Utah Landscape: Preparing Your Yard as the Beehive State Turns to Winter

As the air gets crisp and the Wasatch Mountains start to glisten with early snow, Utah homeowners know it’s time to start preparing for winter. Winter means icy walkways, which lead to slips and falls—and according to the CDC, about 37% of falls result in injuries that require medical treatment. Keeping your walkways and driveways safe is no joke.

At Kilgore Landscape Center, we’ve been helping Utah residents and contractors prepare for every season since 1975. From ice melt and bulk road salt to decorative rock, soil, mulch, and asphalt materials, we provide everything you need to maintain and protect your property — even when winter storms roll through the Beehive State.

Here are our tips for keeping your piece of the Utah landscape safe and slip-free all winter long.

1. Protect Your Surfaces with Quality Ice Melt and Road Salt

When temperatures drop and snow starts to fall, ice becomes one of the biggest hazards on your property. Slippery walkways, driveways, and parking areas can quickly become dangerous. The key to preventing accidents and protecting your concrete or asphalt is choosing the right ice melt and road salt near me.

Understanding Your Options

At Kilgore Landscape Center, we offer a range of deicing products designed for both residential and commercial use, including:

• Bulk Road Salts: Perfect for large driveways, parking lots, and roads.
  
  

• Ice Melt Blends: Designed for superior performance in freezing temperatures.
  
  

• Purple Heat Ice Melt: A premium deicing product that melts ice in temperatures as low as -15°F.
  
  

Purple Heat, in particular, is a customer favorite. It features an 8% magnesium blend and a purple, organic, non-staining dye that allows for controlled application, meaning you use less while still achieving powerful coverage.

Why Choose a Magnesium-Based Ice Melt?

Traditional rock salt (sodium chloride) loses its effectiveness once temperatures drop below about 20°F — something Utah winters regularly experience. Magnesium chloride blends like Purple Heat work much better in sub-zero conditions and generate heat as they dissolve, helping ice melt faster.

These blends are also less corrosive, making them gentler on concrete, metal, plants, and pets’ paws when applied as recommended.

How to Apply Ice Melt Effectively

• Apply early: Pre-treat surfaces before storms to prevent ice bonding.
  
  

• Use sparingly: A little goes a long way. Over-application can cause residue buildup and unnecessary waste.
  
  

• Reapply strategically: After heavy snow removal, lightly reapply to prevent refreezing.
  
  

For large areas, tailgate salt spreaders make the job easy. Purple Heat works perfectly in these systems.

2. Prep Your Landscape for Frost and Snow

Your plants and garden beds need protection too. As the Beehive State shifts from autumn to winter, taking a few simple steps can make a big difference in your landscape’s health come springtime.

Add Mulch for Insulation

Before the first hard freeze, it’s helpful to apply a layer of mulch around your garden beds, trees, and shrubs. Mulch acts as natural insulation, protecting roots from temperature fluctuations and helping the soil retain moisture through the cold, dry months.

Kilgore Landscape Center offers a range of mulch landscaping products, including natural bark mulch and compost blends. These products not only protect your soil but also keep your yard looking neat and well-kept all winter long.

Protect Exposed Soil and Slopes

If you have bare soil or newly landscaped areas, cover them with mulch, rock, or erosion-control fabric. Winter storms and melting snow can cause runoff and erosion that damage your landscape.

Trim and Prune Wisely

Cut back perennials and dead growth before snowfall, but avoid heavy pruning on trees and shrubs until late winter or early spring. This helps protect plants from winter injury and promotes healthy regrowth.

3. Check Drainage and Water Flow

One of the most overlooked parts of Utah landscape winter preparation is drainage. When snow melts, poor drainage can lead to pooling, ice buildup, or even property damage.

Here’s how to prevent that:

• Clear gutters and downspouts to ensure meltwater flows freely.
  
  

• Add river rock or gravel in drainage channels to guide water away from foundations and walkways.
  
  

• Inspect slopes and low spots to make sure water drains properly — not into your garage or patio.
  
  

At Kilgore Landscape Center, we carry decorative river rock and gravel that not only enhance drainage but also add a natural aesthetic touch to your yard.

4. Store and Maintain Your Outdoor Materials

Before the first big storm hits, take stock of your outdoor materials and supplies.

• Store mulch, soils, and sand in a covered, dry space to prevent freezing and clumping.
  
  

• Check your ice melt and road salt supply — you’ll want to have enough on hand before demand spikes during a snow event.
  
  

• Keep shovels, spreaders, and plows clean and ready for use.
  
  

Kilgore Landscape Center offers bulk and bagged quantities of salt and ice melt so you can buy exactly what you need. Whether you’re a homeowner treating your driveway or a contractor managing commercial properties, we’ll help you find the right product and quantity for your job.

5. Protect Hardscapes and Driveways

Concrete and asphalt take a beating in winter. Freeze-thaw cycles and harsh chemicals can lead to cracks or surface damage if not properly managed.

To keep your hardscapes in top shape:

• Seal concrete or asphalt before the first freeze to reduce water penetration.
  
  

• Use a concrete-safe ice melt (like Purple Heat) to avoid corrosion or scaling.
  
  

• Sweep up excess salt after storms to minimize residue and surface wear.
  
  

If you need to repair or replace asphalt surfaces, Kilgore Landscape Center provides asphalt products that are ideal for quick fixes and long-term repairs, even in cold weather conditions.

6. Plan for Next Spring

Preparing for winter is also a great time to plan for spring. Once your landscape is secure and protected, take note of areas you might want to refresh or redesign in the coming year.

From decorative landscaping rock and flagstone to topsoil, sand, and mulch, Kilgore Landscape Center has everything you need to start planning your next outdoor project. Our team can help you select materials that fit your style, budget, and maintenance goals.

Why Choose Kilgore Landscape Center?

For over 40 years, Kilgore Landscape Center has proudly served homeowners, contractors, and landscapers throughout Salt Lake City, West Jordan, and the Wasatch Front.

As a locally owned and privately operated business, we take pride in offering personalized service, expert advice, and high-quality materials that help Utah residents create and maintain beautiful, functional outdoor spaces.

Visit Kilgore Landscape Center Today

Winter in Utah is beautiful, but it can be tough on your property. Whether you need Purple Heat Ice Melt, bulk road salt, or supplies to prepare your yard for the cold months ahead, Kilgore Landscape Center has you covered.

Stop by our West Jordan location or give us a call at 801-561-4231 for product availability, delivery options, and expert guidance on Utah landscape preparation.