Ice-laden trees provide an icy wonderland effect |
Oops! |
Icy surfaces can be hazardous to your
wintertime health so removing snow and ice is a priority. You don’t want to be
quoting the Muppets all day – “Watch out for the icy patch!”
Salt Tolerant Garden near Roadway |
Chemical deicers come in various forms -
pellets, flakes and liquids - but research shows that pellets from 1/16"
to 3/16" work faster. Regardless of
the type, overuse causes problems. Only use as much as necessary.
Don't overuse deicers |
Rock Salt Damage to Grass |
Other chemical choices include calcium chloride which melts ice down
to -25 degrees. Overuse can harm plants. Potassium
chloride is effective to 12 degrees and is a fertilizer; however, overuse
can be deadly to plants. Urea,
ammonia and carbon dioxide, works down to 15 degrees. Although used as a
fertilizer, high concentrations can harm plants. Calcium magnesium acetate, a salt-free deicer using dolomitic
limestone and acetic acid, is effective down to 5 degrees and is particularly
useful in environmentally sensitive areas.
For areas where deicers can't be used, sand or kitty litter can provide
traction but also can be a source of nonpoint pollution.
Learn more about deicers and plant damage:
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