Before you know it, you will see snow flurries around your neighborhood. It can be hard to predict if there will be multiple heavy snowstorms or a dusting of snow for the year. However, it is always a good time to get your snow removal plans into place. One of the top priorities should be contacting a professional snow removal business. If you are searching for an excellent company for your home or business, then here are five of the best traits you want for your snow removal team.

Great Communication

Many snow removal companies work as lawn maintenance, arbor care, or irrigation businesses in the summer. They understand that your property requires different needs throughout the year. For the most part, summer lawn care is hardly an emergency. However, snow needs to be cleared within a few hours. Since there is more urgency with snow removal, the company could lose a contract for the season if they show up late or do a poor job.

For that reason, snow removal businesses understand the importance of communicating with their customers. Many companies have numerous clients, and it isn’t that easy to follow up with everyone. However, a little communication can go a long way to create an extra level of customer service. As a client, you don’t want to feel like a number. You want an open line of communication with your service provider. If your snow removal company is late, you should know ahead of time and not wait hours for them to show up.

Great businesses know how to communicate. Many companies will send you an email about any upcoming issues with your service. In some cases, they may send a text message when they are heading to your property or finishing the job. Some contractors even take it a step further and add notes for the job. You can find out how much snow was plowed, the type of deicer used, and other pertinent information. Some companies handle communication the old-fashioned way with a phone call. A professional business wants the client to be informed throughout the entire snow removal process. These open lines of communication are traits of an excellent snow removal company.

Excellent Efficiency

Communication is great, but you also want a snow removal company that is efficient as well. There are so many ways to clear snow from a property. Many companies use large truck plows and snowblowers. Those smaller companies might employ a team with snow shovels. Whichever way they remove the snow, you want to make sure they are using the most efficient methods.

Many business owners and homeowners are more concerned with the price rather than the quality of work. A single small plow is cheaper, but it could take several hours to clear a small lot. Teams armed with snowblowers and shovels will take longer to clear the ice, and that can add more cost to your bill. A large convoy of snowplows might seem expensive at first, but they can often remove snow in an hour. When you are charged by the hour, that extra time comes at a higher cost. You also want to make sure that the contractors don’t rush through the job to get to another site. The focus should be on your property to ensure all the snow is removed without skipping any corners.

Always on Time

For some reason, it seems like snow always falls in the evening or early morning. When that happens, you want to know that your property will be cleared before the day is ready to start. Many businesses rely on snow removal teams to clear the lot of ice and snow before their doors open to customers. Residential clients want a clear driveway before pulling out the car and heading off to work. You need to find a great contractor who is on time and works quickly on your property. If they fail to live up to these standards, it may be time to find another snow removal business.

Meticulous About the Work

You want to find a snow removal contractor who pays attention to detail. For example, they should know where to place all that plowed snow without causing an inconvenience for you. An excellent company also understands how to minimize any disruption to your business. Finally, your contractor should use procedures to remove snow without causing damage to your property.

While snowstorms are unplanned, there is a lot of planning and preparation to remove snow. If your contractor doesn’t have a plan in place, then your property can look mismanaged when it comes time for snow removal. You want to hire someone who understands your needs for the winter season. An exceptional company will come to your property and walk through the area to see what should be done for the winter.

Operate the Proper Equipment

When you hire a snow removal team, you want to make sure they have the right equipment to handle the job. From small sidewalks to full-size parking lots, these companies should have various machines and tools to remove the snow from your property. The last thing you want on your property is a company that doesn’t have the means to keep your outdoor spaces safe for the winter. Many professional companies will be happy to tell you about the equipment they will use at your site.

We Are Ready for Those Winter Storms

It can be hard to find the right snow removal business for your property. You want to find one that can handle the job. There is more to snow removal than pushing snow around a parking lot. With every step of the way, you should be able to count on your snow removal team to keep you safe this winter. At Charlestown Landscaping, we have all those traits that you can trust. When you require help with those outdoor winter needs, make sure to call us at (610) 608-3965. You can also set up a consultation by filling out the contact form.

