Frequently Asked Questions – Snow Removal Service
What is the term of your contract?
We provide services from November 1 to March 31 up to 250 cm of accumulation.
Do you offer any discounts?
We have an Early Bird discount every spring. Other offers may be available as we approach the start of the season. Customers are limited to one discount per service address.
Will my driveway be cleared before 6:30 AM?
We dispatch our tractors at 5 cm of accumulation regardless of time of day. We do provide an open up pass if we are receiving a snowfall of 10 cm or more to make going to work easier for our customers; then we return to do a second pass where we clear the entire driveway (barring obstacles).
What if the city plows come by after you’ve already cleared my driveway?
If the city goes by after we have already cleared we will return to clear the end of your driveway. Multiple passes of the city crew on side streets and main roads are not covered under your contract.
Do you have a seasonal snowfall limit? And, what is your policy once this limit is reached?
Our contracts cover up 250 cm of snow accumulation. If we happen to reach the 250 cm cap there will be an added (one time only, flat rate) charge of $50 plus tax to continue through to March 31st. If you have both driveway clearance and walkway shoveling it is a $100 plus tax charge to continue with both services until March 31st.
If I call during a snowstorm, will there be someone in the office to answer the phone?
There is always someone in the office during a snowstorm. However email is the quickest way to reach us; and it leaves a paper trail so that we can refer to it later if necessary! The phone lines are also open, but we often cannot answer as we are with other customers or dispatching. If you call and cannot get through, please leave a message that includes your service address so that we can address any issue prior to returning your call. If the phones are busy there may be a delay in a return call, however, rest assured, we are addressing the issue stated in your message.
Are you insured?
Yes! And we are also licensed by the City of Ottawa and BBB accredited.
How can we contact you?
Email is best, you can reach us at info@andyslawnandsnow.ca or through our website contact page. Phone is also available by calling 613-224-2232. If we are on another line and cannot answer, please leave a detailed message along with your address and a callback number and we will get back to you as soon as we can.
How many tractors do you have?
We have a fleet consisting of Kubota tractors.
How are mechanical issues handled during the storm?
We have a licensed Kubota mechanic on staff and on site with a full shop at our office location which can handle almost everything that can occur to the tractors during a storm dispatch. This gets us back on the road to service you as fast as possible.
Do you have any references?
Check out our testimonials page OR our reviews on the BBB website, Homestars and Google reviews!
Is there a problem if a car is parked on my driveway?
We request that any vehicles are parked as close to the garage or top of the driveway and as far to the side as possible. Our operators will come up to 2 feet of the back of the vehicle; if there is enough room for the tractor to fit beside the vehicle with 2 feet of clearance they will clear the snow away there as well. Also, after this first clearing, if the City graders pass, we will be returning to clear the windrow left at the end of your driveway; if you move your vehicle before we return for our second pass we will clear the area where your car was parked.
My driveway is gravel. Can you still snow blow it?
Most likely we can. If the gravel is large or very loose we may need to wait until the ground is frozen and a base of snow is packed down on top. There is a good chance of gravel being thrown onto areas surrounding your driveway. It is the homeowner’s responsibility to clean up those areas themselves in the spring. It is best to send us a photo of the driveway when asking to sign up for services.
What methods of payment do you accept?
We accept cash, debit, e-transfer, Visa, Mastercard and cheques.
Does your equipment make a lot of noise?
Tractors can be noisy like any other large equipment. Most customers, however, do not notice if we come when they are sleeping.
Your equipment looks big! Will it damage my driveway or grass?
Our blowers may scratch or leave a rust stain on your driveway. It doesn’t happen often, but it can happen. Scratches will fade with time and you can clean the rust stains or allow them to fade and wash away. If any damage is caused to your grass, do not worry, just report it to our office by email along with a description of the damage, a photo, and the address, and we will get it repaired for you in the spring.
Will your equipment damage my interlocking stone?
Driveways, especially interlock, can have uneven surfaces develop over time often leading to scratches or rust stains. Andy’s is not responsible for scratches or staining. Scratches tend to fade over the year and rust stains can be removed using one of the many methods you can find by searching online.
What about water valves on my driveway?
Many driveways in Ottawa have water valves. Occasionally the water valve will shift or raise. If your water valve is no longer flush with your driveway, please call the City of Ottawa and request that they come and hammer it down. A raised valve can cause damage to our equipment and to you and your neighbour’s driveways.
What is your repair policy?
We try very hard to not cause any property damage, but on occasion it can happen. If there are any damages you should report them by email to our office at info@andyslawnandsnow.ca as soon as you are able; including the address, date and a photo of the damage (if possible). We will return to evaluate and repair any issues in the spring once the snow has melted. Please refer to our Terms and Conditions for more detail.
Do you spread salt on the driveway if it is icy?
We do not spread salt on the driveways or walkways of our customers. We recommend that you spread salt on your walkway after each time you shovel, as ice buildup can be very dangerous here in Ottawa. If you have a down sloped driveway it is best to salt and sand the driveway before the snow falls to help our tractors get as much traction as possible.