How to Apply Ice Melt Salt Safely to Protect Your Pets and the Environment

Kilgore Landscape Center, based in Salt Lake City, provides several options for ice melt salt formulated to reduce the risk of damage to concrete surfaces and the environment. Products such as Purple Heat Ice Melt and Polar Ice Melt contain pet-friendly and environmentally conscious ingredients that make them a practical choice for homes and commercial spaces alike.

Key Features of Kilgore's Ice Melts

1. Temperature Resistance: Kilgore’s ice melts are engineered to work at low temperatures, clearing surfaces even during Utah’s colder months.
2. Anti-Corrosive Formulations: By using ingredients like magnesium chloride, Kilgore's products are gentle on concrete, minimizing surface damage and preserving driveway and patio integrity.
3. Color Indicators: Products like Purple Heat are dyed purple to aid in application control, allowing you to easily see where it’s applied and reduce the chance of overuse. This is not only economical but also reduces environmental impact.

Step-by-Step Guide for Safe Application

Using Kilgore’s products effectively requires careful application. Here are some steps to ensure both pet safety and environmental protection:

1. Prepare Your Surfaces

Begin by clearing as much snow as possible using a shovel or snowblower. Excess snow limits the effectiveness of ice melt by diluting it, and piling it up away from concrete areas reduces refreezing on treated surfaces.

• Tip: Apply Kilgore’s Polar Ice Melt or Purple Heat Ice Melt after snow removal. These concrete-safe ice melts have specific melting points that work best when applied to thin ice layers rather than thick snow.

2. Apply the Recommended Amount

Applying the correct quantity of ice melt salt is essential for preventing damage to surfaces and avoiding harmful runoff. For example, Kilgore Landscape Center’s Polar Ice Melt requires 2 to 4 ounces per square yard for each quarter-inch of ice.

Using too much ice melt can lead to:

• Over-saturation of the soil, which harms nearby plants.
• More residue on surfaces, increasing the likelihood of pets walking through excessive salt.
• Potential over-exposure of concrete to chemicals, leading to surface degradation over time.

By following recommended amounts, you maintain a safer environment for both pets and surrounding vegetation.

3. Distribute Evenly Using a Spread Tool

Uneven application can lead to patchy melting and unnecessary buildup in certain areas. Kilgore’s Purple Heat Ice Melt and Polar Ice Melt are designed to spread smoothly, especially when applied using a broadcast or tailgate spreader. This helps cover larger areas consistently and prevents accumulation that could cause harm to plants and soil.

• Tip: A spreader tool helps even out coverage while minimizing the amount of product needed. This helps the environment and helps to save money. You can also spread by hand but is less reliable in avoiding product waste.

Benefits of Kilgore's Concrete-Safe Ice Melts

Kilgore Landscape Center’s ice melt salt products are specifically designed to reduce harm to concrete surfaces while performing reliably on tough ice. This is particularly helpful for residents near Salt Lake City, where winter conditions can lead to rapid ice buildup.

1. Longevity of Concrete: Traditional rock salt can increase the freeze-thaw cycle, which weakens concrete over time. Kilgore’s Salt Lake landscape center offers concrete safe ice melts which are created to prevent excessive freeze-thaw damage, preserving concrete and asphalt surfaces longer.
2. Pet-Friendly Ingredients: Products like Purple Heat Ice Melt are safe for pets when used as directed. It reduces the chance of skin irritation and other reactions. These products are created with ice-melt materials that do not harm pets in the way harsher chemicals can.
3. Visibility for Safety: The colored dye in Kilgore's ice melts helps to easily see your application, which minimizes overuse and makes sure that the right areas are covered.

Environmental Considerations When Using Kilgore's Ice Melt Products

Applying ice melt salt can impact the surrounding environment if not done thoughtfully. Following Kilgore Landscape Center’s guidelines for proper use of products like Polar Ice Melt and Purple Heat Ice Melt will help lessen these effects.

Minimize Runoff

Runoff from melting ice can carry salts into nearby soil and plants, potentially causing harm. To avoid this, Kilgore’s products include anti-caking agents like Yellow Prussiate of Soda (YPS) that help the ice melt stay in place longer and reduce runoff.

• Tip: Avoid excessive application near plants or direct runoff areas. This can be done by applying a moderate amount of ice melt around concrete areas instead of directly on nearby soil.

Limit Ice Melt Use Near Sensitive Plants

Even with pet and concrete safe ice melts, it’s best to limit the use of ice melt salts near sensitive vegetation. Kilgore’s pet-friendly products help reduce soil contamination risks, but using a physical barrier like gravel or mulch between treated surfaces and garden beds can add extra protection.

Pet Safety Tips with Kilgore’s Ice Melt Products

Using pet-friendly ice melts does not completely eliminate the need for precautions. Here’s how to keep pets safe around ice melt applications:

1. Wipe Paws After Walks
• Even pet-safe formulas can cause mild skin irritation. After pets walk on treated surfaces, wipe their paws with a damp cloth to remove any residue.
2. Avoid Concentrated Spots
• Pets can be sensitive to ice melt salts, so try to avoid areas where a lot of product has been applied. With Kilgore’s color-coded ice melts like Purple Heat Ice Melt, it’s easy to identify concentrated areas and limit pet exposure.
3. Monitor for Ingestion
• Curious pets may attempt to lick surfaces where ice melt has been applied. Prevent this by limiting pet access to heavily salted areas and ensuring surfaces are well-covered with a thin, even layer.

Kilgore’s Range of Pet and Concrete Safe Ice Melts

Kilgore Landscape Center’s selection of ice melt products offers tailored solutions for various winter conditions, making them a reliable source for landscaping materials for Salt Lake City residents. Here’s a closer look at some of their most popular options:

Polar Ice Melt

• Effective Temperature: Works at temperatures as low as -25°F.
• Environmentally Conscious: Contains non-corrosive ingredients and is safe for both concrete and pets.
• Usage Tip: Spread in thin layers for best results; the product’s blue dye allows easy application tracking, so you can avoid overuse and protect nearby soil.

Purple Heat Ice Melt

• Effective Temperature: Melts ice down to -15°F.
• Unique Blend: Contains an 8% magnesium blend, making it powerful yet safer for concrete and less corrosive than traditional salts.
• Usage Tip: Apply sparingly around concrete and vegetation; Purple Heat’s visibility dye helps control quantity, making it easy to prevent excessive runoff or build-up near sensitive areas.

Why Choose Kilgore Landscape Center for Ice Melt Salt?

Kilgore’s Salt Lake Landscape Center offers premium ice melt salts that are designed with both safety and efficiency in mind. Based in Salt Lake City, they provide various options tailored to Utah’s demanding winter environment. By selecting Kilgore’s products, you gain access to:

1. Proven, Reliable Solutions: Kilgore’s extensive experience with local winters ensures their ice melts are built to withstand low temperatures and challenging conditions.
2. Convenience for Local Pickup and Delivery: Kilgore Landscape Center offers convenient pickup in Salt Lake City for small quantities and bulk orders, making it easy to access high-quality ice melt whenever you need it.
3. Environmentally Conscious Options: Kilgore’s products prioritize the environment, with formulations aimed at reducing runoff impact and safe use around vegetation.

Selecting the right ice melt salts and applying them correctly can prevent damage to pets, property, and the environment. Kilgore Landscape Center’s concrete safe ice melts provide an effective solution for winter safety, helping Utah residents navigate the season with peace of mind. Whether you’re caring for a residential driveway or a commercial property, Kilgore’s reliable products ensure that winter safety doesn’t come at the expense of environmental health or pet well-being.