How to Prepare Your Property for Winter Snow Service

Start Planning Before the Season

The best time to arrange snow removal is early fall — before contractors fill their routes. Getting on a schedule early means they’ll know your site before an emergency.

Walk Your Property Together

A good contractor will want to see your site in person. Show them:

• Where snow should be stacked (not blocking fire lanes or drainage)
• Where tenants and employees enter the building
• Speed bumps, curbing, or underground utilities
• Any areas with special concerns

Questions to Ask When Comparing Contractors

Not all snow contracts are the same. Before signing, make sure you understand:

• What triggers service — a specific snowfall amount, or when you call?
• What’s included: plowing only, or also salting, walkways, and stacking?
• How quickly will they respond after accumulation begins?
• Are they insured for commercial snow operations?
• Who do you call if there’s an issue during a storm?

Prepare Your Site for Plows

Before the season starts:

• Mark obstacles that will be hidden under snow — bollards, curb stops, drain grates
• Move portable signs, planters, and equipment out of plow paths
• Communicate with tenants about where cars should park during storms

Understand Salt and Ice Management

Salt works best when applied correctly — too little is ineffective, too much damages pavement and landscaping.

• Ask about calibrated spreaders vs. hand-spreading
• Pre-treatment of high-traffic areas reduces ice buildup
• Different materials work at different temperatures

Keep One Point of Contact

Designate a single person at your property to communicate with your snow contractor. This avoids conflicting instructions during storms and ensures decisions about stacking, hauling, or extra service are made quickly.