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Frequently Asked Questions

It depends on what kind of road you live on.

If you are not sure which you’re on, Geauga County Engineer has a “who to contact” resources page that’s built for exactly this situation. Geauga County Engineer

  • If it’s a county road, Geauga County Engineer says you can report it by calling (440) 279-1800 or emailing gce@geauga.oh.gov. Geauga County Engineer

  • If it’s a township road, Chester Township’s Roads Department is the place to start (they publish their department info and local contact details). Chester Township

  • If it’s a state road, contact ODOT. Chester Township

Because physics hates us. Road plows push snow to the side, and the driveway opening is a low spot where the snow piles up. It’s normal, and it’s why a lot of homeowners do a quick “apron pass” after the street plow comes through.

Tip: Ask your plow provider if driveway apron clearing is included, or priced as an add-on.

Both exist. Quick rule:

  • Seasonal is usually best if you want predictable service and fewer “please pick up” calls.

  • Per push / per event is fine if you travel a lot or you’re okay handling storm-by-storm decisions.

Ask your provider what the trigger depth is (2″, 3″, “end of storm,” etc.) so you know what you’re actually buying.

Five questions that prevent 80% of winter frustration:

  1. Trigger depth

  2. Start time and route window

  3. What’s included (driveway only vs sidewalks, salting)

  4. Communication (text on arrival, updates, emergency storms)

  5. Damage policy (stakes, curbs, mailbox area)

It happens, especially when the snow is heavy and plow windrows are flying.

Two USPS-related points that are helpful to know:

  • USPS states they do not maintain personal mailboxes, and the property owner is responsible for repair. USPS FAQs

  • USPS also publishes standard placement guidance (like height and setback), which can help reduce risk. USPS

If your mailbox gets damaged: document it (photos, date/time, which road agency or contractor was operating), and contact the responsible party if you can identify them.

Yes. USPS has reminded customers that they must remove obstructions, including snow, that could impede safe and efficient delivery. USPS

Translation: clear a path so your carrier can reach it safely.

  • Put in driveway edge stakes before the first big storm

  • Mark any hidden features (curbing, drain caps, landscape lights)

  • Keep the driveway as visible as possible (cars off the apron when you can)

  • Tell the crew if you have pavers or tight turnarounds

Salt helps safety, but it can be rough on surfaces and paws. Many contractors offer alternatives like calcium-based products or more targeted application. If you have pets, ask what they use and where they apply it (walks vs driveway vs apron).

If you see a plow, give it space. ODOT’s winter driving guidance emphasizes patience, extra room, and avoiding risky moves around plows. Ohio Department of Transportation

Private roads often require private service. If you’re in an HOA or on a private drive, confirm who owns maintenance responsibility and whether a neighborhood contract already exists.

Route density. When a provider can clear multiple homes on one street in a tight loop, everyone wins.

That’s why Pigybak pushes the “do it with your neighbors” model. If you want to coordinate a few homes on your street into one request, Pigybak’s “neighbor effect” playbook is here:

If you’re curious, Pigybak keeps a hub of comparison pages here (handy for quick context):

Yep, here are two related posts to link in your Chesterland article:

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