Deicers Safe for Plants

slippery sidewalksJanuary in Iowa usually brings a certain amount of cold weather and snow. Snow can be good, acting as an insulating blanket for plants and eventually watering those same plants when the temperatures thaw. This snow on sidewalks, driveways and streets however,  can cause a huge headache for anyone trying to get around. To prevent accidents to motorists and pedestrians, it is common to use deicing compounds to melt the ice and snow. These chemicals certainly improve travel conditions, but they can be harmful to automobiles, concrete surfaces and plants.

The most commonly used deicing salts include: Calcium Chloride, Sodium Chloride, Potassium Chloride and Calcium Magnesium Acetate. Limited use of any of these products should cause little or no injury to plants. Problems appear when any of the products are used excessively.

Calcium Chloride  –  melts ice to -25 degrees F  –  not likely to harm plants unless used excessively

Sodium Chloride  –  melts ice to 12 degrees F  –  can damage soils, plants and metals   –   least expensive material

Potassium Chloride  –  can cause serious plant injury when washed or splashed on foliage; can also cause root damage to plants

Calcium Magnesium Acetate  –  melts ice to 20 degrees F  –  has little effect on plant growth or concrete surfaces  –  a newer product

To minimize damage, it is important to use any of these products according to the directions on the package. Always remove as much of the snow and ice as possible before adding the deicing chemicals. When spring arrives, heavily water areas where salt accumulates, focusing on any plants that may have been in the path of these chemicals.  For additional information, check out De-Icers and Plant Health by PennState Extension.

Beth Marrs

I graduated from Iowa State University with a degree in Adult Home Economics Education. I love to cook and entertain and spend time with my family.

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One thought on “Deicers Safe for Plants

  1. Is melted snow ok to use for watering my indoor succulent plants? I live in Southeast Michigan. The snow in my yard is NOT near any salt (in other words, not near roads or sidewalks that use salt. My succulents are very expensive plates and I do not want to kill them. Could you please educate me on this?

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