Snow & Seasonal: questions, answered with sources
Each answer cites the public sources it was checked against, with the date it checked them. Jobs that need a licensed pro in Virginia say so, and explain the job instead of teaching it.
Driveway Plowing
4 answers
How much does driveway plowing cost per storm in Virginia?
There is no standard Virginia rate per storm. Each company sets its own price, and it depends on the driveway's length, width, slope and surface, how deep the snow gets, how many pushes the storm needs, how fast you want it done, and whether the street plow's ridge, walks and de-icing are included. Compare written quotes that spell out what one storm covers.
What should a snow plowing contract include?
A good snow plowing contract names the property and exactly which areas are cleared, the snow depth that triggers a visit, how soon after snow stops they arrive, how each storm or push is priced, what costs extra, whether the street plow's ridge is cleared, who pays for damage, proof of insurance, the season's dates, and how either side can cancel.
Why did the snow plow tear up my lawn or gravel?
Usually because the blade could not tell where the driveway ended, or the ground under it was not frozen. A plow working blind drifts onto soft turf, a blade set to scrape on gravel pulls stone into the grass, and heavy salted snow piled on the lawn damages it further. Most of it can be raked back and reseeded, and marked edges prevent a repeat.
How do I mark my driveway for a snow plow?
Push tall, flexible driveway markers into the ground along both edges of the driveway before the soil freezes, spaced closely enough that the operator can see the line, with extra markers at curves, corners and the street apron. Mark anything a blade could hit, such as lights, rocks, the mailbox and drop-offs, and show the plow operator where snow should be piled.
Fall & Spring Cleanup
5 answers
What yard work should I do in the fall in Virginia?
Mulch or remove the leaves, test the soil, and feed a cool-season lawn between September and November. Aerate compacted cool-season turf in fall, but not warm-season grass. Clean gutters at least once a year, and keep leaves off storm drains. Cut down on bagging by mowing moist leaves back into the lawn.
How much does a fall yard cleanup cost in Virginia?
There is no standard Virginia price, and we found no primary source that publishes one. The quote depends on lot size, how many leaves fall, whether they are mulched in place, bagged or hauled away, and add-ons. Get at least three written bids using identical specifications, with the dump fee and number of visits spelled out.
Is a spring and fall cleanup service worth it?
It is worth it if you have a large lot, many deciduous trees or a physical reason you cannot do the work, and usually not on a small yard where you can mulch-mow leaves yourself. The fall visit matters most. Compare at least three written bids, and ask where the leaves go.
Why does my lawn look worse after winter?
Usually because the grass is dormant, or because of what sat on it over winter: leaves that block sunlight, matted turf, compacted soil. Warm-season grasses like zoysia and bermudagrass go brown for 4 to 5 months, and cool-season lawns often just need time and a light rake. Wait for green-up before judging, and do not push heavy spring nitrogen.
What should be on a spring yard cleanup checklist?
Pick up sticks and leftover leaves, clear gutters and downspouts, rake off matted grass, refresh beds, test the soil, and mow once the grass is growing. Time weed prevention for crabgrass, hold off on heavy fertilizer, and cut back leaf litter and tall grass near the house to reduce ticks. In Fairfax County, bag yard waste in paper or reusable containers, not plastic.
Firewood Delivery
5 answers
How do I stack firewood so it dries?
Split the wood first, then stack it outdoors in a single row on rails or blocks so nothing touches the ground, split side down, with room for air to move through. Cover only the top and leave the sides open, and keep the stack away from the house. Softwoods take about 6 months to dry and hardwoods about 12.
How much does a cord of firewood cost in Virginia?
Virginia has no set price for firewood: it depends on the seller, the species, whether the wood is seasoned, how it is split and how far it is delivered and stacked. What the law fixes is the unit. A cord is 128 cubic feet of wood ranked and well stowed, such as a 4 by 4 by 8 foot stack, so compare quotes per full cord.
Can I move firewood across county lines in Virginia?
Often not without paperwork. Firewood is a regulated article under Virginia's gypsy moth (now spongy moth) quarantine, which covers most Virginia counties and cities, and it may not be moved from a regulated area without a VDACS certificate or permit. Virginia's spotted lanternfly quarantine was repealed in March 2025. The simplest course is to buy firewood near where you will burn it.
Why is my firewood smoking and hard to light?
Usually because the wood is too wet. Firewood burns best below 20 percent moisture, and wet or green wood smolders and smokes. The other common causes are too little air, a closed damper, a cold flue, pieces that are too big, or rotten wood. If tested dry wood still smokes with the damper open, have the chimney or stove inspected.
How long does firewood need to season before burning?
Plan on at least six months, and closer to a year for hardwoods. EPA's guidance is about 6 months for softwoods and about 12 months for hardwoods, split and stacked off the ground with only the top covered. Time alone does not prove it, though: wood is ready when a moisture meter reads 20 percent or less on a freshly split face.
Gutter Guard Install
2 answers
What type of gutter guard works best with pine needles?
