Snow Removal vs Snow Plowing: What's the Difference and Which Do You Need?

Many homeowners use "snow removal" and "snow plowing" interchangeably, but they're actually different services with distinct purposes. Understanding the difference can help you choose the right solution for your property and save money in the process.

What is Snow Plowing?

Snow plowing involves pushing snow from one area to another using a plow blade attached to a truck or ATV. The snow is moved to the sides or end of your driveway, creating snow banks.

Best For:

• Large parking lots
• Commercial properties
• Long driveways with space for snow banks
• Properties with designated snow storage areas

Advantages:

• Fast: Plowing is the quickest way to clear large areas
• Cost-effective: Generally less expensive than full removal
• Efficient for frequent snowfalls: Can be done quickly after each storm

Limitations:

• Creates snow banks that reduce usable space
• Snow banks can block sightlines at driveways
• Accumulated snow banks can become problematic over the season
• Not ideal for properties with limited space

What is Snow Removal?

Snow removal (also called snow hauling or snow relocation) involves completely removing snow from your property and transporting it elsewhere. This typically uses snow blowers, shovels, and sometimes trucks to haul snow away.

Best For:

• Residential driveways
• Properties with limited space
• Areas where snow banks would block visibility or access
• Properties that need to maintain full usable space

Advantages:

• No snow banks: Maintains full property access
• Better aesthetics: Property looks cleaner and more maintained
• Safer: No visibility issues from snow piles
• More thorough: Includes walkways, steps, and detailed areas

Limitations:

• Takes longer than plowing
• Generally more expensive
• Requires specialized equipment for large volumes

Snow Blowing: The Middle Ground

For most Kelowna residential properties, snow blowing offers the perfect balance. It's faster than hand shoveling but more precise than plowing, and it moves snow to the edges without creating massive banks.

Why Snow Blowing Works for Kelowna Homes:

• Kelowna's typical snowfall (10-20 cm per event) is ideal for snow blowers
• Most residential driveways have some space for snow placement
• More affordable than full removal
• Can handle walkways and steps that plows can't reach

What Do Most Kelowna Homeowners Need?

For typical residential properties in Kelowna, a comprehensive service that includes:

• Snow blowing for driveways
• Hand shoveling for walkways, steps, and tight areas
• Ice melt application for safety
• Strategic snow placement to minimize bank buildup

This hybrid approach gives you the speed and efficiency of mechanical clearing with the thoroughness and attention to detail of manual work.

Questions to Ask When Choosing a Service

1. "What equipment do you use?"

Professional residential services should have snow blowers for driveways and shovels for detail work. Beware of companies that only plow - they may not be equipped for residential properties.

2. "Where will you put the snow?"

A good contractor will strategically place snow to avoid blocking windows, garage doors, or creating drainage issues when it melts.

3. "Do you include walkways and steps?"

Many plowing services only clear driveways. Comprehensive residential services should include all walking surfaces.

4. "What about ice management?"

Kelowna's freeze-thaw cycles make ice a bigger problem than snow. Ensure your service includes ice melt application.

Cost Comparison

For a typical Kelowna residential property:

• Plowing only: $30-50 per visit
• Snow blowing + shoveling: $40-60 per visit
• Full removal with hauling: $80-150+ per visit
• Seasonal contract (unlimited visits): $500-850

For most homeowners, a seasonal contract with snow blowing and hand shoveling offers the best value and peace of mind.

The Forster Snow Removal Approach

We use professional-grade snow blowers for driveways combined with hand shoveling for walkways and steps. This gives you:

• Fast, efficient driveway clearing
• Detailed attention to walkways and steps
• Strategic snow placement to minimize buildup
• Eco-friendly ice melt application
• Early morning service (5-7 AM) so you're ready for the day

About the Author: Joey Forster owns and operates Forster Snow Removal, serving Kelowna and the Central Okanagan. With years of experience and professional-grade equipment, Joey ensures your property is cleared safely and efficiently all winter long.