Winter snow and ice management is a top concern for homeowners and businesses alike, particularly in places like Salt Lake City, where harsh weather is expected. While road salts and ice melt salt are essential for safety, understanding how they impact pets and the environment can help make responsible choices. Kilgore Landscape Center offers several concrete safe ice melts designed to minimize environmental impact while providing effective deicing.
Ingredients Matter: Choosing Concrete Safe Ice Melts
Different deicers vary widely in their environmental impact. Traditional rock salt (sodium chloride) is cost-effective but releases high levels of chloride into the environment, leading to soil contamination, plant damage, and waterway pollution. Alternatives like “calcium chloride and the magnesium chloride tend not to release as much chloride as the sodium chloride and the potassium chloride do.” This means they are generally safer, causing less concrete and environmental damage and being gentler on vegetation and pets.
Products like those offered by Kilgore Landscape Center, such as Polar Ice Melt and Purple Heat Ice Melt, are designed with these considerations in mind.
Magnesium chloride, for example, is a common ingredient in eco-friendly ice melts and has a lower chloride concentration than sodium chloride. It’s known to be less corrosive and remains effective at temperatures down to -10°F, making it a popular choice for areas with extremely cold weather. Calcium chloride, another alternative, has even greater melting power in cold temperatures and can melt ice down to -25°F, though it’s slightly more corrosive than magnesium chloride. These concrete safe ice melts make it easier to maintain safety without sacrificing environmental health.
Protecting Paws: Pet-Friendly Ice Melts
If pets frequently roam on treated surfaces, it’s especially important to select products that limit chemical exposure. Many deicing products contain irritants “in slush that can harm pets’ paws” and, if ingested, can cause serious health issues. Pet-friendly ice melts, like those available from Kilgore, use ingredients that are safer for animals while still offering strong melting performance.
Some products, such as Purple Heat Ice Melt, are even tinted with a color indicator, making it easy to see where the product has been applied. This feature ensures you use just enough product without over-applying, which further reduces the risk for pets and minimizes runoff into gardens or other sensitive areas.
Practical Tips for Responsible Ice Melt Use
To get the best results from these pet and concrete safe ice melts while safeguarding your property, here are some helpful practices:
- Clear Snow First: Remove as much snow as possible before applying ice melt. This reduces the amount needed, making it more effective and economical.
- Apply Sparingly: Follow the recommended application rates, as overuse can lead to more runoff and potential harm to nearby soil and plants. For example, some of Kilgore’s ice melts recommend a specific application rate to avoid excess.
- Use Spreaders for Even Application: A broadcast spreader can help ensure that the product is applied evenly, reducing the chance of accidental overuse. This also cuts down on indoor tracking.
- Store Properly: Ensure that ice melts are stored in dry, airtight containers to prevent clumping and keep them ready for future use.
Where Should I Buy?
By selecting environmentally conscious ice melts like Polar Ice Melt or Purple Heat Ice Melt from local suppliers in Salt Lake City, homeowners and businesses can improve safety without the drawbacks of traditional salts. Responsible application techniques can further reduce environmental impact, helping to protect pets, plants, and concrete surfaces. Whether you’re a homeowner with pets or a business managing a large property, choosing the right product and using it mindfully can make a significant difference in winter safety and environmental responsibility.