A fine mesh guard works best with pine needles, usually stainless steel micro-mesh held on a rigid frame. Its openings are too small for needles to slip through. Guards with larger openings, such as perforated aluminum and plain plastic screens, tend to let needles in or catch them in the holes. Even the best mesh collects needles on top, so plan to brush it off once or twice a year.
Should I install gutter guards myself or hire a company?
Do it yourself if every gutter is on a single storey, the gutters are sound, and you choose a guard that screws to the gutter or fascia instead of sliding under the shingles. Hire a licensed company for second-storey eaves, gutters that need repair first, roofs where the guard would mean lifting shingles, or any eave near the service wire.
Holiday Light Removal
3 answers
How much does it cost to take down Christmas lights in Virginia?
There is no single Virginia price for takedown. It is priced by how much is hung, how high it is, and whether storage and haul-away are included. Ask for a written quote for the same job from at least three companies, or do the low, ground-reachable parts yourself and hire out only the high ones.
Should I hire the same company to take down my Christmas lights?
Usually yes, if the company installed the display, the agreement covers takedown and its work was good. It knows how everything is fixed and what it owns. Get the takedown date and price in writing, and compare at least two other quotes if takedown was not part of the original contract or the lights are yours.
How do I store Christmas lights so they don't tangle or break?
Test each strand as you take it down, throw out any with frayed or pinched wires, then wind the good ones loosely around a flat piece of cardboard, a spool or a hanger and keep the plug end free. Label each strand and store it in a rigid, lidded bin kept dry, so bulbs are never crushed and cords never packed under weight.
Holiday Lighting
5 answers
How do I hang Christmas lights along my gutters?
Use outdoor-rated lights and gutter clips made for them, work from a ladder on firm, level ground at a single-storey eave, and plug the string into an outdoor extension cord and a GFCI-protected outlet. Stay at least 10 feet from overhead high voltage lines, never lean out from the ladder, and never step onto the roof.
How much does professional Christmas light installation cost in Virginia?
There is no single Virginia price. Quotes depend on how many feet of roofline you want lit, how high it is, whether the company supplies and stores the lights, and whether it takes them down. Get at least three written bids for the same design, and compare what each one includes.
Is it worth hiring someone to hang Christmas lights?
It is worth it when the eave is higher than a single storey, the roof is steep, you need power run to the display, or you do not want to spend a weekend on a ladder. For a single-storey gutter line you can reach from level ground, hanging them yourself is realistic, as long as you stay clear of overhead lines.
Why is half of my Christmas light strand not working?
On most incandescent mini-light strands the bulbs sit in a series section, so one loose, missing or burned-out bulb in a section darkens everything after it. Unplug the strand, find where the dark stretch starts, reseat and swap the bulbs there, and check the fuse in the plug. Throw away a strand with frayed or pinched wires.
How do I keep Christmas lights from shorting out in the rain?
Use lights rated for outdoor use, plug them into a GFCI-protected outlet or a portable GFCI, and keep every connection off the ground and out of standing water. Use outdoor-marked extension cords and a weatherproof while-in-use cover on the outlet. Throw away strands with cracked sockets or frayed wire.
Roof Snow & Ice Dams
5 answers
How do pros remove snow from a roof safely?
Pros plan before they climb: they look the roof over from the ground, use fall protection, reach from the ground where they can, clear in sections, often leave a thin layer of snow to protect the roofing, and keep people clear of what falls. Alexandria says not to climb your roof to remove snow because it is extremely dangerous.
How much does it cost to rake snow off a roof in Virginia?
There is no standard Virginia price for roof snow removal, and we have not found a dated primary-source figure, so we do not quote one. Cost depends on roof size and pitch, snow depth, how the crew works, what is on the roof and timing. Get at least three written quotes that spell out scope, minimums and who pays for damage.
When should I hire someone to remove snow from my roof?
Hire a pro when snow is deep or wet, drifted onto one side or a lower roof, or you cannot reach the problem safely from the ground. Never climb up yourself: Alexandria calls it extremely dangerous. If the roof sags, cracks appear indoors or it creaks, leave the building and call 911 if it collapses.
How much snow is too much for a roof?
There is no single safe depth. Wet, drifted or rain-soaked snow weighs far more than dry snow, and roofs differ. Go by warning signs: Alexandria says roof sagging, new cracks in walls or ceilings, or popping and creaking mean evacuate. Do not climb up to check or shovel; have a licensed professional assess it.
How do I keep heavy snow from building up on my roof?
Fix the heat that melts the snow, and have a pro clear it when it gets deep. Snow plus a leaky, under-insulated attic and freezing weather makes ice dams. Air seal the ceiling, insulate the attic and ventilate the roof through a qualified contractor. Do not climb up to shovel: Alexandria calls it extremely dangerous.
Salting & De-Icing
5 answers
What ice melt is safe for concrete?
No ice melt is completely safe for concrete, but used sparingly on concrete that has cured it is a reasonable risk. Skip deicers on new concrete for about a year, be careful with calcium and magnesium chloride brines at joints, shovel first, and spread only a thin, even layer. Sand adds traction without chemistry.
How much does driveway salting cost in Virginia?
