Owatonna averages 45–55 inches of snowfall per year, and a single major event can drop 8–12 inches overnight. The difference between a good winter and a bad one often comes down to whether snow removal was set up before the first storm — or scrambled together after.
Here are answers to the most common questions from Owatonna property owners.
When Should I Set Up a Snow Plowing Contract?
Ideally September or October, before the first snowfall. Companies that handle commercial plowing finalize route planning by mid-October, and the best providers fill up quickly.
If you wait until the first storm to start calling, many companies will already be fully committed. That said, we do our best to accommodate new customers throughout the winter when capacity allows.
What Is a Trigger Depth?
A trigger depth is the minimum accumulation that activates your plowing service:
- 1-inch trigger — Common for commercial properties (retail, medical offices, churches) that need bare pavement for safety and liability
- 2-inch trigger — Most popular for residential customers. Good balance between clear driveways and cost management
- 3-inch trigger — For homeowners comfortable shoveling lighter snowfalls who only want plowing for significant accumulations
Your trigger depth is discussed when setting up your contract and can be adjusted based on your needs.
How Does Pricing Work?
Pricing depends on:
- Size and layout of the plowed area
- Trigger depth
- Whether salting or sanding is included
- Type of contract (per-push vs. seasonal)
Residential driveways: $35–$75 per push, depending on length and complexity. Wider driveways, circular drives, and tight access cost more.
Commercial properties: Priced individually based on lot size and service requirements. Many commercial clients prefer seasonal contracts with a fixed monthly rate from November through April for predictable budgeting.
Do You Offer Salting and Sanding?
Yes — as standalone services or bundled with plowing:
- Salt application — Applied after plowing to prevent ice formation. Essential for commercial properties with slip-and-fall liability concerns
- Sand application — Provides traction where salt is not effective (gravel driveways, temperatures below 15°F)
- Residential walkway salt — Available on request for driveways and walkways
What Time Do You Plow?
Our operation runs 24/7 during snow events:
- Commercial properties: Lots cleared before business hours — crews out by 3–4 AM for overnight storms, with additional passes throughout extended events
- Residential properties: Driveways cleared by early morning so you can get to work
Our crews are radio-dispatched, allowing us to coordinate multiple trucks efficiently and respond to changing conditions in real time.
What Happens During a Major Storm?
For storms producing 6+ inches:
- Crews plow around the clock in continuous operation mode
- At least two complete passes — one during the storm, one after for final cleanup
- Equipment and crews pre-positioned based on weather forecasts
- Fleet includes plow trucks of various sizes for residential driveways through large commercial lots
Do You Handle Sidewalks and Walkways?
Yes — sidewalk clearing is available as an add-on. We use walk-behind plows, snow blowers, and hand shoveling depending on the area.
In Owatonna, property owners are responsible for clearing adjacent sidewalks within 24 hours of snowfall. Our sidewalk service keeps you in compliance with city ordinances.
Will Plowing Damage My Driveway or Lawn?
Plowing done correctly should not damage your property:
- Plow blades set to ride slightly above the surface
- Drivers run the same routes all season and learn your driveway edges
- Minor turf damage along edges can occur late in the season when ground softens — typically recovers quickly in spring
- Spring touch-ups like lawn rolling can smooth out any minor displacement
Tip: Mark your driveway edges with snow stakes in the fall, especially where your driveway borders a lawn area without a curb.
See Our Snow Removal Work
Browse snow removal projects handled by our team across southern Minnesota.
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Get Started
We serve Owatonna, Medford, Faribault, Waseca, Blooming Prairie, Dodge Center, and nearby communities.
The best time to set up your snow plowing contract is September or October. Routes fill by mid-fall, and waiting until the first storm limits your options.
Request a Snow Plowing Quote →
Or call us directly at (507) 455-0081.