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Snow removal apps help Pittsburghers deal with winter

PITTSBURGH — As the snow piles up and icy conditions persist, more people in western Pa. are turning to their smart phones for assistance.

If you need your driveway shoveled or your sidewalk salted, there are several apps which can be a huge help, especially for elderly folks.

Thanks to the Plowz & Mowz app, businesses and homeowners are able to request a plow and have it at their property within minutes.

“It’s (the snow) got to be removed because I have customers coming in everyday and a lot of them are older,” said Tad Abel of Ted’s Auto in Braddock.

Ted’s has their parking lot cleared by Sean Smith, a snow contractor who picks up jobs through Plowz and Mowz.

“It generates a lot of business. We do a lot of commercial work. It allows us to pick up jobs on the fly if we are in an area,” said Smith, who owns Clean & Cut Contracting.

Another app, GreenPal, has the same concept.

After answering a series of questions, including driveway size, on-demand snow removal is at the user’s doorstep.

“It makes it really easy and convenient for a lot of people. You don’t have to come out your house, call or talk to somebody. Just call it up on the app,” said Abel.

Smith says most jobs cost $50 to $75.

“Just make sure you’re pre-salting your driveway; that way you don’t get ice buildup, snow buildup. It’s just easier to maintain,” he said.