Creating A Lush and Welcoming Landscape

Snow removal is an important responsibility of many HOAs, especially in areas where snow and ice are a problem. There are several optional services you may also want to consider as part of your basic snow removal plan.

1. Community Plow Service

At a bare minimum, most HOA covenants include snow plowing and removal for the main roads that pass through the development, especially if city or county plowing doesn't cover the property. For condos and townhomes, the covenant may also include snow removal around the main building entrances. It can also be helpful to provide community plowing services for homeowners. This means snow removal along all non-private sidewalks as well as around mailbox kiosks and other public areas.

2. Pretreating

Most snow removal services do not send out plows until the snow reaches a specific depth, typically between 1 and 2 inches. Unfortunately, icy and dangerous conditions can occur before the snow gets this deep. For this reason, many removal services provide a pretreatment option. If snow or ice is expected, the service comes out before the event begins and lays down an ice melting liquid over the roads. Then, when the snow begins to fall or the freeze arrives, it will quickly melt so that the roads aren't as slippery.

3. Roof Removal

Clubhouses, condos, and other community-owned structures can be in danger during heavy snowfall if the weight load is more than the roof can bear. Flat and low-sloped roofs are in the most danger of snow load collapse. If you have such roofs on your property, ask your removal service about snow and ice removal. It could help you avoid a dangerous situation.

4. Sewer Clearing

Snow and ice can block up sewers. The sewers on either side of a driveway are in the most danger since clearing the drive can lead to ice chunks blocking the sewer. Many snow removal services do what they can to avoid blocking sewers with their equipment. They may also provide clearing services where they check and remove any snow or ice that blocks the sewers due to runoff or driveway clearing.

5. Personal Services

Although most HOAs are not required to provide snow removal on the property of the private homeowners (such as walkways and drives), many removal services will provide a group discount for any homeowners that do choose to take advantage of the service. Ask your service if they will provide such an option for the members of your HOA.

Contact an HOA snow removal service to learn more about the options available.