Will TikTok's Viral Snow Removal Hack Work In Your Yard? Here's What We Know

Snow is coming to the United States, with up to 13 inches suggested for some higher regions of the western Sierra Nevadas. Additionally, the Old Farmer's Almanac's winter weather forecast, while not scientific, hints that much of the country may see increased precipitation. What this means for many Americans is a near future full of early mornings, battling their driveways with shovels in hand. 

One simple TikTok hack might save you from that — and all it takes is a sheet of plywood. In the viral video reposted by @accuweather (the original creator was @hangwithhope), a Michigan man clears his driveway by pushing a piece of plywood across it, leaving the pavement spotless in seconds. Along with cutting down the time it takes to remove the snow, this hack could also lower your risk of injury while shoveling. 

Injuries are very common when shoveling, as an American Journal of Emergency Medicine report shows. The study outlined that a significant portion of shoveling injuries involve the lower back. Given how strenuous shoveling can be, it's no wonder people are eager for easier options. Injuries aside, though, does the plywood hack actually do what it's supposed to do?

The viral TikTok hack trades a shovel for a simple sheet of plywood. Depending on your snow type, it can actually work surprisingly well. The wide, flat surface functions as a manual plow, pushing the snow forward instead of lifting it. If you're dealing with light, fluffy snow, the plywood will easily glide across concrete, quickly clearing large areas while saving you the repeated bending that could leave you with an injury. With pieces of plywood made of chipboard selling for around $20 at The Home Depot, opting to clear your drive in this way can be cost-effective, too.

That said, the hack's success depends on weather conditions. Once temperatures rise and the snow becomes either wet or icy, the friction will increase. When you use the plywood this way, it has a tendency to snag or stick — especially on uneven driveways. On gravel, the board can stop altogether.

For homeowners dealing with heavier snow, alternative tricks, such as laying down a tarp before snowfall, might work. You could also try using your riding lawn mower as a snow plow (with several options for attachments you can buy), if you have one. Ultimately, for quick clean ups after a powdery fall, the plywood hack is one of the cheapest and easiest ways to skip the shovel.