Recent winter storms brought ice and snow to Minneapolis, Boston, and Houston. Many property owners were caught unprepared for the icy road and walkway conditions. Finding an effective deicer that’s also safe for your landscaping can be tricky. Here are a few tips on what to look for when you’re hunting for this season’s supply of ice melt.
Choose Your Road Salt Wisely
De-icing products all look alike on store shelves, but each product is very different. Salt is the most popular de-icing agent, but did you know there are different types of salt? Each one has its own ice-melting capacity, price point, and degree of safety.
Rock Salt, aka sodium chloride, is the most common de-icing agent. It’s available, affordable, and easy to spread. But, it only works down to 20 degrees Fahrenheit (sorry, Minnesota). And of all your salt options, rock salt is the most harmful to plants. So, if you’re using it adjacent to grass or landscape beds, it’s not your best bet.
Calcium chloride is another salt option. It works faster than rock salt and at colder temperatures, down to 5 degrees Fahrenheit. But while it won’t hurt your concrete walkways, it will damage or kill your plants. So, it’s more effective for colder climates, but it won’t save your landscaping.
Potash, aka potassium chloride, is better known as a fertilizer. But it is also an effective deicer and safe for your plants as long as you don’t overdo it on the application. Don’t use more than 5 pounds per 100 square feet. Potash is not as fast as rock salt or calcium chloride, but is ultimately more effective.
Magnesium chloride is the most plant-safe bet of your solid ice melt options. It works down to a Minnesota-friendly -13 degrees Fahrenheit and requires just 1–2 pounds per 100 square feet. Magnesium chloride is safe for plants and your paving.
For the Best De-Icing Results, Spray, Don’t Spread
Solid salt ice melt is a conventional choice for de-icing, but Seacole has an innovative and plant-safe option. Our PA Liquid Deicer works in Arctic Circle-level temperatures (below -40 degrees Fahrenheit!). Plus, a single application of our liquid deicer will last longer than solid rock salt. It’s also safe for plants and driveway and walkway surfaces. You can apply our liquid deicer with a standard lawn and garden sprayer.
This winter, don’t let your de-icing product wreak havoc on your spring landscaping. Choose a plant-safe solution like our PA Liquid Deicer for effective and safe ice melting, even in sub-zero weather. Contact Seacole today to place your order.
