Winter brings its challenges, one of the most prominent being the accumulation of snow. The sight of white snow can be truly magical, but when it starts hindering our daily activities and posing risks to commuters, it’s time to consider effective solutions. Two common options are snow removal and snow plowing, each with its own distinct advantages and purposes.

Snow Removal:

Snow removal is a comprehensive approach that goes beyond simply clearing the surface of snow. It involves removing the accumulated snow from an area entirely, leaving behind a clean and snow-free surface. This process typically includes shoveling, snow blowing, and using heavy-duty machinery to ensure a thorough removal.

Effective for Residential Areas:

Snow removal is particularly beneficial for residential areas, where sidewalks, driveways, and small parking lots require meticulous attention. By completely removing the snow, homeowners can enjoy a safe and walkable environment without worrying about slippery surfaces or obstructed pathways.

 Convenient for Homeowners

• Clearing snow by removing it can offer homeowners a convenient solution as it eliminates the need for them to manually shovel or use smaller snow blowers.
• With consistent snow removal, the risk of ice formation and snow compaction decreases, reducing the likelihood of accidents, falls, and damage to property.

Ideal for Landscaped Areas

Snow removal is particularly beneficial for properties with beautiful landscapes that need protection from heavy snow. By completely removing the snow, the delicate elements of the landscape, such as flower beds, hedges, and trees, can remain intact and undamaged. Snow removal services utilize heavy machinery, such as plows, front-end loaders, and dump trucks, to efficiently clear away snow from larger areas.

Snow Plowing:

While snow removal focuses on total eradication, snow plowing offers a practical and efficient alternative. Instead of entirely removing the snow, plows push it to the side, creating cleared pathways for vehicles and pedestrians. This method is often employed for larger areas such as roads, highways, and expansive parking lots.

Effective for Commercial Areas:

Snow plowing is highly effective in commercial settings where large areas need to be cleared quickly to ensure smooth operations. By creating clear pathways for vehicles, businesses can continue to function without any disruptions caused by heavy snowfall.

Fast and Economical

Snow plowing is a time and cost-efficient solution for commercial areas. By pushing snow to the side, it allows for a swift clearance, enabling businesses to resume their operations promptly.

The use of snow plows can cover wide areas in a relatively short time. This efficiency makes it the preferred choice for public roads, parking lots, and shopping centers, where quick clearance is essential.

Suitable for Frequent Snowfall

In regions that experience frequent snowfall, snow plowing proves to be a practical solution. Rather than dealing with the time-consuming process of complete snow removal, plows can effectively manage the snow buildup, keeping roads and parking lots accessible.

Advantages of Snow Removal:

• Efficient removal of significant snow accumulation

Hiring snow removal services ensures that heavy snowfalls are promptly cleared, minimizing the disruption caused by excessive snow buildup.

• Provides a clean and tidy appearance

Snow removal involves not only removing the snow but also clearing away any residual ice or slush, leaving surfaces clean and safe for walking or driving.

• Suitable for areas with limited space for snow storage

In situations where there isn’t enough space to pile up the snow, snow removal services transport it away to designated dumping sites, preventing excessive buildup on your property.

Disadvantages of Snow Removal:

• Relatively higher cost

Snow removal services typically come at a higher price point compared to snow plowing, as it involves specialized machinery and manpower to efficiently remove and transport the snow.

• May not be suitable for light snowfall

While effective for substantial snow accumulation, opting for snow removal services for lighter snowfall may not be cost-effective, especially if the snowfall is not impeding mobility or causing safety concerns.

• Requires prior scheduling and coordination

Snow removal services often require advance booking and coordination, which can limit the flexibility of clearing snow exactly when you desire. This is particularly relevant when unpredictable weather conditions result in variable snowfall patterns.

Advantages of Snow Plowing:

• More cost-effective for light to moderate snowfall

Snow plowing is usually a more affordable option for handling lighter snowfalls, as it involves using a snow plow attachment to quickly push the snow aside, without the need for additional transportation or disposal.

• Suitable for larger areas and spacious properties

Sizable parking lots and expansive areas can benefit from snow plowing, as it allows for easy relocation of the snow to designated areas of the property, where it can melt or be stored without causing obstruction.

• Offers flexibility and immediate action

Since snow plows are readily available and can be operated by property owners, it allows for a more flexible response to sudden snowfall, ensuring timely clearance and minimizing any disruptions.

Disadvantages of Snow Plowing:

• May leave behind residual ice and packed snow

Snow plowing, while efficient for clearing paths and surfaces, can leave behind patches of packed snow and ice that may require additional steps to ensure safety.

• Cannot handle heavy snow accumulation efficiently

In cases of heavy snowfalls, snow plowing alone might not be sufficient to clear the snow completely, potentially leading to inconvenient and unsafe conditions.

• Requires adequate storage space for piled-up snow

Unlike snow removal, where snow can be transported off-site, snow plowing requires enough area on the property to accommodate the piled-up snow. Limited storage space can pose challenges in situations with frequent snowfall.

Conclusion:

When it comes to snow management, the choice between snow removal and snow plowing depends on the specific requirements of your property and the desired outcomes. Engaging the services of our professional snow management company can provide you with the expertise and resources necessary for optimal snow clearance and comprehensive solutions. Make winter safer and more enjoyable by embracing the benefits of our professional snow removal services, ensuring a smooth transition from a winter wonderland to a functional and accessible environment.