring and sometimes into the summer,” he said, adding that the work is monitored to ensure it meets city standards.
So don’t get mad, get even. Report it to 311 and making sure the city follows up with the promised repairs.