Getting Rid of Snow: Seasonal Plowing, Pay Per Plow or Shovel?

SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- With lake effect snow in full force this week in Central New York, the question becomes how to clear it.

Is it best to pay for a snow plow service for the season or pay per plow -- or choose to dig out yourself each time? Plow operators we caught up with say paying seasonally with a contract will get you the best bang for your buck.

"It's probably safest as far living in Central New York and the Syracuse area to stick with a contract," said Kyle Kearney of Ridge Outdoor Maintenance. "You have your peace of mind and if you have someone reliable to work with, the best way to go is contract."

"I recommend going seasonal. Per plow you generally charge a little bit more," added Summit Environmental Construction Owner Trevor Todd. "I don't know how many times we're going to go out in a season."

For a typical season, a contract will cost you between between $250-$350. That guarantees you an unlimited amount of plows for the season, with a one-time payment up front. If you go without one and pay per plow, you typically will have to shell out about $15 each time, which for an average winter could be $375.

"If we get another 10 storms like this and you're paying each plow per time, you're probably going to pay more than contract," said Kearny.

Of course, there are there more traditional ways of digging yourself out, with a shovel or snow blower. For some residents, that method just seems to makes more sense.

"I'm retired. I always have done it," said Syracuse resident Chuck Kinne. "I used to plow for the Thruway, and I'm not going to pay somebody else to do it."

A snow plow season typically lasts from November until April or so, and you can expect a snow plow driver to show up around 25 times.

As always, twcnews.com has the full list of up-to-date closings. And the Weather on the 1s team has the latest on what is happening outside, including winter weather alerts.