Frequently asked questions
We have listed some frequently asked questions in order to better assist you in understanding our snow removal service.
What are the dates of service under my snow removal contract?
Your contract covers snow removal service from November 1 through April 15. While snow may occur outside this time frame and we may be able to provide minimal services just prior to or after the contract dates, we cannot guarantee service before November 1 or after April 15.
Your contract covers snow removal service from November 1 through April 15. While snow may occur outside this time frame and we may be able to provide minimal services just prior to or after the contract dates, we cannot guarantee service before November 1 or after April 15.
When will my driveway be cleared?
Stars will begin snow removal operations after snowfall reaches a depth of 3-4" or more in your driveway. The timing of snow removal may vary from day to day as many factors go into our start time including the snowfall forecast, safety and street clearing schedule.
Your contract guarantees one driveway clearing per 24-hour period. If it snows 3” or more after your driveway has been cleared, we will clear your driveway again the following day.
Due to the unpredictability and severity of winter storms in Tahoe, we cannot guarantee that we will arrive at your house at a set time each day. While we prefer to plow when it is dark because of safety concerns and reduced traffic, our start time depends on when the snow began accumulating, current conditions and the forecast for the day. We suggest that you consider purchasing a snow blower in addition to contracting with a snow removal service if you want the security of knowing that you can get into and out of your house at any given time.
Total route clearing time depends on whether or not the streets have been cleared, the size of berms, the depth of snow, type of snow (light and fluffy vs. heavy snow), road traffic and equipment breakdowns. Typically a 4-6" storm will take 5.5-6 hours to clear all driveways and berms. Over 12" of snow will take 8++ hours to complete routes.
Stars will begin snow removal operations after snowfall reaches a depth of 3-4" or more in your driveway. The timing of snow removal may vary from day to day as many factors go into our start time including the snowfall forecast, safety and street clearing schedule.
Your contract guarantees one driveway clearing per 24-hour period. If it snows 3” or more after your driveway has been cleared, we will clear your driveway again the following day.
Due to the unpredictability and severity of winter storms in Tahoe, we cannot guarantee that we will arrive at your house at a set time each day. While we prefer to plow when it is dark because of safety concerns and reduced traffic, our start time depends on when the snow began accumulating, current conditions and the forecast for the day. We suggest that you consider purchasing a snow blower in addition to contracting with a snow removal service if you want the security of knowing that you can get into and out of your house at any given time.
Total route clearing time depends on whether or not the streets have been cleared, the size of berms, the depth of snow, type of snow (light and fluffy vs. heavy snow), road traffic and equipment breakdowns. Typically a 4-6" storm will take 5.5-6 hours to clear all driveways and berms. Over 12" of snow will take 8++ hours to complete routes.
Should I wait until my driveway has been cleared to leave my home?
Most homeowners and visitors have 4 wheel drive or all terrain vehicles with snow tires. These vehicles are designed to drive through some snow. You do not need to wait for your driveway to be cleared if your vehicle can handle the conditions.
Most homeowners and visitors have 4 wheel drive or all terrain vehicles with snow tires. These vehicles are designed to drive through some snow. You do not need to wait for your driveway to be cleared if your vehicle can handle the conditions.
What is your policy on snow berm removal?
Northstar Community Services District is responsible for road plowing within Northstar Resort and they operate two separate shifts. We closely monitor their road plowing and will attempt to remove berms during our shift. Depending on the size and snow conditions, berms left after our normal routes will be removed the following day. There will be times that you will need to shovel these berms.
Northstar Community Services District is responsible for road plowing within Northstar Resort and they operate two separate shifts. We closely monitor their road plowing and will attempt to remove berms during our shift. Depending on the size and snow conditions, berms left after our normal routes will be removed the following day. There will be times that you will need to shovel these berms.
Why is snow sometimes left in front of my garage door?
The amount of snow remaining will vary by driveways based on sun exposure, slope of the driveway and wind conditions. More accumulation will occur with heavy wet snow. Our operators are familiar with these conditions and do their best to minimize the snow deposited in front of your garage door, however in order to avoid damage to the garage door homeowners will need to shovel excess snow.
The amount of snow remaining will vary by driveways based on sun exposure, slope of the driveway and wind conditions. More accumulation will occur with heavy wet snow. Our operators are familiar with these conditions and do their best to minimize the snow deposited in front of your garage door, however in order to avoid damage to the garage door homeowners will need to shovel excess snow.
There is snow on my driveway, has it been cleared?
Typically looking out your window or on your webcam will not give you a good sense of whether or not we have cleared your driveway since we being our operations early in the morning and it may have continued to snow since we cleared. If you don't want to go outside to check, you can always look to see if there is snow in front of your garage door. More snow in front of the garage than in the driveway itself, means that it has been cleared.
Typically looking out your window or on your webcam will not give you a good sense of whether or not we have cleared your driveway since we being our operations early in the morning and it may have continued to snow since we cleared. If you don't want to go outside to check, you can always look to see if there is snow in front of your garage door. More snow in front of the garage than in the driveway itself, means that it has been cleared.
What if I have snow removed from my roof or decks?
If snow slides off your roof or you have someone shovel your roof or decks/walkways onto the driveway we will clean up the snow during our regular clearing. Snow that unloads or is removed from roofs or decks/walkways after the driver has cleared for the day is the property owners responsibility.
If snow slides off your roof or you have someone shovel your roof or decks/walkways onto the driveway we will clean up the snow during our regular clearing. Snow that unloads or is removed from roofs or decks/walkways after the driver has cleared for the day is the property owners responsibility.
Why does my neighbors driveway have less snow/ice remaining?
Driveways that have more sun exposure or are south facing will clear more quickly after a storm. The sun on a driveway helps warm the asphalt resulting in less snow and ice build up. Ice melt and/or sand applied to a scraped driveway will help to melt off excess snow/ice and provide better traction.
Driveways that have more sun exposure or are south facing will clear more quickly after a storm. The sun on a driveway helps warm the asphalt resulting in less snow and ice build up. Ice melt and/or sand applied to a scraped driveway will help to melt off excess snow/ice and provide better traction.
Does Stars shovel walkways, roofs, decks or propane tanks?
Stars concentrates its efforts exclusively on driveway snow removal; however we would be happy to provide you with the names of reliable companies who provide those services.
Stars concentrates its efforts exclusively on driveway snow removal; however we would be happy to provide you with the names of reliable companies who provide those services.
Does Stars provide one time service in addition to seasonal contracts?
We offer on call service for homeowners that may not need full seasonal services. As with our seasonal snow removal, the rates are based on driveway size and slope. In addition, we consider the amount of snow in the driveway. The minimum cost of on call service is $150.
We offer on call service for homeowners that may not need full seasonal services. As with our seasonal snow removal, the rates are based on driveway size and slope. In addition, we consider the amount of snow in the driveway. The minimum cost of on call service is $150.