With the recent snow and cold weather most of us have to use some type of product to help keep the resulting ice under control. There are many products on the market that can be used and each has different properties, end results and impact on your landscape. These products can be very effective if used correctly. But if they are overused or misapplied, they can damage the concrete as well as nearby plant material, including the lawn.
There are four main materials that are used as chemical de-icers:
The traditional product that has been used is calcium chloride. It will transform ice into a slippery, slimy surface. This product is effective to about minus 15 degrees. Plants are not likely to be harmed unless excessive amounts are used.
Salt is the least expensive material available. It is effective to approximately 10 degrees but can damage soil, plants and metals.
Potassium chloride can also cause serious injury when washed or splashed on foliage. Both calcium chloride and potassium chloride can damage the roots of plants.
Calcium magnesium acetate or CMA is a newer product that is made from dolomitic limestone and acetic acid, the main compound found in vinegar. CMA works differently than other materials in that it does not form brine-like salts, but rather helps prevent snow particles from sticking to each other on the surface. It has little effect on plant growth or concrete. The product works best when temperatures remain about 20 degrees.
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All of these products are acceptable for use. Limited use of any of these products should cause little damage.
Problems occur when they are used excessively and there is not adequate rainfall/moisture to wash or leach the material from the area. It is still best to remove the snow and ice by hand when possible and spot treat with the ice melts, thereby using lesser amounts. Putting these products on newly poured cement is also not recommended for the first year.
If damage from de-icers is going to occur, it will not be noticeable right away. Problems are uncovered in the spring when the plants and grass along the walks are dead.
For areas that may have had excessive runoff or product applied – additional hand watering in the winter on warmer days will contribute to your plant health in the spring.