Lola Rose is a writer for Akomplice, a Marketing Company and Marketing Technology Agency located in Salt Lake City, Utah.
1. Choosing Concrete Safe Ice Melts for Winter Protection
Did you know that not all ice melt products are designed for concrete surfaces? Many de-icing products can damage driveways and sidewalks and even hurt pets. However, there are specific products like Purple Heat Ice Melt and Polar Ice Melt which are designed to address these concerns. These ice melt salts are suitable for driveways, patios, and sidewalks and are also pet-friendly. This is because they use magnesium chloride or other non-corrosive materials, which perform well at low temperatures without excessive harm to surfaces.
Kilgore Landscape Center is a Salt Lake landscape center in Utah that offers these products and more to help homeowners, contractors, and municipalities make better decisions when it comes to snow and ice removal.
2. Applying Ice Melt Salt with Pets and Plants in Mind
When searching for road salt near me, you should ask yourself if you have pets, plants, and runoff areas that you may need to be aware of. Once you’ve selected your ice melt, here’s how to safely apply your product.
Apply Only What’s Needed
Using excessive amounts of ice melt can lead to environmental contamination. Kilgore Landscape Center and many other salt and ice suppliers in Utah recommend specific application rates, such as 2 to 4 ounces per square yard for Polar Ice Melt, to avoid overuse. Controlled application will lessen residue left over, keeping pets safer and limiting chemical runoff to surrounding plants and soil.
Use Color Indicators
Ice melt salt, like Purple Heat Ice Melt, can be dyed for easy visibility. This makes it easier to track applications and has an even spread. This reduces the chance of pets coming into contact with large amounts of salt. The color allows you to spot treated areas, so you avoid repeated applications that could harm soil and nearby plants and make you run out faster.
3. Environmental and Pet-Friendly Alternatives
Using concrete safe ice melts that are gentle on the environment and safe for pets is especially important for homes with outdoor pets. Products like Kilgore’s Polar Ice Melt offer a blend of magnesium chloride and sodium silicate, which break down in the environment more effectively than harsher chemicals. When used correctly, these options provide effective ice management without compromising plant health or pet safety.
Reduce Runoff Impact
Even pet-friendly ice melts can affect local plants and water systems if not applied carefully. Keep the application limited to hard surfaces rather than garden areas or lawns, where salt can alter soil composition and harm root systems. Also, consider placing mats or gravel barriers between treated surfaces and nearby greenery.
4. Storing Ice Melt Safely and Responsibly
Proper storage ensures that your ice melt maintains effectiveness while reducing environmental impact. Keep ice melt products in a dry, sealed container away from moisture to prevent clumping. Some ice melts contain anti-caking agents that enhance storage life, but storing them properly further preserves product quality and usability.
Get Prepared Now
Using ice melt salt is necessary for safe winter walkways, but it’s essential to apply it responsibly. Concrete-safe products like Purple Heat Ice Melt and Polar Ice Melt from Kilgore Landscape Center and others in Salt Lake City offer options designed to protect your property while reducing environmental and pet-related concerns.
