Facts from public sources, not quotes. Where these numbers come from
Straight answers about cost, contracts, city snow rules and salting, with a link to the source behind every number.
Get a free quote How it worksProMatcher's Des Moines figures put the average snow removal visit at $36.82, with a typical range of $32.72 to $40.91. One Des Moines job reported there in November 2024 (ZIP 50310) ran $100 to $150 per visit for a driveway and sidewalk, and the same report lists $45 to $75 an hour for residential work, about $100 an hour for commercial lots and $100 to $125 an hour for roadways. Your price depends on the size of the area, how often you want service and whether salting is included.
A seasonal contract locks in your spot on the route and a set price for the winter. Pay-per-push or per-visit pricing means you pay only when it snows. Des Moines averages 36.5 inches of snow a season and about 11 days a year with an inch or more (NOAA 1991–2020 normals), but some winters bring far more. If you can't wait for a callback after a big storm, a seasonal spot is usually the safer bet.
In the fall. Des Moines averages its first measurable snow around November 14, and it has come as early as October 10 (KCCI, from NOAA records). Local landscaper Signature Lawns calls September through November the ideal time to schedule seasonal snow removal plans. Routes fill up, so asking early gives you the best chance at a spot.
The City of Waukee says sidewalks must be cleared within 24 hours after it stops snowing. West Des Moines, Clive and Urbandale also use a 24-hour rule. In West Des Moines that includes the sidewalk where it crosses your driveway, and in Urbandale it includes crosswalks.
No. Waukee, West Des Moines, Clive and Urbandale all tell residents not to put snow from driveways or sidewalks into the street. Waukee also asks you not to move snow onto a neighbor's property and to clear around fire hydrants. Snow should be piled on your own property.
No. West Des Moines says plainly that the city does not plow private driveways, and that clearing the ridge of snow a city plow leaves at the end of your driveway is the owner's job. That windrow is often the heaviest snow of the storm, so ask your contractor whether a return trip for it is included.
During a declared snow emergency, cities ban street parking so plows can clear curb to curb. In Waukee the ban lasts for the storm and 48 hours after it, with a fine and possible tow. Urbandale tickets are $35 and the city says to assume a ban when more than an inch is forecast. In Clive, cars can go back on the street 24 hours after the event if the street was plowed curb to curb.
Yes. Requests from this site go to a local snow and landscape contractor that quotes HOA streets, drives and walks, apartment and townhome communities, and commercial lots, from small offices to big retail and warehouse lots. Commercial and HOA work is priced per site after a walk-through.
It is usually priced per application or built into a seasonal contract, based on the area and the material used. Ask whether the quote uses rock salt, a treated blend or a pet-safe product, and how many applications a storm includes.
Many do. Industry group SIMA reports that more than half of snow and ice businesses are also lawn and landscape providers, and the average operator earns 37% of revenue from snow. The same crew that plows in January may mow, clean up and plant the rest of the year.
Fill out the free quote form with your name, phone, ZIP code and what needs clearing. A local crew contacts you with questions and a price. There is no cost and no obligation to ask.
West Des Moines says it does not plow private driveways, and the ridge of snow its plows leave at the driveway entrance is the owner's to clear. Plan on clearing that ridge yourself, or ask your contractor to come back for it.
All four cities tell residents not to put snow in the street. Waukee says violators may face assessments or fines.
Too much salt wastes money and can harm concrete and plants. Rock salt also slows down in deep cold, and the normal January low in Des Moines is 13.8°F. Ask your contractor what they use when it gets that cold.
Heavy snow at the roof edge can melt and refreeze into ice dams that push water under shingles. A roof rake used from the ground keeps the edge clear. Hire a pro for anything that needs a ladder.
Sources: ProMatcher, NOAA NCEI, KCCI, Signature Lawns (Des Moines area), City of Waukee, City of Waukee, City of West Des Moines, City of Clive, City of Urbandale, Turf Magazine. Full source list.
Tell us what needs clearing, your ZIP code and anything that helps: driveway length, sidewalks, steps, a parking lot, an HOA street or a business entrance. Your request goes to a local snow and ice crew serving Waukee, West Des Moines, Clive and Urbandale, and they contact you directly with questions and a price.
No cost and no obligation to ask. Seasonal contracts fill up before the first snow, so fall is the best time to ask.
Before you sign, ask for proof of insurance, what snow depth triggers a visit, whether sidewalks and salting are included, and how storm-day calls are billed.
