Milwaukee lawn and snow recommendations

[Jon Coleman]

I'm in the process of closing on my first property in a few weeks and would like to know who the community uses for lawncare and snow removal.  Additionally, I'm curious if you've found companies that offer a flat seasonal rate as opposed to charging per visit (particularly for snow).  Lastly, what have your costs typically worked out to annually for your properties for lawn/snow?  

The first lawn quote I got was $40-50/visit while the snow quote is a lot more complicated as it breaks down plowing, shoveling and salting as well as has tiered pricing based on snowfall.  The prices range from $65-165/visit depending on snowfall plus a separate cost of $25/lb for salting.  This seems very expensive to me, particularly given how frequently it can snow here in Wisconsin.

The property I'm purchasing is a 4 unit on a small lot with about 5 paved spaces off an alley for parking, two walkways on entrances and a short stretch of sidewalk.  It is a good 20 minutes from my home so I'd much prefer to hire for lawn/snow than have to make the trips to take care of it myself.

Thanks!

[Kevin Janssen]

Congrats, I'm nearby there and it's a great neighborhood.  I've done my own snow and lawn removal but thinking of hiring out the lawn care this year.  That snow removal seems crazy especially the salting.  If they are there for the snow removal I wouldn't think the salting would be that much more than than the cost.  FYI a 50lbs bag of rock salt is less than $10 at home depot.  You could always discount a tenant's rent in return for doing the work and provide them a shovel or snowblower and salt.  The person I purchased my 4-unit from did that but at the end of the day it comes down to being your responsibility if they don't do it and someone gets injured.