Corner Lot Homeowners and Their Extra Snow Challenges

4 min read · Thames Valley Snow, London, Ontario

Why corners are different

A house on a corner faces two streets instead of one. That means two edges of the property are exposed to street plowing, more sidewalk frontage, and in many cases more wind. Snow piles from plowing two roads can end up along both sides of the lot, and the corner itself is often where plows turn and leave larger piles.

Depending on how your driveway is placed, it may face the busier of the two streets, sit close to the intersection, or open onto a side street that gets plowed at a different time from the front.

More windrow, at different times

Every time a street is plowed, a ridge of snow called the windrow is left across driveways. On a corner, the timing can be less predictable because the two streets may be cleared at different times. Snow pushed around the corner by a turning plow can also land in a bigger pile near a driveway that sits close to the intersection.

Thames Valley Snow seasonal service includes clearing the City windrow, and in long storms the crew returns for additional visits. That matters on a corner, where the windrow may be replaced more than once during a single storm.

Sightlines and safety

Snow piled high at a corner can block drivers' views of pedestrians and other cars. When you or a crew pile snow on a corner lot, keep the piles low near the intersection and near the end of the driveway, so you can see oncoming traffic when backing out. Place larger piles further back on the lawn.

• Keep piles back from the corner itself.
• Do not bury fire hydrants on or near your property.
• Keep storm drains at the curb clear so meltwater can drain.
• Make sure your house number is still visible from the street.

Wind and drifting

Corner lots are often more open to wind, which can drift snow back across a cleared driveway or walkway. Fences, hedges and the house itself create pockets where drifts collect. Watch where drifts form during the first few storms. The timestamped photo after each visit also helps show where the drifting happens after the crew leaves.

Walkways on a corner

Many corner homes have a longer walkway or a side entrance. If people use a side door, include that path in your plan. Walkway and steps clearing starts from $150 for the season. Seasonal salting ($175) includes freezing rain and refreeze visits, which helps on paths exposed to wind and sun-melt cycles.

Pricing and quotes

Corner lots are quoted the same way as any other home: measured from City of London maps and aerial imagery, with a fixed price within 1 business day. Seasonal prices plus HST start at $650 to $725 for a single or 1.5-car driveway, $815 for a double, and $1,050 for three-car, paver or stamped driveways. Edges, steps and drains are marked before the season begins, which is especially useful on a corner where there may be more curbs and edges to find under snow.

If you are new to a corner property, spend the first winter paying attention. Note which street gets plowed first, where the biggest windrow lands, and which side drifts in after a windy night. By the second winter you will know exactly where to park, where to pile snow and which parts of the property need the most attention.

Get your fixed price

Every Thames Valley Snow quote is measured from City of London maps and aerial imagery, and you get a fixed price within 1 business day. Ask for a free quote, or call or text (548) 888-8702. See residential snow removal and walkway and steps.

What's included… and what's extra

A Thames Valley Snow seasonal residential plan starts from $650 for a standard driveway. It covers clearing the driveway every time snowfall reaches the trigger depth in your agreement, plus the windrow the city plow leaves at the end of the driveway. Larger driveways are priced on our snow removal prices page.

Popular add-ons, priced per season: walkway and steps from $150 (walk plus up to 6 steps $175), salting $175 (including freezing rain and refreeze visits), priority early-morning clearing $125, pet-safe de-icer $120, a season extension from Nov 1 to Apr 15 for $95 and city sidewalk clearing $90. Add only what your property needs; everything is listed on the quote so there are no surprises. Get your fixed price or call or text (548) 888-8702.