We are at the apex of driveway markers installation time. Picking the right time to stake your properties can be tricky. Install the markers too early, and have the high school kids rip them out of the ground and have fencing matches with them. Install the snow stakes too late, and even worse, we get a blizzard in October.

We poll about 100 snow removal companies a year on different snow stake best practices. One of the most important questions we ask our customers is, when they do their snow staking.

As expected, significant snow staking begins in early October. This is basically in colder climates that get snow fall around that time. In places like the northeast and midwest, some snow plow companies still stake this early, but the risk of theft and misuse in this time frame is high.

Towards the end of October, snow plowing companies really start to pick up their staking. Around 25% of all snow removal companies start to stake between October 16th and October 31st. Obviously the danger with this is having the stakes down during Halloween. This will increase the likelihood of theft and damage. Some cities and towns have strict laws in place that have staking time restrictions.

All of November is a busy for staking. For the most part contracts have been finalized(hopefully). Also, from Massachusetts to Illinois, there is a chance of snow fall. It is important to get the properties staked during this time to satisfy the customers and be prepared for storms.

With weather patterns changing and heavy snow fall coming later and later each year, it has become more popular to stake later in the season. After mid November, about 30% of the remainder of snow removal companies stake their properties. This is past the Halloween point, but with some luck and warmer weather, the ground is soft enough for the easiest installation.