The Best Snow Removal Services of 2024

Snow removal is an essential chore during the winter months, but removing ice and snow can be tiring (especially for those living in areas with frequent winder storms)—and it could even cause injuries. Many homeowners search online for “snow removal services near me” or “snowplowing near me” to find professionals that can help them save time and avoid potential health risks. Hiring professional snow removal services can free up a homeowner’s schedule and make the winter months more bearable—especially for those that have a long driveway or multiple walkways that need to be cleared.

The best snow removal services use tried-and-tested snowplowing techniques and professional equipment for quick and efficient snow removal. Professional services can clear snow from driveways, walkways, sidewalks, and parking spaces of residential and commercial properties. Before searching online for “snow removal near me” or “local snowplowing service near me,” homeowners may want to consider these recommendations for the best snow removal services.

1. BEST OVERALL: Mainscape
2. RUNNER-UP: The Grounds Guys
3. BEST COMMERCIAL SERVICES: BrightView
4. BEST AGGREGATOR: HomeAdvisor

What to Consider When Choosing One of the Best Snow Removal Services

When the snow starts to pile up, it’s not uncommon for homeowners to perform an online search for “residential snow removal near me” to help with clearing snow and ice from their properties. Even though finding a reputable snow removal service might seem straightforward, there are a few factors homeowners will need to consider when choosing a snow removal service. These can include the company’s service area, whether it offers residential or commercial services, how often it monitors weather forecasts, how it evaluates the property, scheduling options, pricing, type of contract, insurance status, and any additional services.

Service Area

Some snow removal companies have a limited service area to just over a dozen states, and some have a wider range of operations. Homeowners will want to double-check the service area to ensure prompt and efficient snow removal. If they find that a service they’re considering doesn’t offer snow removal in their area, they can cross that service off the list and move onto the next option.

Residential vs. Commercial Services

Some snow removal companies offer residential and commercial services; some may specialize in snow removal for commercial properties. Homeowners will want to check to see if the company provides the type of service they need for their property. Since some local laws require removal within a specific period after a snowfall, a professional team can ensure that parking spots and sidewalks are clear of snow within the allotted time.

Weather Monitoring

It’s important for homeowners to confirm that the snow removal company they’re considering consistently monitors weather forecasts to anticipate the snow removal needs of its customers. Being able to depend on the company they hire is important for homeowners during a snow event. If the company monitors the weather to anticipate potential snowfall, the homeowner can remove that task from their plate as well.

Evaluation

Many snow removal companies will evaluate a customer’s property and identify any lawn features, curbs, garden and flower beds, and any obstacles that snow could hide. These areas will be marked to ensure a plow, snowblower, or shovel won’t damage the features. This is why it’s important for a homeowner to find a snow removal company before the first flake falls so that the company can evaluate the property most effectively.

Scheduling, Pricing, and Contracts

Snow removal companies have different scheduling and pricing depending on how the contract is written. Some services charge per hour, per inch of snow, per visit, per event, or per season, and many companies require customers to sign a seasonal contract. Contracts typically include information about insurance coverage, payment information, the types of services that will be provided, and the frequency of snow removal visits.

Insurance Status

While there is no specific snow removal insurance or licensure, it’s important for a snow removal company to have general liability insurance. Snow removal can damage landscaping, curbs, and lawn features, as well as be potentially hazardous to the well-being of those shoveling or snowblowing.

Additional Services

Many landscaping companies offer snow removal during the winter. If a homeowner already has a good relationship with a landscaping company, it may also make sense for them to use that company for snow removal. Hiring a company for more than one service can make scheduling more straightforward and make homeowners feel more comfortable since they’ll be more familiar with the professionals working on their property. Some companies also offer water management, agronomy (the science of crop production and soil management), gutter cleaning, and tree care. Oftentimes snow removal companies will provide liquid de-icer treatments, salting, and snow hauling to a different location.

Customer Support

If the homeowner has a question or concern, it’s essential that they are able to get in touch with customer support. Some snow removal companies offer support only via phone, and others provide assistance by email. Before hiring, homeowners will want to check the customer support options a company offers to ensure they’re comfortable with that choice. For example, a customer who prefers email or online chat may want to avoid a company that only offers phone support, and someone who works 12-hour shifts will need to opt for a company that has long customer service hours.