Virginia has no standard price for driveway salting, and no official source dates one, so use cost drivers instead: area treated, per-visit versus seasonal billing, timing before or after the storm, the product, steps and slope, and whether snow is cleared first. Get the same job quoted in writing by two or three businesses before the first storm.
Is it worth paying someone to salt my driveway?
It is worth paying when you should not be shoveling, will be away, need the surface treated before a storm or live where a missed pass can bring a fine. If you are healthy, home and have a short driveway, a bag of product and ten minutes is usually cheaper. Ask for the product, the timing and the price in writing.
Why is my concrete flaking after using salt?
Flaking, or scaling, is usually freeze-thaw damage that salt makes worse. Salty meltwater keeps the surface wet and freezing, and new concrete, a mix not made for deicers, and open joints raise the risk. Stop salting that slab, shovel instead, use sand for traction, and keep the surface draining. Large areas or edges need a concrete contractor.
How do I keep ice from forming on my driveway?
Shovel snow down to the surface early, keep meltwater from running across the pavement, and pre-treat dry pavement with a thin pass of salt or brine before a storm, when it is above 20 degrees and not raining. Use a coffee mug of salt per 1,000 square feet, sand when it is colder, and sweep off thaw water before dusk.
Sidewalk Clearing
1 answer
Snow Hauling & Stacking
1 answer
Snow Removal
5 answers
What is the best way to clear a driveway after a big snow?
Clear it in layers rather than all at once, push the snow instead of lifting it, and open a path to the door first. Pile snow on your own property, never in the street. Leave the end of the driveway until the street plow has passed, then clear it and an open area about 10 feet to the right of the driveway as you face the road.
How much does snow removal cost in Virginia?
There is no set Virginia rate. Snow removal is usually priced per visit, per hour or as a seasonal contract, and the price depends on the size and slope of the driveway, how deep and wet the snow is, how fast you need it done, and what is included, such as walks, steps, salting and the plow ridge. Get a written quote listing every charge.
Is a seasonal snow removal contract worth it in Virginia?
Sometimes. Virginia snowfall swings widely from year to year, so a flat season fee can cost more than paying per visit in a light winter and less in a heavy one. A contract is usually worth it when you must get out early, cannot shovel for health reasons, have a long or steep driveway, or need a sidewalk cleared while you are away.
Why does my driveway refreeze after it is plowed?
Plowing rarely leaves bare pavement. A thin layer of packed snow or slush stays behind, and meltwater from snow piles, the street plow's ridge, downspouts and daytime sun runs across the driveway and freezes again when the temperature drops at night. Shade, low spots and cold too deep for salt to work make it worse.
How do I get my driveway ready before a snowstorm?
Stock shovels and salt or sand, mark the driveway edges, clear anything a shovel or plow could catch, and get the snow blower fueled and running. VDOT pre-treats dry roads up to 48 hours before a storm when pavement is above 20 degrees; if conditions allow, treat your driveway the same way. Park in the driveway rather than the street, and check that outdoor vents are clear.
Storm Cleanup
5 answers
How do I clean up fallen branches after a storm?
Check for power lines first, photograph the damage, then clear branches that are already on the ground by hand with gloves, loppers and a pruning saw. Cut pieces to the length your town will collect and set them out the way it asks. Leave anything hanging in a tree, touching a line or on the house to a pro.
How much does storm cleanup cost in Virginia?
We found no official Virginia price for storm cleanup, and it varies with the size of the trees, access, hauling and whether lines or a roof are involved. For reference, when we checked on October 27, 2026, Fairfax County charged $20 to $28 to dump a pickup load of brush and Richmond charged $100 for a 24-hour pickup. Get written quotes.
Who should I call when a tree falls on my house?
Call 911 if anyone is hurt or in danger, and your utility if a wire is down or the tree touches a line. Then call your insurer, photograph the damage, and have a tree service remove the tree and a licensed contractor tarp and repair the roof. Do not climb on it or cut it yourself.
How do I tell if a storm-damaged tree is safe to leave?
Look from a safe distance, never under the crown. A tree with hanging or broken branches, cracks, a recent lean or soil lifted on one side, or any wire in or near it is not safe to leave, and healthy-looking trees can fall too. Stay back, keep 10 feet from lines and have an arborist assess it.
How do I get my yard ready before a big storm?
Bring in or tie down anything the wind can throw, clear drains and gutters, and walk the yard for dead or hanging branches, cracks and leaning trees. Trees that could fall on the house need an arborist before the storm, not during it. Note where overhead lines run, charge your phone and photograph the yard for insurance.
Walkways & Steps
2 answers
How do I keep outdoor steps from icing over?
Clear the snow off the steps early and often, then treat what is left. Do not put de-icer on top of snow: shovel first, then spread a thin, even layer of de-icer or sand on the bare steps. Sweep up leftover grains, keep salt off new concrete and plants, and recheck the steps at dawn, when melted snow refreezes.
How much does it cost to have walkways and steps shoveled in Virginia?
There is no published Virginia rate for shoveling walks and steps. It is hand work, so companies usually price it by the visit, the hour or the season, and the price follows how much walk and how many steps you have, how deep the snow is, how fast you need it and whether de-icing is included. Get a written quote that lists every charge.