In regions like Saskatoon, where winter brings heavy snowfalls and icy conditions, keeping your property accessible and safe is crucial. Two standard methods to manage snow are snow removal and snow plowing, but many people use the terms interchangeably and need to understand the differences.

While both are effective in their ways, they serve distinct purposes and are suitable for different situations. Let’s break down the differences to help you choose the right solution for your needs.

What Is Snow Plowing?

Snow plowing is pushing snow off a surface—typically driveways, parking lots, or roads—using a plow attached to a vehicle or a standalone snowplow machine.

The plow moves snow to the side, creating clear pathways without physically removing the snow from the area.

Snow plowing is ideal for large areas like highways, parking lots, and long driveways where removing all the snow is impractical.

Example in Saskatoon:

City crews often rely on snow plowing to clear main streets and residential roads after heavy snowfalls. While efficient, this method can leave significant windrows (long piles of plowed snow) along curbs, requiring additional work from homeowners.

What Is Snow Removal?

Snow removal involves clearing snow from a property, often by hauling it away or melting it on-site. This method ensures the snow doesn’t accumulate in piles that could cause obstructions or hazards later.

Snow is physically lifted using shovels, snow blowers, or loaders and either relocated to a designated area or transported off-site. In some cases, specialized equipment is used to melt the snow.

Snow removal is preferred in urban areas with limited space for snow storage, such as small driveways, sidewalks, or parking lots near buildings.

Example in Saskatoon:

Downtown businesses often opt for snow removal services to keep parking lots and walkways clear without obstructing public spaces.

Which Option Is Right for You?

Choosing between snow plowing and snow removal depends on several factors, including your property size, location, and budget.

Property Size and Layout:

• Choose Snow Plowing if you have a large driveway or parking lot with enough room to pile snow.
• Opt for Snow Removal if you’re dealing with tight spaces or areas where snow piles would block access.

Frequency of Use:

• Regularly used properties, like businesses or high-traffic homes, often benefit from snow removal to avoid repeated piling and refreezing.
• For infrequently used areas, snow plowing may be sufficient.

Budget Considerations:

• Snow plowing is more affordable and sufficient for routine clearing.
• Snow removal involves higher costs but offers a cleaner, hazard-free result.

Real-Life Example: A Saskatoon Perspective

In Saskatoon’s suburban neighborhoods like Rosewood or Kensington, homeowners with wide driveways often rely on plowing services to clear snow after heavy storms. However, downtown businesses with limited outdoor space frequently choose snow removal to prevent parking and pedestrian traffic disruptions.

During severe winters, such as the one Saskatoon experienced in 2022, the city faced challenges managing snow piles, leading to the need for additional snow removal services. Property owners in densely populated areas benefited from complete snow removal to maintain accessibility.

Final Thoughts

Snow plowing and snow removal each have unique advantages and drawbacks, and understanding the difference is key to making an informed choice. Property size, location, and winter snowfall levels will guide the decision for Saskatoon homeowners and businesses. Whether you need quick plowing for a large driveway or complete removal for a tight downtown space, planning will save you time, money, and stress throughout Saskatoon’s long winter months.

If you’re unsure which service is best for your property, consult local snow management professionals to discuss your specific needs and get tailored recommendations. In many cases, a combination of snow plowing and removal works best. For instance, snow can be plowed during regular maintenance and removed entirely when piles become too large or obstructive. This approach balances cost and convenience while ensuring safety and accessibility.