Winter snow and ice can be harmful to people trying to walk or drive but they can also be harmful to the environment. Deicing agents can improve sidewalk, driveway and road conditions but they can also damage cement, cars and plants. Using the correct deicer in the correct amount is important for the life of your sidewalks, driveways, lawns and plants.
Deicing agents work by lowering the freezing point of water below 32 degrees F. These materials are salts and include sodium chloride (NaCl), calcium chloride (CaCl₂), potassium chloride (KCl), and magnesium chloride (MgCl₂). Each of these products works at different temperatures and with different speeds. Read the package directions to make sure the product is safe for where you want to use it. Sodium and calcium chloride can damage newly poured concrete and should also not be used on brick or stone surfaces. Abrasive materials like sand do not melt ice or snow but do provide traction when walking or driving on snow and ice.
Here are some tips for using ice removers correctly:
- Remove as much snow or ice as you can before applying a melting product. The products should not be used instead of a shovel for large amounts of snow.
- If applied before ice accumulates it is most effective. It is much easier to prevent ice from forming than to try and melt a thick layer. This is why you often see the roads coated before a storm is expected.
- Avoid piling snow and ice that has been treated around trees and shrubs. When the ground starts to thaw in early spring, heavily water the areas where salt may accumulate over the winter. This should help flush the salt from the root zones of the plants.
- Deicers can be used with sand. This will provide melting and provide for better traction when walking on the surface.
- Be sure and buy deicers early in the season so you have it when you need it.
- If an ice storm is predicted, try covering small areas with heavy plastic or other waterproof materials. This will give you an area where the ice is not allowed to form.
Use caution when dealing with ice and snow this winter. Follow these tips to avoid nasty falls or damage to your plants next spring from using deicing agents.
