How Quickly Do Snow and Ice Need To Be Removed?

By Jorge Melo

Snow may look beautiful falling from the sky, but it quickly turns into a hazard if it isn’t cleared fast. Every hour matters. In Massachusetts, the law and common sense both say snow and ice must be removed promptly—often within just a few hours after a storm. Why? Because once snow melts during the day and refreezes overnight, it forms thick sheets of ice that are extremely dangerous. In our 35 years of business, we’ve seen how waiting even one night can turn a simple cleanup into a safety nightmare. And in all that time, we’ve never had a single lawsuit in our commercial snow removal work—because we take the timing and safety of snow management seriously. If you’re in a town like New Bedford, Marion, or anywhere else across Bristol and Plymouth counties, it’s critical to know the timelines, responsibilities, and best practices for snow removal.

When to remove snow: the ideal time to shovel or snow plow

The best time to remove snow

The best time to remove snow is after it has stopped falling, but before it’s been compacted by foot or vehicle traffic. Fresh snow is lighter and easier to move. Just as important, it should be cleared before it melts and refreezes into solid ice. Once snow hardens overnight, it becomes dangerous to walk on and almost impossible to remove without machinery. Massachusetts homeowners should never let snow sit overnight if possible. If several inches are expected, clear snow every few hours instead of waiting until the end of the storm to prevent ice buildup.

Weather conditions and forecast

If heavy snow is in the forecast, remove it once 2–4 inches have accumulated. Warmer storms create heavy, wet snow that must be shoveled quickly before freezing. Conversely, when temperatures are extremely low, waiting for a slight warmup can make snow easier to move—just don’t wait so long that it freezes again.

Property type and usage

On residential driveways in places like Fairhaven or Dartmouth, timing can be flexible, but for commercial properties snow must be cleared quickly to reduce liability and keep pathways safe for customers and employees.

Local regulations and ordinances

Many Massachusetts cities and towns enforce snow removal deadlines. For example, Boston requires sidewalks to be cleared within a few hours after snowfall ends. Fines and penalties may apply if walkways remain hazardous. Always check with your local Department of Public Works (DPW) for specific rules.

Safety and environmental considerations

Snow should be piled where it won’t block drains or slope back toward foundations. Avoid shoveling snow into streets—most towns fine for this practice. Just as important, remember that snow often melts during the day and then refreezes overnight into thick, dangerous ice. This refreezing is one of the leading causes of slip-and-fall accidents in Massachusetts, and it makes removal much harder the next morning. Smart snow placement reduces flooding and prevents ice buildup during these thaw-and-freeze cycles.

Pro tips for snow and ice removal

Snow and ice removal basics

Safety comes first. Wear boots with good traction, shovel in short intervals, and take breaks to avoid strain. Prompt removal is always easier than tackling hardened ice the next day.

Tools for snow and ice removal

Shovels

Choose a lightweight plastic or aluminum shovel with an ergonomic handle. Pusher-style shovels are excellent for light, fluffy snow.

Snowblowers

Best for large, flat areas like driveways in New Bedford or Marion. Spray silicone inside the chute to prevent clogs, and let the machine run after use to dry internal parts.

Ice scrapers and other handheld tools

Keep roof rakes, ice scrapers, and chippers on hand for stubborn buildup or roof safety.

Pre-snowstorm preparation strategies

Marking landscape features

Place tall stakes around beds and driveways before the ground freezes to prevent accidental damage while plowing.

Multiple clearing sessions during storms

Professionals recommend clearing every few hours during storms. Each pass is lighter work and reduces ice bonding.

Proper snow pile placement

Do not pile snow against foundations, near drains, or against wooden decks. Place it in open spaces where melting water can safely drain.

Roof snow removal methods

Heavy snow can damage roofs. Use a roof rake with an extended handle and work from the edge inward. For steep or high roofs, hire professionals.

Deicing products and applications

Rock salt

Affordable, but only effective above 12°F and damaging to plants, grass, and concrete.

