When winter weather hits the Seattle area, even a small snow or ice event can cause big disruptions. Slippery walkways, frozen parking lots, and blocked driveways create safety hazards and liability concerns for HOAs, COAs, municipalities, industrial facilities, commercial centers, and multifamily properties.
That’s why having the right snow and ice management company in place before cold weather arrives is critical. But not all providers are created equal and choosing the right one can make all the difference between a property that’s safe and accessible, and one that’s caught off guard.
Here’s what to look for when selecting a snow and ice management partner.
1.) Choose a Company That Plans Ahead
The best snow management providers don’t wait for the first storm they start planning months in advance. They pre-map properties, assign crews, and confirm materials and equipment well before winter arrives.
Early planning ensures faster response times and guarantees that your site is covered when conditions turn icy.
Tip: Ask potential providers when they finalize routes and if they offer preseason site inspections.
2.) Look for Proven Experience and Certifications
Snow and ice management requires more than just plows and trucks, it requires trained professionals who understand safety, logistics, and weather response.
At Malone’s Landscape, our team includes Certified Snow Managers (CSMs) on staff, a designation earned through the Snow & Ice Management Association (SIMA). This certification means our leaders are trained in best practices for snow operations, risk reduction, and environmental responsibility.
Why it matters: Certified providers manage your property more efficiently, minimize liability risks, and ensure every site is handled according to industry standards.
3.) Verify That They’re Licensed, Bonded, and Insured
Before signing any snow removal contract, confirm that the company is licensed, bonded, and fully insured. This protects your property and your organization from liability if an accident or equipment damage occurs during service.
Malone’s Landscape meets all licensing and bonding requirements for Washington State, giving our clients full confidence in our professionalism and coverage.
4.) Ask About 24/7 Monitoring and Response
Winter weather doesn’t follow business hours and your snow service shouldn’t either. A reliable provider should offer 24/7 monitoring, dispatch, and emergency response to handle sudden snow or ice events.
At Malone’s, we use real-time weather tracking and route management technology to stay ahead of changing conditions. Our crews are available day or night to keep your property safe and accessible. Offering 24/7 monitoring, responsive dispatching, and custom service plans tailored to your property.
5.) Make Sure They Have the Right Equipment for Your Property Type
A snow plow might work great for a warehouse lot, but multifamily communities, retail centers, and municipal sidewalks each require different tools and techniques.
Choose a company with a diverse fleet of equipment including plow trucks, skid steers, de-icing spreaders, and sidewalk crews that can scale to fit your property’s needs.
Pro tip: Ask how many pieces of equipment they dedicate to each site and what materials they use for de-icing.
6. ) Review Their Communication and Reporting Process
Clear, consistent communication is critical during winter weather. You should know when your site is serviced, what was done, and when crews will return if conditions worsen.
The best providers offer service reports, digital updates, and direct contact with account managers for complete transparency.
At Malone’s, we keep clients informed every step of the way before, during, and after each event.
7. ) Understand Their Contract Options
Every property has different needs. Some may want full-season coverage (auto-deploy service whenever it snows), while others prefer on-call response.
A reputable company will help you choose the plan that fits your site’s size, traffic patterns, and risk tolerance, not just sell you a one-size-fits-all solution.
Partner with a Trusted, Certified Snow & Ice Team
Selecting the right snow and ice management partner means choosing reliability, preparedness, and proven expertise. Don’t wait until the first frost, get your winter plan in place today.
Yes, I want to be ready before the storm hits!