Our Top Picks

To find the best snow removal services, we considered factors such as service area, whether commercial or residential snow removal is provided, scheduling options, transparency with snow removal services, additional services offered, and 24/7 weather monitoring. We also researched the companies by evaluating customer reviews, getting information and quotes, and assessing their websites for ease of use.

See It

• Service area: 14 states
• Residential vs. commercial services: Residential, commercial
• Scheduling: Phone, email
• Additional services: Landscaping, water management, agronomy
• Customer support: Phone, email

Pros

• 24/7 availability
• De-icing salts are customized for the property and landscape
• Services available to prevent flooding once snow melts
• Online bill-pay option
• Both commercial and residential services available

Cons

• Limited service area restricted to 14 states

Why It Made the Cut: With its snow removal features, such as customizing ice application per property and online bill pay, Mainscape is the top choice for the best snow removal service. Mainscape offers residential and commercial snow removal services with its skilled teams and advanced equipment available 24/7.

While Mainscape is only available in 14 states, its standout services and professionalism put it at the top of the list. Before any snow removal occurs, a professional visits the property and provides a detailed inspection to mark any lawn and garden features that they need to be aware of when snow removal happens. Scheduling is easy with phone and email options. The online customer service communication system is available 24/7 so each customer has peace of mind regarding service. In addition to snow removal, Mainscape offers landscaping services, and its water management program involves irrigation management to increase efficiency. Mainscape’s passion for maintaining healthy plants includes science-based agronomy programs to provide plant nutrition, environmental stewardship, and the use of safe and effective products.

Mainscape’s snow removal service includes personalized salt use so landscaping, sidewalks, and patios won’t be damaged, and pets and children won’t be harmed. Each site manager constantly monitors weather data and contacts customers directly if hazardous conditions require extra attention. The company has a rapid billing system and offers convenient online bill payments. And when the snow starts to melt, Mainscape knows how to prevent flooding on the property.

See It

• Service area: 41 states
• Residential vs. commercial services: Residential, commercial
• Scheduling: Phone, email
• Additional services: Landscaping, gutter cleaning
• Customer support: Phone

Pros

• Regular equipment calibration to prevent oversalting
• Equipment monitored by GPS ensures quality service
• Both commercial and residential services available

Cons

• Customer support is only available by phone

Why It Made the Cut: The Grounds Guys offers near-nationwide service and a comprehensive roster of outdoor services. With services available in 41 states, chances are when searching for “snow removal companies near me,” The Grounds Guys will pop up. It’s easy to get a job estimate on the company’s easy-to-navigate website, and The Grounds Guys offers residential and commercial snow removal with staff and equipment on standby.

Snow removal equipment is regularly calibrated by monitoring the asphalt and dew point temperature in the area. This eliminates over-salting that can be dangerous to surfaces, pets, and wildlife. The company monitors all snow removal equipment with GPS trackers to ensure quality service and fair prices. Site managers also constantly keep track of meteorological data to anticipate snow removal services.

While customer support is only available over the phone, customers can make appointments via phone or email. Additional services include organic, traditional, and hybrid lawn care; landscaping; hardscaping; pest and weed mitigation; outdoor lighting installation; irrigation; gutter cleaning; and artificial turf installation.

See It

• Service area: 32 states
• Residential vs. commercial services: Commercial
• Scheduling: Phone, email
• Additional services: Landscaping, water management, tree care
• Customer support: Phone, email

Pros

• Snow removal available for various commercial markets
• 7,500 service providers
• Snow removal contract details can be tailored to the needs of the commercial client

Cons

• Job quality can vary due to subcontracting

Why It Made the Cut: BrightView is a commercial provider skilled in multi-property management, with over 200 branches and 7,500 service providers in 30 states. BrightView has a service area of 32 states with 200 branches and 7,500 service providers. Its experienced team and tailored ice and snow removal plans ensure that commercial properties, apartment complexes, schools, retail locations, and religious organizations can have peace of mind in case of a snow event.

