Blog Layout
IMPORTANT SELECTION & APPLICATION TECHNIQUES
Winter has arrived and if you haven’t already, soon you will be visited by lots of snow. But life can't stop for snow, which is why we count on ice melt. Are you buying and applying your ice melt the most cost efficient and effective? Ice melt is a great tool to help prevent ice/snow build up as well as slips or falls but results vary depending on the ingredients and application method. Follow these four important tips & techniques to ensure you’re getting the BEST MELT out of your ICE MELT.
1. SELECT THE PROPER ICE MELT
With so many ice melt products out in the market today, trying to choose the right product to use may seem overwhelming. There are many performance characteristics to consider prior to choosing an ice melt that may help you narrow down your choices. For instance, what is the coldest temperature your region is likely to experience or how quickly do you want/need your ice melt to work? Review the info below and chart to learn which ingredients will work best to fit all your Ice Melt needs.
Exothermic Ice Melt (Hygroscopic Deicer):
This product contains calcium chloride and releases heat when it comes in contact with ice. Ice melts that are exothermic work well in dry, cooler temperatures (down to -25°F) because the material attracts any available moisture from the relatively dry surface of ice as well as the surrounding air to chemically react with the moisture to release heat and begin melting ice. Often these products cost slightly more than other blends but are more effective because they work quicker with less product being used.
Endothermic Ice Melt:
This product does not contain calcium chloride. Endothermic ice melt blends require ambient temperature to work. This just means that the product absorbs heat from the atmosphere in order to melt snow/ice. Ice melts that are endothermic work well in mild temperatures (down to 5°F) but will often dissolve snow and ice slower in more dry/cool temperatures. Often these products cost slightly less than other blends but are limited to areas with more mild winters.
- NOTE: Once you determine what type of ice melt to use, consider colorant (dye added to help with even coverage), safe-for-use qualities and environmental impact. All these are determined by you and what your preferences are. Refer to label on your product to determine these qualifications.
2. DON’T WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE
This includes both purchasing and applying your ice melt product. Winter is approaching so instead of waiting until the first snow to purchase ice melt, try making arrangements to have ice melt on hand prior to a storm. If there is an expected storm coming, treat a surface (driveway, sidewalk, outdoor steps, parking lot etc.) ahead of time. A pre-application will prevent snow/ice to bond and build-up on a surface which will ultimately result in less product use in the long run.
- TIP: Apply ice melt before, during and at the end of storm for maximum deicing results.
3. DISPERSE PROPERLY
It is possible to have too much of a good thing with ice melt. Applying large amounts of ice melt at once will not affect the speed of snow and ice melting. Also, too much product can result in damaged surfaces, harm to the environment and unnecessarily increased product use and cost. For efficient and accurate coverage results, a mechanical spreader is recommended; the proper coverage is about one cup per square foot. Product will fan out and undercut the ice, making it easier to remove.
4. STORE PROPERLY
In between storms, be sure to store product in a tightly sealed container to protect it from air, sunlight and moisture. Certain chemicals in ice melt products (Magnesium Chloride and Calcium Chloride) will draw moisture out of the air resulting in a clumpy, hard and degraded product. Left over product at the end of the winter season can be stored in the same container it’s been stored it in all season, but wrap the bag in a dark wrap to prevent any extra light from reaching the product.
- NOTE: Be sure to always store out of reach of children.
For professional fertilizers, humic and AMP-XC™ enriched products available, please visit TurfCare’s online Product Catalog.
For green industry professionals or others interested in ordering Turfcare products, please contact our Customer Service
to find a distributor near you.
Reference:
http://blog.regdist.com/6-important-tips-to-safely-and-effectively-use-ice-melt
http://blog.hpproducts.com/2013/09/reduce-slips-and-falls-this-winter-with-ice-melt/
https://www.greenviewfertilizer.com/articles/prevent-ice-melt-damage
Turf Care Supply - TurfReport Blog
With a focus on providing sustainable manufacturing and reducing carbon emissions, Turf Care Supply has embraced the electric power market with the latest mobile equipment upgrades. Completed in June 2023, TCS received all deliveries of electric forklifts to all three manufacturing facilities, including Hatfield, MA, Martins Ferry, OH and Sebring, FL.
When handling fertilizers and pesticide it is important to follow suggested guidelines and prioritize safety to protect yourself, others, and reduce environmental impact. Here are some general measures to follow: 1.Read and Follow Instructions: Carefully read and understand the product labels, safety data sheets (SDS), and any accompanying instructions provided by the manufacturer. Follow all recommended guidelines, precautions, and application rates.
It’s common knowledge that applying too much fertilizer containing high percentages of readily available nitrogen and water soluble nutrients can result in burn damage to plants, but did you know that damage can still occur even if your application rate is correct? Applying the right product at the right rate, but at the WRONG time can have disastrous consequences.