What U.S. Lawns offers for snow removal
U.S. Lawns is a national lawn care and landscaping company that operates snow removal services in regions where winter weather occurs. They handle both residential and commercial snow removal, typically through local franchises rather than a single national operation. If you have a U.S. Lawns account for lawn maintenance, you may be able to add snow removal as a seasonal service, though availability depends on your location and the specific franchise serving your area.
The company does not operate in every state or every neighborhood. Snow removal service areas are determined by which U.S. Lawns franchises have snow removal divisions in your region. Some franchises focus only on lawn care and do not offer winter services. Before assuming U.S. Lawns can handle your snow removal, you need to contact your local franchise directly to ask whether they provide this service and whether they are currently taking new customers for the season.
Key Takeaways
- U.S. Lawns snow removal is provided by local franchises, so availability and pricing vary significantly by location and franchise.
- You can often add snow removal to an existing lawn care account, but you must contact your local franchise to confirm they offer this service.
- Pricing is typically based on your property size, driveway length, and the number of times per season the service is needed, not a flat monthly rate.
- Most U.S. Lawns franchises require contracts or service agreements for snow removal, and these may lock you in for the entire winter season.
- Response time and service quality depend on which franchise serves your area, so asking for references from current customers is a reasonable step before signing.
How to learn about U.S. Lawns serves your area
Start by visiting the U.S. Lawns website and using their location finder tool, or call their customer service line to be connected to the franchise nearest you. When you reach a local franchise, ask three specific questions: Do they offer snow removal? Are they currently taking new customers? What is their service area (some franchises cover only certain neighborhoods or zip codes)?
If the franchise tells you they do not offer snow removal, ask whether they can refer you to another company in your area that does. Many franchises have relationships with other local contractors and can point you toward reliable alternatives. If they do offer snow removal but are not taking new customers, ask when they expect to reopen their list — this often happens in late summer or early fall as franchises plan for the coming winter.
What snow removal services typically include
U.S. Lawns franchises generally offer snow plowing for driveways and parking areas, snow removal (hauling snow away rather than just pushing it to the side), and sometimes salting or de-icing services. The exact services available depend on your franchise. Some will clear only your driveway; others will also handle walkways, patios, or parking lots if you are a commercial customer.
Most franchises do not charge per snowfall. Instead, they offer seasonal contracts where you pay a flat fee or a tiered fee based on how many times snow removal is needed during the winter. For example, a contract might cover "up to 10 snow events" or "unlimited snow removal between November and March." Ask your franchise to explain exactly what triggers a service call — some require a minimum snow depth (such as 2 inches) before they will plow, while others will come out for any accumulation.
Pricing and contract terms
U.S. Lawns does not publish national pricing because each franchise sets its own rates based on local costs, competition, and property size. A driveway snow removal contract in Minnesota will cost significantly less than the same service in New York City. When you contact your local franchise, ask for a written quote that specifies the property size, the number of service events included, and what happens if you exceed that number.
Most franchises require a contract for the full winter season (typically November through March or April, depending on your region). This means you cannot cancel mid-season without penalty if you decide you no longer want the service. Before signing, ask about the cancellation policy and whether you can pause service if you plan to be away for an extended period. Some franchises offer month-to-month options, but these usually cost more per month than a full-season contract.
Response time and service guarantees
U.S. Lawns franchises vary in how quickly they respond to snow events. Some may provide service within a certain number of hours after snow stops falling; others work on a first-come, first-served basis. Ask your franchise what their typical response time is and whether they prioritize commercial customers over residential ones (many do, which means your driveway might be cleared later in the day).
Ask whether the franchise has a service may provide — for example, a promise to clear your driveway by 8 a.m. on weekdays, or a credit if they miss that window. Get any may provide in writing as part of your contract. Also ask how many trucks and crews they have and whether they can handle a major snowstorm without significant delays. A franchise with only two plows may struggle during a 12-inch snowfall, while one with a larger fleet will respond faster.
Adding snow removal to an existing lawn care account
If you already have a U.S. Lawns account for spring and summer lawn maintenance, contact your account manager or the franchise directly to ask about adding snow removal. Many franchises make this straightforward because they already have your property information and can calculate pricing quickly. You may receive a discount for bundling services, though this is not may provide.
If you add snow removal mid-season (for example, in November after the first snow), the franchise may prorate your fee or charge you a higher rate because they have less time to plan. It is usually cheaper to sign up in late summer or early fall when franchises are building their winter schedules. If you decide to drop snow removal after one season, inform your franchise in writing before the next winter so they do not automatically renew your contract.
What to do if U.S. Lawns is not available in your area
If your local U.S. Lawns franchise does not offer snow removal or is not taking customers, you have several alternatives. Contact other national lawn care companies that operate in your region — many offer snow removal through their franchises. You can also search for independent snow removal contractors in your area through the Better Business Bureau, Google reviews, or by asking neighbors for recommendations.
Some homeowners hire a local landscaper or handyman who owns a snow blower or small plow truck. This is often cheaper than a seasonal contract but requires you to call and schedule service each time it snows, rather than having automatic service. If you go this route, get a quote in writing and clarify whether the contractor will come out for light snow or only for accumulations above a certain depth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cancel my U.S. Lawns snow removal contract if I move or no longer need it?
Most franchises require you to honor the full-season contract, and cancellation mid-winter usually involves a penalty. However, some franchises allow cancellation if you move out of their service area. Contact your franchise in writing to ask about their cancellation policy before you sign. If you are locked into a contract you no longer want, ask whether you can transfer it to a neighbor or friend.
What happens if it snows but U.S. Lawns does not show up?
Contact your franchise when ready and ask why service was not provided. If they missed a service call they were supposed to make, ask for a credit on your next bill. If they did not come because the snow depth was below their minimum threshold (for example, less than 2 inches), check your contract to confirm what the threshold is. If you disagree with their policy, you may be able to negotiate a lower threshold for future storms.
Is U.S. Lawns snow removal more expensive than hiring an independent contractor?
It depends on your location and property size. National companies often have higher overhead costs, so they may charge more per service. However, they typically may provide response time and have insurance, which independent contractors may not carry. Get quotes from both before deciding. A seasonal contract with U.S. Lawns may be cheaper than paying an independent contractor per-call if you expect frequent snowfall.
Do I have to sign up for snow removal before winter starts?
Most franchises prefer to sign customers in late summer or early fall so they can plan their routes and equipment. However, many will still take new customers in November or December if they have capacity. Signing up after the first snow may result in higher pricing or a prorated fee. Call your local franchise in September or October to discuss options and pricing.
What if my driveway is very long or my property is large?
U.S. Lawns franchises price based on property size, so a long driveway or large parking area will cost more than a standard residential driveway. When you request a quote, provide exact measurements or have the franchise visit your property to assess the job. Ask whether they charge by the linear foot of driveway, by the square footage of the area to be cleared, or by a flat rate for properties in your size range.