Snow Removal Tips for Southern Minnesota Businesses and Property Owners
Updated: 23 hours ago
Southern Minnesota winters are serious business. Between November and March, Owatonna, Faribault, Mankato, and the surrounding area can see significant snowfall — sometimes a lot of it in a short stretch. For businesses and property owners who haven't sorted out their snow removal plan ahead of time, a heavy storm creates real problems.
Here's what you need to know going into winter.
Have a Plan Before the First Storm
The biggest mistake property owners make is waiting until October or November to figure out who's plowing their lot or driveway. By then, a lot of contractors are already booked.
If you own a commercial property, a rental, or a large residential lot, reach out to a snow removal company before the season starts. Most offer seasonal contracts that cover you for the entire winter — one price, automatic service whenever it snows. That gives you peace of mind and locks in your spot on the schedule.
If you're a homeowner with a long driveway or a property with a lot of sidewalk to maintain, the same logic applies. You don't want to be calling around during a blizzard.
Residential vs. Commercial Snow Removal
These are different jobs with different expectations.
Residential snow removal usually means plowing a driveway after each storm and keeping a path to the door. Most residential customers want service within a few hours of the snow stopping. For a working family, coming home to a plowed driveway is the whole point.
Commercial snow removal is more involved. A business property has to meet different standards — you're often legally responsible for keeping walkways clear and safe. Slip-and-fall liability is real. Commercial clients typically need lots plowed and sidewalks cleared by the time employees and customers arrive, which means early-morning service, sometimes starting before the storm is over.
At Gleason Services LLC, we handle both. We serve commercial and residential clients across Southern Minnesota, including Owatonna, Faribault, Medford, Waseca, Mankato, and surrounding communities.
What to Ask a Snow Removal Contractor
Before you sign with anyone, ask these questions:
What triggers a service call? Most contracts specify a depth threshold — service runs when accumulation hits 2 inches, for example. Know what you're getting.
What does the contract include? Plowing is one thing. Sidewalk clearing, salting, sanding, and stacking snow away from drive lanes are separate. Know what's in the price.
What's the response time? For a business, this matters a lot. If you open at 7 AM, you need your lot cleared before that.
How do they handle back-to-back storms? A snow event that goes on for 24 hours is different from a single overnight dump. Ask what happens when a storm keeps going.
Salt and Ice Management
Snow plowing gets the bulk of the accumulation off the ground. Ice management is a separate problem.
Southern Minnesota temperatures often drop enough after a snow event that wet pavement refreezes. A plowed parking lot with a thin glaze of ice is dangerous. Salt brings the surface temperature down and melts the ice, and sand gives traction when temperatures are too low for salt to work effectively.
If you have a commercial property or a high-traffic area, ask about ice management as part of your snow removal plan. It's not always included by default.
Set Up for This Season
If you're looking for a snow removal company in Owatonna, Faribault, or anywhere in Southern Minnesota, we're taking on new clients for the season. We work with both residential and commercial properties and we show up when we say we will.
Contact us before the season starts to talk through what your property needs and get an estimate.
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