Good parking lot snow plowing follows a plan that is set before winter and a consistent order during each storm. Entrances get opened first, then the main travel lanes, then the parking rows, with snow moved to storage areas agreed in advance and a final pass to tidy curbs, walks and corners. Salting follows wherever slippery conditions remain, so property managers, facility managers and HOA boards can judge a plowing job by how well it follows that plan.
The Difference Landscapes has provided commercial snow plowing and ice management on the NH Seacoast from Lee since 2003, for businesses, HOAs and multifamily properties. This guide walks through how a professional parking lot plan comes together.
What should happen before the first storm?
Most of the work that makes a lot easy to plow happens in the fall. A good contractor looks at the lot with snow in mind and notes anything that will disappear under a few inches of snow, such as raised islands, curb lines, light pole bases, catch basins, hydrants and planting beds. Many contractors mark these with stakes so they can still be found in a storm.
That visit is also when storage areas get decided. We do a pre season walk at every snow property, so routes, stacking areas, walks and entries are agreed before the first storm.
In what order should a parking lot be plowed?
Every lot is laid out differently, but a professional plan usually follows a sequence like this:
- Building entrances. Open the doors and the approach to them first, so people can get into the building safely.
- Main travel lanes and fire lanes. Clear the routes that cars, delivery trucks and emergency vehicles depend on.
- Parking rows. Move snow from the parking areas toward the storage spots agreed at the pre season walk. Large lots are often handled one section at a time.
- Final passes. Go back along curbs and islands, clean up any ridges left between passes, and tidy the corners so less meltwater refreezes.
- Walks and entries. Clear sidewalks, steps and entries with equipment sized for each surface.
- Ice management. Treat travel lanes, walks and entries wherever slippery conditions remain.
Where should snow be stored on a commercial lot?
Snow storage causes more trouble on commercial lots than almost anything else, so it belongs in the plan from the start. As general good practice, storage areas should be chosen so piles:
- Stay out of accessible parking spaces and the striped aisles next to them
- Leave hydrants, catch basins and utility equipment visible and reachable
- Do not block drivers’ view at entrances, exits and crosswalks
- Do not spill onto public roads, public sidewalks or land next door
- Sit away from building walls, fences and planting beds that can be damaged
Melting piles also send water across the lot, so storage on the low side of a site, near a drain that stays clear, usually causes fewer icy patches. If storage space fills up late in the winter, the contract should say what happens next.
When does plowing start during a storm?
Most commercial contracts name a plow trigger, which is the snow depth that starts service. We typically use a 2 inch trigger, and the number is set in each contract. In longer storms, crews often make more than one round so snow does not pile up and pack down before it can be moved. We base our timing on the property’s hours of operation, so lots and entries are cleared before opening and stay usable during the event.
How does salting fit in?
Plowing moves snow, and ice management deals with what plowing leaves behind. We salt whenever slippery conditions exist. Pre treating is not automatic. It is decided storm by storm, because every storm is different. The Difference Landscapes holds NH Green SnowPro certification, a New Hampshire program focused on using salt responsibly.
What equipment does a parking lot need?
The right mix depends on the size of the lot, how tight the storage areas are, and how many walks the property has. Our commercial snow equipment includes plow trucks, loaders, skid steers, sidewalk machines, and salt and sand spreaders. Loaders and skid steers help stack and move snow on bigger or tighter sites, while sidewalk machines handle walks and entries.
Need a plowing plan for your parking lot?
We offer 24/7 snow service and are glad to walk your lot before the next storm. Learn more on our commercial snow removal page, read our guide to commercial snow plowing contracts in NH, call (603) 605-8880, or request an estimate through our contact page. Our office is open Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 4 PM.
Frequently asked questions
What order should a parking lot be plowed in?
A common order is building entrances first, then main travel lanes and fire lanes, then parking rows, followed by final passes along curbs, then walks and entries, and ice management where needed.
Where should snow not be stored in a parking lot?
As a general practice, keep piles out of accessible parking spaces, away from hydrants and catch basins, clear of sight lines at entrances and exits, off public roads and sidewalks, and away from buildings and planting beds.
What plow trigger do you use?
We typically use a 2 inch trigger, and the number is set in each contract.
Do you pre treat parking lots before every storm?
No. We salt whenever slippery conditions exist, and pre treating is decided storm by storm.
Do you hold NH Green SnowPro certification?
Yes. The Difference Landscapes holds NH Green SnowPro certification.
