Winter is Here - All About Ice Melt

It is hard to believe winter is already upon us. The flowers have died back, the leaves have fallen, and the sidewalks are covered in snow. It's time to get that snow shovel ready and pull out the bag of ice melt. But what type of ice melt are you using?

Not all ice melts are created equal, so it is important to know the difference between products prior to purchasing. Some ice melts have additives to protect plants and sidewalks, while others have just one or two ingredients. Most ice melts are very effective at melting ice, but can cause damage to sidewalks and plants. This month’s blog is quick look at the three most common types of ice melt.

Calcium Chloride works by forming a brine to help the ice melt quicker, however its safety is debated for its impact on both human and animals.

Magnesium chloride is more effective in colder weather than sodium chloride. It is also less harmful to concrete and plants, but does tend to melt ice slower.

Sodium chloride is essentially table salt (but most formulations have other ingredients to protect plants and metal surfaces.) It works by lowering the freezing point of ice. Its relatively safe for cement but can be damage plants. Sodium chloride can also cause irritation to dog paws if not rinsed off after exposure.

Although Desert Rose no longer provides snow removal, we do recommend Melt-Off Ice Melt®. It is specially formulated with anti- corrosion, vegetation enhancers and protectors to keep plants and cement safe.

No matter which ice melt you decide to use, make sure to follow the directions carefully, stay safe, and try to stay warm this winter!