BrightView continuously tracks and monitors storms and makes sure a property is cleared as soon as possible. The professional team is on call to provide snow removal services with the correct equipment to negate any potential damage to curbs, landscaping, and hardscapes. While job quality can vary because BrightView subcontracts snow removal professionals, online reviews are wholly positive. Scheduling can be done over the phone or via email. BrightView also provides landscape design and development, maintenance, tree care, water management, sports turf, and golf course services. Customer support is available by phone and email.

See It

• Service area: 50 states and Washington, D.C.
• Residential vs. commercial services: Varies by provider
• Scheduling: Online
• Additional services: Varies by provider
• Customer support: Varies by provider

Pros

• Potential clients can filter by project and choose from local professionals
• Website is streamlined and user-friendly

Cons

• Name, phone number, and zip code are required to browse local services

Why It Made the Cut: HomeAdvisor is an excellent source for finding the best snow removal service in the local area. HomeAdvisor provides homeowners a resource to find reputable snow removal services in their areas. Although shoppers have to provide some personal information, such as name, phone number, and ZIP code, to find the local services they’re looking for, the platform streamlines the search for a pro. Customers answer a few questions regarding the project and can get quotes from companies. Prices for any project, including snow removal, will vary by location and professional. Before searching online for “snowplow service near me,” get on HomeAdvisor’s user-friendly website and let this trusted name in home improvement find snow removal services for you.

Our Verdict

Based on its 24/7 weather monitoring, customized snow removal features, and convenient online bill-pay option, Mainscape is our top pick for the best snow removal services. With its near-nationwide service area, equipment calibration, and GPS tracking, The Grounds Guys is an excellent runner-up.

How We Chose the Best Snow Removal Services

To determine the best snow removal services, we considered many factors, such as service area, scheduling options, what additional services are offered, 24/7 weather monitoring, and website user experience. We looked for services available to multiple states, and we appreciated companies that were able to offer commercial and residential services. We also assessed customer experiences, reviews, and quality of service. Each of the recommended snow removal companies has satisfied customers, an excellent reputation, and provides a much-needed service.

Before You Hire One of the Best Snow Removal Services

Hiring a snow removal service is a convenient way to keep driveways, sidewalks, and parking spaces clear while eliminating the risk of injury from completing the job on your own. Before hiring a snow removal service, there are a few things for homeowners to consider.

• Plan ahead. Homeowners will want to start thinking about snow removal well before the season’s first snowstorm. Many snow removal companies are booked up before the first snowflake flies, and some may raise their prices if their services are in high demand.
• Get multiple quotes. Getting at least three quotes from reputable companies can help homeowners stick to their budget.
• Ask questions. It’s important for homeowners to ask the company some questions to ensure they know exactly what services the quote covers. Every company is different and will offer varying services such as plowing, shoveling, snowblowing, ice removal, roof cleaning, or ice treatment.
• Consider pets. Homeowners will need to let the snow removal professionals know if they have pets that will be walking through the areas that will be cleared of snow. If they use salt or ice treatments, homeowners will want to confirm that they’re safe for pets.
• Decide on a snow removal plan. Homeowners will need to determine the most important areas for snow removal. Driveways, sidewalks, parking spots, and walkways are typically the most popular. This can also help get accurate estimates.
• Get references. It’s wise for homeowners to take the time to contact names on a reference list and ask about timing, scheduling, reliability, any issues they may have encountered, and how they were resolved.

Cost of Hiring One of the Best Snow Removal Services

Snow removal cost can vary according to location, property size, response time, and removal method. Snow removal rates can range from $48 to $179, with the national average around $113. Larger properties will have a higher snow-removal cost, and houses with long, winding, or steep driveways will also cost more for snow removal.

Plowing typically costs $30 to $50 per visit, while snowblowing and shoveling can run $25 to $75 per hour. If a roof needs to be cleared, homeowners expect to pay $250 to $500. Homeowners who want to avoid potential shoveling-induced injuries say that the cost is worth it to keep their property clear of snow.

