Snow removal costs $30 to $70 per hour minimum for clearing a driveway or sidewalk. This price is also the minimum service charge regardless of the job size. A full winter season contract for snow removal costs $200 to $600 depending on local conditions.

In areas with heavy snowfall, every 6" layer of snow costs $60 to $100 to remove.

A snow removal service is worth it for the benefits of:

• You don't have to worry about clearing the driveway and sidewalk frequently when you live in a place with regular snowstorms.
• Professional service prevents personal injuries from shoveling yourself.
• Snow removal pros have better equipment and the experience to avoid accidental damages.
• Ongoing snow removal helps reduce pavement damages from ice buildups.

Snow removal works using a combination of:

• Blowing when the snow is fresh and hasn't iced over
• Shoveling in areas too small for a plow to access
• Plowing for large areas
• Spreading salt in all areas where slips are likely
• Raking snow off rooftops

The cheapest way to remove snow is buying a snow shovel hand tool for $20 to $100 and doing it yourself. Unfortunately, a shovel is also the slowest way to remove snow and can lead to back injuries.

You can rent a snow plow or blower starting at $150 to $650 per month, but in most cases it's cheaper to hire a snow removal pro for ongoing seasonal maintenance.

Snow removal to clear the driveway and sidewalks takes 1 to 2 hours on average, depending on the property size and the amount of snowfall. The job typically takes twice as long for clearing off the roof as well.

You should remove snow from your roof when it's 6" to 12" thick. When a layer of snow 2' to 4' thick builds up on your roof, then the extra weight of it makes the roof collapse.

The roof will start sagging, leaking, and showing cracks in the plaster or drywall when it has too much snow on it.

You can snow plow a gravel driveway, but it typically costs $50 to $100 extra. The contractor must put shoes on the plow and raise the blade up to a 0.5 inch above the surface to avoid removing too much gravel.

Warning: If the gravel driveway has potholes, then the plow won't be able to remove snow and ice in those damaged or uneven surfaces.

Landlords aren't typically responsible for paying for snow removal in most states, unless some states have laws that landlords must keep multi-family-leased public spaces clear of snow. Tenants or property owners often face penalties if they don't remove snow near city streets.

Check your local housing association for more details.

You should hire landscapers and snow removal contractors to clear your driveway. While you search through our list of professional near you, keep these guidelines in mind:

• Collect at least 3 quotes to weigh your choices.
• Sign your contract during the summer to get better rates than waiting until it snows.
• Request prices for a year-round contract with both lawn care and snow removal to save.
• Ask your neighbors what they typically pay for snow plowing.
• Select a licensed, insured, and bonded company with several years of experience.
• Read the reviews from past customers on HomeGuide and Google.
• Keep copies of the contract and warranty.
• Beware of the lowest quotes that typically indicate low-quality standards.
• Never make the last payment until the job ends.

• Do you offer snow plowing, blowing, or salting?
• How long have you been working in this neighborhood?
• What precautions do you take to prevent driveway and sidewalk damages?
• Can I get ongoing service, and how far in advance should I call?
• Do you offer package deals including other property maintenance?
• What are your rates for seasonal contracts, or do you bill by the hour?
• If I have unused snow removal credits at the end of the season, can I get lawn care service instead?