Snowy season has come; here’s the best products for removal
Q: I just moved to the suburbs from a city apartment and will have to remove snow from a driveway and sidewalks. How do most people deal with the inevitable snow and ice that will come at some point this winter?
— Matt Burton, Prospect Heights
A: To date, it has been an easy winter, as far as snow and ice removal are concerned — but that isn’t likely to last much longer. One of the most important steps in effective snow management is proper removal.
You may want to consider purchasing a snow thrower or snow blower if you have a large area to clear. A snow thrower is a single-stage machine, in that it gathers snow with an auger and discharges it through the chute in a single motion.
These machines are good for storms with 8 to 9 inches of snow or less. I have used a snow thrower for much deeper snow at home and have a big driveway, but it was very time-consuming to work through the drifts.
A snow blower will be available in bigger sizes to remove snow more quickly and will have more power to handle deep snow. The snow is removed in two stages, with an auger feeding the snow into an impeller, which sends snow through the chute. These machines will typically be self-propelled.
The best choice for you will depend on the size of the area you have to clear. The snow throwers will require more effort on your part to operate.
You most likely will not need to apply de-icing products after every storm, nor on all the driveway and sidewalk surfaces. Read the label of the product you are planning to purchase, and follow the instructions to maximize effectiveness and minimize negative effects on the environment.
Calcium chloride, which works when temperatures are as low as minus 20 degrees Fahrenheit, is less damaging to plants than products made with sodium chloride (rock salt). But it is similarly harmful to carpet, tile and shoes, and it is corrosive to concrete and metal.
A similar product, potassium chloride, is also less damaging to plants and works until temperatures drop below 15 degrees. Calcium magnesium acetate is generally considered to be the best de-icer for having less impact on plants and the environment. It is effective to temperatures as low as 20 degrees.
Many common ice melt products include a blend of active ingredients to maximize performance at different temperatures. The key is to apply the recommended amounts to minimize negative impacts on garden plants and hardscapes — and only when needed.
If the snow or ice was previously treated with a de-icing product, try to avoid piling it on the root zone of just one nearby tree or shrub. Spreading the treated snow around reduces the likelihood of toxicity building up in one area. Also, try to avoid piling treated snow or ice on long-lived trees. Turfgrass can be killed out when excessive amounts of salt-laden snow are piled on it over the course of winter.
An anti-icing product is another option to consider for controlling ice with minimal negative impact on the environment. Anti-icing products are generally applied as a liquid, using a sprayer right before a storm. As the snow falls, the bottom halfinch or so will turn into slush that can be removed, which, in turn, prevents the formation of ice that would require a de-icing product.
The Chicago Botanic Garden uses sand on roads and walks to control slippery conditions, once snow is removed with de-icing products. The sand improves traction on slippery surfaces and is environmentally benign. Try mixing some de-icing product with sand to minimize the amount of chemical used while still keeping walks safe.