Preparing for the snow!
 In this weekly edition of Nature’s Touch, we are going to provide you with the rundown on de-icers. We will give you seven options that you can use for getting rid of the snow on your walkways and driveways. Whitemarsh Township Parks and Recreation wants to ensure your safety when traveling or out walking your pets.
Rock Salt
The most common de-icer is rock salt/sodium chloride. This is a very inexpensive alternative option. But it is important to know that rock salt can hurt your pets if they ingest it. This option also can damage grass and plants. Rock salt shouldn’t be used on asphalt surfaces if the surfaces aren’t a year old. Using it on new asphalt can cause deterioration. If you are using rock salt, it should only be used when temperatures are at least 20°F. If it is colder, rock salt may not be the best option if you are in a hurry to have the ice melt.
Calcium Chloride
Calcium chloride melts ice at a faster rate than rock salt. Did you know that calcium chloride can be used when temperatures are as low as -25°F? But calcium chloride can also affect your pavements and your vegetation. Calcium chloride is harmful to metals because it is a corrosive agent. In addition, calcium chloride can hurt your pet’s skin and paws. To keep pets safe where there is calcium chloride applied, let them walk on grass as much as possible. This will help to prevent paw irritation.
Magnesium Chloride

Magnesium chloride is a balance between rock salt and calcium chloride. Magnesium chloride works at lower temperatures than rock salt – to about 0°F. This option is great when we have a lot of snow because magnesium chloride has a very high water concentration. This is a great option that will provide better protection for your animals and you’re than the other options. Magnesium chloride is a more expensive product and also you need to use more of it when trying to get rid of the snow.
Urea
Did you know that urea is typically used more at airports? Urea isn’t effective below 25° F. Urea is closely related to potassium chloride; it is less harmful to your pets. But it can be harmful to local aquatic life due to runoff.
Potassium Chloride
Potassium chloride is less effective than others because it doesn’t do well at lower temperatures. This product is very environmentally friendly because it is less harmful to pets and there are great benefits for your gardens. Potassium chloride is a nutrient that can fertilize your plants.
Calcium Magnesium Acetate
Calcium magnesium acetate doesn’t have a high melting rate. In addition, this product helps with traction on pavements. Another benefit of using calcium magnesium is that it lasts longer than other products and it isn’t harmful to plants. Calcium magnesium is a more expensive product for treating driveways and walkways. You should use this before it snows for the best results.
Sand
Did you know that sand is another option? Sand doesn’t work as a de-icer, but it helps with gaining traction. For the sand to melt anything, it will need help from the sun.

Whitemarsh Township Parks & Recreation Department hopes you take these tips and use them to ensure everyone's safety this winter season!
Whitemarsh Township Parks and Recreation | 610-828-7276 parksandrecreation@whitemarshtwp.org