A Season Without Slips: The Homeowner’s Guide to Mastering Road Salt

Winter in Utah can be as dangerous as it is beautiful. The “greatest snow on Earth” also results in icy driveways, slippery sidewalks, and frozen steps that pose a safety hazard for your family, guests, delivery drivers, and even pets. While most homeowners know they should use ice melt products or road salt, far fewer know how to apply them correctly.

Using too little won’t melt ice. Using too much can damage concrete, harm landscaping, and waste money. The good news? With the right techniques and the right products, you can enjoy a season without slips.

At Kilgore Landscape Center in West Jordan, we’ve helped homeowners across the Wasatch Front manage winter conditions for decades. This guide breaks down everything you need to know to apply road salt and ice melt like a pro.

Understanding the Difference: Road Salt vs. Ice Melt

Before diving into techniques, it’s important to understand what you’re applying. Road salts (typically sodium chloride) are commonly used on streets and large paved areas. It’s affordable and effective in milder winter temperatures, but loses performance as temperatures drop below about 20°F. 

Ice melt products are often blended formulas that include magnesium chloride, calcium chloride, or other ingredients designed to lower the freezing point of water in colder conditions. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, magnesium chloride solutions, although more expensive, are safer than traditional road salts. For homeowners, ice melt products are often the better choice, especially in Utah winters where overnight temperatures frequently drop well below freezing.

Timing Is Everything: When to Apply Ice Melt

One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make when applying ice melt is waiting too long. If snow or freezing rain is in the forecast, apply ice melt before precipitation begins. This is called anti-icing—a pro technique that prevents ice from bonding to surfaces, makes snow removal easier, and reduces the total amount of product needed.

Once snow is cleared, all you’ll need to do is apply a light, even layer of ice melt to handle remaining ice and prevent overnight refreezing.

Less Is More: Proper Application Rates

When it comes to ice melt and road salt, more product does not mean better results. Overapplication is one of the most common (and costly) errors. Excess ice melt can damage concrete, asphalt, and nearby grass and plants. It can also be an irritant to pets’ paws and be tracked into your home—all while wasting your money.

A good rule of thumb is a thin, even spread of product. Ice melt works by creating brine on the surface of the ice by mixing with liquid water. Once that process starts, adding more product won’t speed things up.

Choose the Right Product for Utah Winters

Temperature matters when it comes to choosing the best product. Always check the effective melting range of your ice melt. At Kilgore Landscape Center, one of our top recommendations for homeowners is Purple Heat Ice Melt. This premium product:

• Melts ice down to -15°F (-26°C)

• Uses an 8% magnesium blend for cold-weather performance

• Is safer on concrete and asphalt

• Is pet and environmentally friendly when used as directed

• Uses purple, organic, non-staining dye to prevent overapplication

The purple color is especially helpful for homeowners. It shows you exactly where you’ve applied product, ensuring even coverage and reducing waste.

Surface Matters: Protecting Concrete and Asphalt

Concrete damage is a common winter complaint, and improper road salts combined with refreezing ice are often the cause. To best protect your concrete and asphalt surfaces, avoid using basic rock salt on newer or decorative concrete, opting for gentler formulas instead. Be sure to sweep up excess product once ice has melted, and remember that leftover product can be reused. Don’t apply ice melt to dry, undamaged concrete unless it’s necessary.

Kilgore Landscape Center offers concrete-safe ice melts designed to minimize freeze-thaw damage while still delivering strong melting performance. Talk with one of our expert staff members to learn more about what’s best for your needs.

Tools That Make a Difference

You don’t need professional equipment to apply ice melt properly, but the right tools help ensure even application. The best tools for homeowners can include:

• Handheld broadcast spreaders

• Small scoop for targeted application

• Stiff broom for distributing granules evenly

Avoid dumping ice melt in piles. Spread it evenly, focusing on high-traffic areas like steps, entryways, and sloped driveways.

Pet and Plant Safety Tips

Many homeowners worry about pets and landscaping during winter, and rightly so. Excess salt can stick to pets’ paws and be ingested when they lick them, leading to paw irritation and upset stomachs. If you’re looking for the safest option for your pets, choose pet-friendly ice melt products like Purple Heat Ice Melt. Be sure to wipe pets’ paws after walks, and avoid spreading product where pets frequently sit or play. 

Protecting your landscaping is also an important winter concern. To keep your plants from being harmed, don’t over-apply ice melt near lawns or garden beds. Sweep excess granules off the pavement once ice melts, and store ice melt properly to prevent spills. Using the right product in the right amount greatly reduces environmental impact.

Common Ice Melt Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced homeowners make these errors:

• Waiting until ice is thick and compacted

• Using basic rock salt in extreme cold

• Overapplying product

• Ignoring temperature ratings

• Leaving excess salt on surfaces after melting

Avoiding these mistakes will improve safety, prevent product waste, and extend the life of your concrete and asphalt.

Why Buy Ice Melt Locally?

When you purchase ice melt from a local supplier like Kilgore’s Salt Lake landscape center, you benefit from:

• Expert advice based on Utah winters

• Professional-grade products

• Bulk road salt options and reliable supply

• Supporting a locally owned business

Kilgore Landscape Center is part of Asphalt Materials, a privately owned company founded in 1975. For over 40 years, we’ve served Salt Lake County and the Wasatch Front with quality ice melt salt and landscaping materials. Both public customers and professionals are always welcome.

Make This Winter Safer

Mastering road salt and ice melt isn’t complicated—it just requires the right approach. By choosing the best ice melt, applying it correctly, and planning ahead, you can keep your property safe all winter long without damaging surfaces or wasting money.

If you’re ready to upgrade your winter maintenance routine, Kilgore Landscape Center in West Jordan is here to help. Call 801-561-4231 to schedule a pickup or delivery and get expert guidance on the best ice melt products for your home.

This winter, don’t just react to ice—stay ahead of it. With the right techniques and trusted products, a season without slips is well within reach.