For this winter, it might be beneficial to sign an annual contract with your snow removal company. With these contracts, you are guaranteed service throughout the year. You don’t want to wait hours for a team to show up and clear the snow from your property. Before you sign on the dotted line, here are a few things to expect regarding your contract’s costs.

Types of Annual Contracts

There are several types of snow removal contracts. They all have their benefits and disadvantages. The most popular agreement is the time and materials (T&M) contract. With this agreement, you only pay for the services at your property. For the most part, it can be hard to predict the average snowfall for the year. If you need a set budget, this plan might not work out for you. With a T&M contract, you never have to pay for services that were not used at your site.

With a per inch contract, you pay a defined price based on your property’s snow accumulation. When the snow levels reach another price level, you can expect to pay more for snow removal services. You only pay for the equipment and labor that were used at your site. Depending on the snowfall for the year, your rates can go up and down.

Some companies offer a per push contract. This type of agreement is excellent for those who want to know how much they will pay for each snowstorm. From salting to clearing sidewalks, you must outline all the operational costs at your property. If there is a massive storm, that could be considered an additional occurrence that will incur additional charges.

Finally, the seasonal contract is often called a fixed fee or lump sum contract. With this contract, you pay a set price upfront and know your costs for the entire year. Many of these agreements cover multiple years. If you have above-average snowfall one year, it will make up for those years with little snow. With these contracts, they have a way of balancing out throughout the years.

The Cost of Different Snow Removal Methods

Depending on your property size and services needed, the cost can vary from job to job. The national average cost ranges from $75 to $150 per hour. Many of these prices are lower if you sign an annual contract with a professional snow removal company.

The type of equipment used on your property also plays a vital role in determining the costs. For the most part, shoveling by hand will require more crew members and time to remove the snow. If you have a T&M contract, you have to pay for the equipment and labor hours. With smaller areas, you can expect the costs to be lower. In general, shoveling by hand can cost between $50 to $100 per hour. The costs can range from $30 to $90 per event for those per inch or per push contracts.

Snowblowers make an efficient way to remove snow from a driveway or sidewalk. They are faster than hand shovels. These machines often require fewer crew members at your home or business. The costs for snowblowers to remove snow are about the same as a shoveling crew. These prices range from $50 to $100 per hour.

Snowplows are considered the most efficient way to push snow from a driveway or parking lot. If you have a small space, the snow could be cleared in under an hour. When the snowplow comes to your property, the snow is piled into one part of your space. However, you can request to have it hauled away for an additional charge. You can expect to pay $40 to $90 per hour or $75 to $150 per snow event for these trucks. If you want to have the snow and ice removed quickly, then this is your best bet. However, these services are not suited for sidewalks or narrow paths.

If you have a large property, you can expect your snow removal company to use various methods to clear the ice and snow. You should talk to your contractor to find the best ways to keep your home or business safe this winter.

Prices Per Inch

The location of your property is another cost factor for your snow removal. If you live in a part of the country that sees significant snowfalls, you will have a greater chance of paying more for those “big” snow events. With that extra snow accumulation, the contractor needs more equipment and time to clear the snow from your property. There are often additional fees for snowstorms that produce more than 6 inches. For example, if you pay $60 per hour to remove 6 inches or less, you can expect to pay $20 per hour for those additional inches.

Discounts for an Annual Contract

If you sign a year-round contract, you probably will get a break in the price. An annual snow removal contract costs between $300 and $600. Many of these companies will average the amount of snowfall and labor costs for the season. For those who live in an area with heavy snowfall, your contract price could be higher.

In most instances, the contractor will visit the property and assess your costs. You can decide which contract will work best for your budget. With an annual contract, you have a few advantages over other customers. You are usually the first client to get plowed as others have to wait for services. For many people, that is a big plus for signing an annual contract.

We’re Ready To Help This Winter

If you are concerned about removing snow from your property, you will want to hire a professional snow removal company. At Charlestown Landscaping, we offer a wide range of services for this winter. With us, you never have to worry about breaking out the snow shovels or plowing your property again. We provide annual contracts for that added peace of mind. Don’t wait! Make sure to fill out that contact form to schedule a consultation for your property.