Eco-friendly options for ice management

Sand, kitty litter, or alfalfa meal provide traction without chemical harm. Calcium chloride and magnesium chloride work in colder temps and are less damaging but cost more.

Snow and ice removal on different surfaces

Protecting concrete and wooden structures

Avoid salt on new concrete less than a year old. Clear snow from wooden decks quickly to prevent rot. Use plastic shovels on delicate surfaces.

Clearing snow from decks and patios

Shovel along deck boards to avoid damage. Heated mats are a good long-term investment for icy spots.

Snow and ice removal for the elderly and physically limited

Lightweight ergonomic shovels, heated mats, or electric snow throwers can make the job easier. Many Massachusetts towns also have volunteer programs (“Snow Angels”) to help.

How quickly do snow and ice need to be removed?

Massachusetts law generally requires snow and ice to be removed within a “reasonable time.” In many towns, that means just a few hours after snowfall ends. The reason is simple: once snow melts and refreezes, it turns into thick ice that’s nearly impossible to clear safely. Property owners who wait too long not only face fines but also risk creating hazardous sheets of ice that endanger tenants, visitors, and pedestrians. For landlords, leases often shift responsibility—but if it’s not clear, state law can still hold you accountable.

Massachusetts law about snow and ice

Massachusetts laws

• Cities and towns may pass bylaws requiring timely removal of snow and ice from sidewalks (MGL c. 85, § 5).

• Property owners can be liable for slip-and-fall injuries if snow and ice create unsafe conditions (Papadopoulos v. Target, 2010).

• Residents must notify property owners or municipalities within 30 days of an injury claim.

Massachusetts regulations

• Landlords must keep exterior stairs and walks clear (105 CMR 410.260).

• Building code requires stairways and fire escapes to be kept free of snow and ice.

• Storage of deicing chemicals is regulated to protect water supplies.

Complaints regarding snow

Local DPWs and Boards of Health handle complaints. Many towns use 311 systems or apps to report snow removal violations or hazards.

FAQ about snow removal

How fast must I clear my sidewalk in Massachusetts?

Most towns require it within a few hours after snow ends. Boston, for example, enforces a four-hour rule during the day.

What happens if I don’t shovel?

You could face fines, lawsuits if someone is injured, and damage to your property.

Do landlords or tenants handle snow removal?

It depends on the lease. In multi-unit buildings, landlords or HOAs usually handle common areas.

What areas do you service?

At New England Tree & Landscape, we provide professional snow removal services in New Bedford, MA and snow removal services in Marion, MA. We also offer snow plowing services in New Bedford, MA and snow plowing services in Marion, MA, serving surrounding towns across Bristol and Plymouth Counties.

Why choose New England Tree & Landscape?

We have decades of local experience, the right equipment, and a reliable crew that understands Massachusetts snow laws and safety standards. And in 35 years of commercial snow removal, we’ve never had a single lawsuit—a record we’re proud of, built on doing things the right way.

Citations

Better Homes & Gardens. “When to Remove Snow: The Ideal Time to Shovel or Snow Blow.” BHG, 6 Mar. 2025. https://www.bhg.com/when-to-remove-snow-11682216

Vaglica, Sal. “Pro Tips for Snow and Ice Removal.” This Old House, 20 Nov. 2024. https://www.thisoldhouse.com/driveways/21018760/pro-tips-snow-and-ice-removal

Rocket Lawyer Editorial Team. “How Quickly Do Snow and Ice Need To Be Removed?” Rocket Lawyer, 9 Dec. 2024. https://www.rocketlawyer.com/real-estate/landlords/property-management/legal-guide/how-quickly-do-snow-and-ice-need-to-be-removed

Massachusetts Court System. “Massachusetts Law About Snow and Ice.” Mass.gov, 2 Apr. 2025. https://www.mass.gov/info-details/massachusetts-law-about-snow-and-ice