How To Prevent Your Garden From Ice Melts During Heavy Snowfall This Winter In Denver
According to the Farmers’ Almanac Extended Forecast for Winter 2020-2021, it will be a chilly and snowy winter for Denver. The Almanac also predicts above-normal snowfall in northern portions of Colorado.
“The Great Lakes region will get its fair share of snow but expect above-normal snowfall if you live in the western Dakotas, northern portions of Colorado and Utah, as well as Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, and central and eastern sections of Washington and Oregon,” said the Farmers’ Almanac.
During heavy snowfall in winters, you have to put in some effort to keep your walkways and driveways free from snow to provide safe access to your family, pedestrians, and visitors. The use of ice melter for the driveway significantly reduces the manual effort required in shoveling the snow out of the driveways. But, most of the common brands, in the market, use compounds that are harmful to plants, vegetation, pets, and the environment. Therefore, you should take some preventive measures while getting rid of the stubborn ice on the driveways.
Snow And Ice Melt
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1. Excess does more harm
Carefully read the instructions for using the ice melt, including the appropriate quantity required to perform the job. The thumb rule is, using a proper amount of ice melt and spreading it evenly on the entire surface. Try and remove the snow with shovels and use the ice melt only to melt the last layer of stubborn ice on the surface. You can also use colored ice melt for properly identifying the amount applied on the surface and to spread it evenly. For better traction, use coarse sand or wooden dust along with the ice melt.
2. Avoid rock-salt
Rock salt or Sodium Chloride causes maximum damage to the plantation and nearby landscape. When dissolved in water, sodium displaces other minerals in the soil. Therefore, in place of other minerals required by the plant, chloride gets absorbed and damages the metabolic processes of the leaves. The damage appears gradually on the plants as dead needles, usually on the side of the driveways and walkways. Rock salt is economical to use but is not plant-friendly. Hence, you should try to minimize the use of rock salt-based ice melts.
Weather Forecast
[wpc-weather id=”2306″ /]3. Repair salt damage
You can repair or minimize the damage caused by sodium-based salts by draining out the excess salt from the garden with the water. Gypsum can also be used to prevent damage to the plants as it dislodges sodium, allowing the normal soil structure to be restored. You can easily find gypsum at any home improvement store near you.
4. Use eco-friendly ice melt
Using an eco-friendly ice melt for the driveway is the best option to clear the snow without damaging the plants in your garden. They contain non-toxic ingredients that are not only safe for your driveway but also your plants and pets.
Let’s get prepared for the winters. Make sure your snow removal equipment is in good condition. Don’t forget to buy your ice melt before the weather becomes chilling. Knowing the abilities and limitations of your ice melting products will also help you keep your garden in good order.