In a few short months, winter will be back in the area. During this time, the weather can be unpredictable. You cannot stop a storm or blizzard from dropping a significant amount of snow on your driveway. However, you shouldn’t let those frightful outdoor conditions prevent you from getting out of your parking lot or driveway. When you hire a professional snow removal team, their fleet will come to you and plow out that pesky snow.

Keep Safe This Winter

Snowfall can look pretty, but it is a hassle to remove. Accumulated snow is heavy. By attempting to shovel it, you will face a time-consuming and physically taxing job. You could leave the snow, but unshoveled snow becomes a hazard on your property. Those unplowed sidewalks, walkways, and driveways might cause an accident. If that happens, you could be legally liable for any injuries. Our professional snow removal team will take care of that ice and snow. You never have to worry about those winter storms again.

In addition to snow removal, you might want to add other services for your home or business. With extra services, you can ensure that your sidewalks and driveways are safe. We will even come out to your property and stake out the property boundaries. These little extras can help prevent any damage during those winter months.

During the winter, there is no need to struggle with removing snow and ice. With professional snow removal services, you will have a snow-free property throughout those harsh winter months. It is time to let someone else handle all those tough snow removal jobs. You can give yourself a stress-free winter and leave all the hard work to the professionals.

Before the snow hits the area, you want to connect with Charlestown Landscaping to help you get ready for the upcoming winter season. You will not have to lift a finger to get a plowed driveway or parking lot this winter. We will be happy to assist with your snow removal jobs.

Enjoy Your Winter

Freshly fallen snow can make an excellent backdrop for the season. You want to enjoy this time of year. This is not the time to break out the shovels and clean off your driveway and sidewalks. With snow removal services from Charlestown Landscaping, you can save energy and time. Our services keep your outdoor areas safe for yourself and visitors.

Why You Should Hire a Professional Team

You might be tempted to hire a local neighbor to plow your home’s driveway or enlist employees to clear out those commercial spaces. However, amateur snow removal teams do not have the expertise to handle your toughest jobs. They probably use outdated equipment or incorrect practices to remove snow. We have been in business for many years, and we understand how to remove snow and ice from your property. You are also protected with a professional company. Our company takes precautions to make sure your lawn and property stay safe throughout the season. We will remain on your property until the job is finished. For this upcoming winter, let the professionals deal with that snow and ice.

If you want to schedule a snow removal service from Charlestown Landscaping, it is effortless. Our team will meet with you to familiarize ourselves with your property. We will stake out the entire property and address those problem areas with you. With every job, we will treat your property like it was our own space. At Charlestown Landscaping, our team takes pride in every job.

Connect With Us

Before winter arrives in town, you will want to have your snow removal plans in place. We recommend that you connect with us as soon as possible. It is important that we have plenty of time to meet with you to assess your property. During this time, we will help you understand your contract and find the best options for your home or business. When you choose Charlestown Landscaping, our crews can plow through any storm, including those on the weekends, nights, and holidays. You never have to worry about a “one-and-done” job. We will return to your property as many times as needed to ensure you have a safe place.

Our snow management services include:

• Snow plowing and pushing
• Snow shoveling and blowing
• Salt services for parking lots and walkways
• Snow stacking and off-site hauling
• Ice check services
• 24/7 storm damage cleanup

With all these options, you may never want to clear snow by yourself again.

Professional Services for You

We offer several options for services and will help work with your budget. You can choose the right contract for your home or business. However, your prices will depend on several factors, such as property size and required services. Whether you are a property owner or homeowner, you will want to have a professional team handle all your snow removal tasks this winter. Those long, gray days can be a little more jolly when you hire the experienced team at Charlestown Landscaping.

Want the Best Snow Removal Near Me?

During the winter season, you don’t want to venture out to deal with snow removal. At Charlestown Landscaping, we are happy to help you. We have the professional equipment to clear that snow and ice from your property. You never have to struggle with a snowblower or shovel again. All you have to do is sit back and stay warm inside your home or business.

When those snow emergencies hit in the middle of the night, we have you covered. Our team will head to your site and stay there until the job is finished. We can even help with those extra services, including salting the sidewalks and walkways. When winter arrives, the choice is simple. You need to put down the shovel and pick up the phone. We are here to make this winter a more enjoyable experience for you. If you would like to schedule a consultation, please fill out the contact form or call us at (610) 608-3965.

