Buffalo winters can be brutal, and keeping driveways, walkways, and outdoor spaces safe from ice and snow is a top priority for homeowners. However, if you have pets or want to protect your lawn and landscaping, choosing the right de-icing products is essential. Here's a guide to the best types of salt and tools to keep your property safe and damage-free this winter.
1. Why Pet-Safe and Lawn-Friendly Salt Matters
Traditional rock salt (sodium chloride) is effective for melting ice but can harm your pets, lawn, and garden. It can irritate paws, lead to burns, and damage the roots of plants or stain concrete. Choosing the right salt not only protects your outdoor spaces but also ensures the safety of your furry friends.
2. The Best Types of Salt for Driveways
Magnesium Chloride
- Benefits: Effective at lower temperatures and significantly less harmful to pets and vegetation than traditional rock salt.
- Pet-Safe Features: Gentle on paws, making it a safer choice for your pets.
- Lawn-Safe Features: Does not leach into the soil as aggressively as other salts.
Calcium Magnesium Acetate (CMA)
- Benefits: Non-toxic, biodegradable, and excellent for environmentally conscious homeowners.
- Pet-Safe Features: Contains no harmful chemicals, making it completely safe for animals.
- Lawn-Safe Features: Minimal impact on soil and plants, ideal for protecting landscaping.
Potassium Chloride
- Benefits: Less toxic and more environmentally friendly than sodium chloride.
- Pet-Safe Features: Gentle on paws and less likely to cause irritation.
- Lawn-Safe Features: Breaks down into potassium, a natural fertilizer for plants.
3. Tools to Make Snow Removal Easier
In addition to salt, having the right tools is essential for a safe and efficient snow removal process. Here are some helpful options:
- Ergonomic Snow Shovels: Look for shovels with curved handles to reduce strain on your back while shoveling. Lightweight options with wide blades make clearing large areas quicker.
- Recommended Product: Suncast 18-Inch Steel Core Ergonomic Combo Shovel
- Snow Pushers: Perfect for Buffalo’s heavy snowfalls, snow pushers are designed to slide snow off driveways with minimal effort.
Recommended Product:The Snowplow 'the Original Snow Pusher' 36' Wide Model 50536
Electric Snow Blowers: For large driveways, a reliable snow blower can save hours of manual labor and back pain.
Recommended Product: Snow Joe 18-Inch 15-Amp Electric Single Stage Snow Thrower with Built-In Light
4. Additional Snow Products to Consider
To make winter even more manageable, consider these helpful products:
- Traction Sand: Provides grip on icy driveways and walkways, offering an alternative to salt.
- Recommended Product: Call us at Southtowns Supply to deliver sand to you today.
- De-Icing Mats: Heated mats can be placed on walkways or steps to melt snow and ice without chemicals.
- Recommended Product: Snow Melting Mat for Walkways, 10x48 Non Slip Rubber Heated Outdoor Mat with Power Cord (Black Friday Deal)
Pet Paw Balm: Apply a paw balm before walks to protect your pets from irritation caused by winter weather and de-icing products.
Recommended Product: Musher's Secret Pet Paw Protection Wax, 60-Gram
5. Tips for Safe Snow and Ice Management
- Apply Salt Sparingly: Overuse can still harm plants and soil, even with pet-safe options.
- Shovel First: Clear as much snow as possible before applying salt to maximize its effectiveness.
- Protect Sensitive Areas: Use salt alternatives or traction sand near flower beds, shrubs, or other sensitive landscaping.
Buffalo winters demand reliable snow management, but it doesn't have to come at the expense of your lawn or your pets. By choosing the right products and tools, you can keep your property safe, beautiful, and winter-ready. Visit Southtowns Supply to stock up on pet-safe salts, shovels, and other winter products that make your life easier this season!
If you have questions about what products are right for your property, contact us or stop by, we're happy to help!
Go Buffalo BILLS!