Courtyard Clearing

What This Service Involves

Courtyards on apartment, office, and campus properties are boxed in by walls that block sun and wind, so snow sits there long after open areas clear. These spaces usually mix hardscape, planters, and seating that a plow cannot navigate. We clear courtyard walkways and gathering areas by hand or with compact equipment, working carefully around landscaping and furniture. Meltwater tends to pond against building walls here, so we keep drains open and treat the low spots that would otherwise refreeze.

Benefits

Clears snow trapped in shaded, wind-blocked courtyards; Works safely around planters, seating, and hardscape; Keeps drains open where meltwater ponds on walls; Restores usable gathering space during a cold snap

Our Process

1) Clear walkways and gathering areas with compact tools; 2) Work carefully around planters, seating, and features; 3) Keep courtyard drains open for meltwater; 4) Treat shaded low spots that refreeze overnight

What Affects the Cost

Courtyard size and layout density; Amount of landscaping and furniture to work around; Shade that slows melting between buildings; Drainage and ponding against walls; Return visits through freeze-thaw cycles

Best Time of Year

Book courtyard clearing for each snow event of the lowland season, which runs roughly late November through February.