During the winter, you have to deal with problems that you wouldn’t have to face the rest of the year. Every year, you have to shovel the driveway or scrape ice off your car’s windshield. However, you are in luck. Technology is making the world better, including assisting many communities with those tough winter chores. Here are a few ways that technology is changing to help you handle that harsh winter weather.

Road Salt Alternatives

Road salt is a staple in any snow removal company’s arsenal. After every snowfall, plow drivers and homeowners soak their slippery surfaces with these chemicals. Road salt prevents ice on these surfaces. Icy roadways and sidewalks can lead to dangerous accidents. Road salt treatments have been used on U.S. highways since the 1950s. This popular product is proven to reduce auto accidents by 88 percent and injuries by 85 percent.

While that might seem like good news, the popularity of road salt has caused the cost to rise throughout the years. For that reason, there is a limited amount of road salt for communities. They can pay up to $65 to $100 per ton in some cities. Private companies have also seen an increase in costs. Every year, many of these companies have to pay $150 per ton of rock salt. It is estimated that cities, towns, and private companies have spent $2 billion on rock salt for their annual budgets. As a result of these prices, many people are looking for alternatives to road salt for their businesses and communities.

These alternate ways are already in use to reduce the ice on sidewalks and roadways. It is not uncommon to find sand placed down on the streets. There have been communities using other unconventional substitutes on the road, such as beet juice or liquid cheese brine. While these alternatives are slow to catch on with some companies, they are more environmentally friendly and less expensive than road salt. In the coming years, you could see other deicing alternatives on the road of your hometown street.

Hands-Free Ice and Snow Removal

No one wants to trudge through the snow and shovel for hours in the cold. For many people, scraping ice and snow off the car can send a shiver down their spines. With today’s technology, many vehicles are equipped with automatic starters that allow you to start your vehicle from the home or office. You can have a warm car without worrying about scraping ice off the windows. For those with older vehicles, remote car starters are easy to install and only cost a few hundred dollars. With these systems, you can eliminate the need to stay in a freezing car as you warm it up during the winter. These systems may seem like a luxury, but they could be worth it for those who live in colder climates.

Unfortunately, there is no “start” button to remove the ice and snow from your driveway or sidewalks. Some alternatives are available to keep your driveway free from snow this winter. New technology on the market allows you to have heated sidewalks and driveways. With these systems, the ice and snow will be automatically melted from your property. A heated driveway works similarly to an indoor floor heating system. They are becoming more popular with homeowners. When you have this system installed, there is tubing that runs underneath the driveway.

However, you will need to invest in a new driveway for your home since the existing surface must be removed. This system is extremely convenient, and you can control the heating system with a switch. Some models will even activate when snow hits the ground. These heated driveways systems seem like a dream, but they do come with a price. Many of them cost around $7,000 to $9,000. The prices will depend on whether your driveway consists of concrete or asphalt.

Digital Plowing Maps and Real-Time Tracking

During those heavy snowstorms, you want to know that your street is clear before heading off to work or school. In many communities, it can be challenging to wait for the neighborhood snowplow to remove the snow. Many cities are employing online plowing maps that allow residents to know when the roads are expected to be cleared. In some cases, you can even track when the streets were last plowed. If your street is not on the map, you can send a snow removal request.

It is not just cities taking advantage of these new GPS maps. Many private snow removal companies are using tracking devices to help keep their teams on schedule and allow customers to know when to expect a crew at their property. With this system, customers can get real-time updates from their snow removal company. Team leaders are even sending out plowing updates by text or providing pictures of completed jobs to clients. These updates allow you to know that the job was completed on time and up to your specifications.

The Importance of Ice and Snow Removal

Technology has improved the lives of many Americans. Today, these modern inventions help those get through a long winter by keeping track of snowplows, reducing ice with road salt alternatives, and stopping snow from building up around your property. In the future, you can expect more innovative products to help take the frustration out of the winter season.

While not everyone depends on these new methods, keeping your sidewalks and driveways free from ice and snow is vital. It is your responsibility to clear these dangers from your property. Whether you have the latest technology or old-fashioned tools, winter is the time to keep everyone safe from these icy and snowy dangers.