Those who have the physical ability to shovel a driveway and sidewalks may decide that a snow clearing service isn’t suitable for your needs. For those who cannot shovel or operate a snowblower, it’s best to hire professional snow clearing services.

The Advantages of Hiring One of the Best Snow Removal Services

It’s good for homeowners to have a plan to remove snow from your property before the first snowfall. If shoveling snow isn’t a homeowner’s favorite chores, they’ll know that they don’t have to tackle the backbreaking work on their own. Professionals have the proper equipment and experience to remove snow and ice efficiently. Hiring snow removal services comes with many advantages.

• High-quality results. A professional team can clear driveways, sidewalks, and walkways and treat the areas for ice much better than a homeowner trying to do it independently. When using a plow on a driveway, almost all traces of snow can be removed compared to using a shovel, which can leave a layer of snow that can quickly form into dangerous ice.
• Professional gear. Hiring a reputable snow removal company can guarantee peace of mind knowing that they will use the correct equipment to clear the property of snow.
• Increased safety. Having snow-covered sidewalks and parking spots can result in slipping or falling. When these areas are professionally cleared, the risk of potential injury from snow removal or falling on icy surfaces is diminished. Protect friends and family members from hazardous conditions by using a professional.
• Efficiency and convenience. Snow removal in cold conditions is time-consuming and labor-intensive work. Hiring a snow removal service can help save time and effort so the homeowner can spend more time with their family.

FAQs

Deciding on the best snow removal services while staying within a budget can be a bit of a challenge. Here are some frequently asked questions about snow removal services to help guide homeowners’ decisions.

Q. How much does a snowblower cost?

Snowblower cost can vary according to brand, the type of blower, if it has multiple speeds, and if it’s gas or electric-powered. Extra features, such as heated handles, power steering, or airless tires, can also increase the price. Snowblowers typically cost between $100 and $2,300. For those who live in an area with heavy snowfall totals, buying a snowblower may be worth the cost, but in areas with infrequent snowfall, a professional service may be the best bet.

Q. How much does a snowplow cost?

A snowplow for residential use usually measures between 7 and 7.5 feet long. These plows typically cost between $3,000 and $4,500, but the overall price depends on the plow’s brand, size, and model. ATV or UTV plows can range from $200 to $3,000, and commercial grade plows and equipment can cost $6,000 or more. Before searching online for “snowplow installation near me,” consider that hiring a pro may be preferable and more cost-effective than buying a plow and paying for installation costs.

Q. Can you plow a gravel driveway?

Yes. Different driveway surfaces require specific plowing techniques. Homeowners with gravel driveways are usually advised to add more gravel to the driveway before the first snowfall. This is because moving and spreading the gravel is unavoidable as the plow clears the snow. It’s recommended to let the first snowfall sit and pack down on the gravel before plowing. Homeowners may notice different techniques when a professional plows a gravel driveway, such as starting in the middle, driving very slowly, a higher blade height, tilting the front of the plow blade, using plow shoes, plowing in reverse with a back drag edge, and taking multiple passes.

Q. What is the best home snow removal equipment?

Removing snow from sidewalks, walkways, driveways, and parking spaces requires more than one piece of equipment. The most common tools are shovels, snowblowers, snow throwers, telescoping snow brooms, ice scrapers, snow pushers, de-icing solutions, salt, and roof rakes. Many homeowners who live in snowy areas prefer a snowblower for their snow clearing needs, but purchasing multiple snow removal tools quickly adds up. Hiring a professional can alleviate the backbreaking work and avoid potential injuries.

Q, What is the cheapest way to remove snow?

The cheapest way to remove snow would be to purchase a snow shovel and remove it on your own, although it may not be the most practical option. The risk of injury is high, and it could take hours to clear all the snow.

Q, How much do snow removal services charge?

Snow removal companies can charge between $49 and $179, with the national average around $113. Longer driveways or clearing snow off a roof can cost $400 or more. It typically runs between $30 and $50 per plow visit, while snowblowing or shoveling averages $25 to $75 per hour. These prices can vary according to your individual needs, size of the property, and geographic location.

Sources: HomeAdvisor, BOSS Plow