As we prepare for the upcoming winter season, we’d like to share important information about snow removal services at Trillium Farms. Our contractor, Elevations Landscaping, will begin operations November 15 through April 15, under our renewed agreement.
Service Overview
- Snow removal will begin after an accumulation of 2 inches or more of snow within a 24-hour period.
- Driveways and sidewalks will generally be cleared 6–10 hours after snowfall stops, depending on total accumulation.
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- For snowfalls up to 6 inches, clearing is typically completed within 6–8 hours.
- For 6–10 inches, clearing may take 10–12 hours.
- Public roads remain the responsibility of the City of West Chicago in a cooperative agreement with Winfield Township.
De-Icing Selection (Resident Action Required)
- Each homeowner must indicate to PSI Property Management whether they DO or DO NOT want their driveway salted this winter season.
- Driveways will be clearly marked with identifiable markers showing the chosen option.
- Please return your selection promptly to ensure your preference is followed during service events.
- IF you wish to purchase a salt bucket, please read through the attached document carefully. Please let PSI know by November 25, 2025.
Application Method
Elevations will apply salt using handheld push-spreaders, operated by personnel walking driveways and sidewalks.
- No trucks will be used to dump salt from B-boxes onto driveways this year.
- This new method minimizes over-salting and ensures even, controlled distribution.
- Snowblowers will be used on sidewalks, around mailboxes and fire hydrants.
Environmental Consideration and Repairs
This improved approach helps reduce excess salt use and prevents runoff damage to lawns and concrete. Calcium Chloride Salt will be used by vendor as recommended for asphalt driveways.
If any damage to the driveway-edge turf occurs, Elevations has committed to repairing affected areas in early April, once weather allows for proper turf restoration.
Hand Shoveling and Porch Areas
- Crews will shovel front porch up to entryway, but will include salting only up to stoop to prevent over-salting concerns from last year
- No salt will be applied to porches or entryways to reduce over salting concerns.
- Homeowners who wish to have salt provided for personal use on porches may request a salt bucket and refill service directly through Elevations (see attached request form). Costs for this optional service will be at the homeowner’s expense.
Equipment Improvements
To further protect driveway surfaces, Elevations will be using POLY bases on all Skid Steer Plows, reducing scraping and surface wear as part of the 2026 contract upgrades.
Turf and Property Care
While every effort is made to avoid turf disturbance during snow removal, some damage may occur—especially early or late in the season when the ground is not fully frozen. Any such areas will be inspected and repaired in spring.
Communication
All of these Snow/Salt contract modifications reflect your Landscaping Committee’s recommendations in cooperation with Elevations management. If you notice any missed areas, damage, or concerns, please contact the Property Management Office (PSI) rather than approaching crews directly. This ensures all issues are properly logged and addressed efficiently.
We appreciate your cooperation and patience throughout the snow season. These updates are designed to provide a safer, more environmentally conscious, and higher-quality snow removal service for our community.
Additional Notes:
- Turf Repairs Along Driveways:
With the season coming to an end, additional turf repairs along driveway edges will be postponed until spring. At this point in the year, we want to avoid germination since roots will not have adequate time to establish before winter. After the snow season ends (typically early April), we will walk the community to mark areas in need of repair, including any new damage that may occur from snowplowing. Repairs will then be scheduled accordingly. This approach also avoids installing turf blankets now that could be damaged during snow removal.
- Potential for Turf Damage During Snow Removal:
While our goal is always to avoid turf damage during plowing, it can occasionally occur—especially if the ground has not yet frozen during early snow events. To maintain sufficient space for future snowfall, snow may need to be pushed slightly into turf areas. This was not a concern last winter, but if we experience heavier snowfall this year or limited melt periods between events, some minor turf disturbance may occur.
- Salt Buckets for Homeowners:
An informational flyer will be distributed soon with details for homeowners interested in purchasing individual salt buckets. This will be an optional item available for personal use.
Opt-Out Salting Addresses:
For homeowners who prefer not to have salting performed in front of their driveways, we will begin compiling a list of those addresses once salting is approved. This will allow us to mark those areas with specific snow stakes ahead of the winter season. There is still time to organize this list, but we would like to start gathering information soon