Your Professional Snow Removal Company

If you are ready for someone else to handle those winter chores, call the experienced team at Charlestown Landscaping. From snowplowing to ice removal, we are the best snow removal company in the area. For a consultation, please fill out the contact form or give us a call at (610) 608-3965.

When you find a snow removal company, you probably have to sign a contract for services. It can be challenging to choose the right contract type for your property. Winter is an unpredictable season as you plan within a budget. However, all hope is not lost. You need to stay informed of your choices and weigh the options that will work best for your commercial property.

Know Your Contract Options

With any snow removal service, there are several options for your contract. You can choose a time and material, per occurrence, or seasonal snow removal contract. While they may seem like the same and provide similar services, they all have unique advantages and disadvantages.

With a time and materials contract, you will only pay for the services used at your property. This contract is great for those who don’t want to pay for unused services. However, it can cause a hassle for those who wish to have a set budget. If you have a time and materials contract, you should be expected to pay more than anticipated. You never know if your area could be hit with substantial amounts of snowfall. With this contract, you need to keep open the line of communication with your service provider.

The per occurrence contract is also known as a per push contract. It is an excellent option for those who want to know how much the snow removal plans will cost for the season. With these contracts, you will have a defined price for all the snow and ice removal methods used on the property, such as clearing parking lots, shoveling sidewalks, and applying salt. If there is a massive blizzard, your per occurrence rates might be raised. In many cases, this is called a “blizzard fee.” Since the provider has to use more manpower and equipment, it cannot be counted as a single occurrence. The snow removal cost in your area will depend on the timing, snow weight, duration, and other factors related to the storm.

With a per occurrence contract, there are some other points to consider. For example, similar storms can vary in price according to the time of day and duration of the storm event. You have to remember that all storms behave differently, and you shouldn’t expect to pay the same for every snow removal. Like the time and materials contract, you need strong communication with your snow removal team. With clear communication, you will know in advance if more equipment is required for the site so that you can prepare for an uncharge in costs. Per occurrence contracts are hard to budget. If you sign this type of arrangement, you should be ready for unexpected winter expenses.

Finally, the last type of contract service is called the fixed fee contract. It may also be known as the lump sum or seasonal snow removal contract. These contracts are prevalent in areas that receive above-average snowfall. With this type of arrangement, you will know exactly how much you will pay for the year. Many snow removal companies base their fees on the average snowfall rates for the past few years. For many of these contracts, they are signed for multiple years to balance out the more substantial snow years against the snow-free winters.

With the fixed fee contract, you will save some money on your snow removal costs, especially if compared with a time and materials contract. However, if your area experiences a lighter than average snowfall, it benefits the provider. You do take a risk with this type of arrangement. With the multi-year agreements, you can save a few dollars down the road.

You need to define your services with these types of contracts. A professional snow removal team will clearly outline your costs in the contract. You should make sure the provider understands your expectations before, during, and after the snowstorm. It is best to sign a multi-year agreement with an established company. If the company goes out of business, you could be without money and a team to clear your outdoor spaces. It is vital to find a professional company that handles those significant snow events and provides regular communication to keep your property free from snow and ice throughout the winter.

Understand the Services

Now that you understand the different contracts, you want to make sure that all the services are provided in your service agreement. At the very least, your snow removal team is responsible for snow plowing. With these services, the team will clear the parking lots, streets, sidewalks, and any other space near your property. For the most part, they will use shovels and snow blowers to move that snow away from vital areas. Many property owners don’t want to be liable for a lawsuit stemming from a slip and fall accident. You want to ensure that your snow removal team understands the need for de-icing materials on your slick surfaces. Finally, you should know about snow hauling or banking services. Once the snow is removed, your provider will either pile it into a corner or haul it away. Depending on your preferences, this is something to consider when choosing a company for snow removal.

Charlestown Landscaping Is Here for You

At Charlestown Landscaping, we can help answer all those questions about your current or potential snow removal contract. You can count on us to clear snow and ice from your commercial property. Our teams will work throughout the day and night until the job is finished. If you want to learn more about our snow removal services, please take a few minutes to fill out the contact form.