The best alternative to de-icer for pathways

The sporadic temperatures appear to be a continuing trend in Edmonton, and we all know what that means- ice, ice, and more ice!

With this in mind, don’t take the easy road. Using salt or commercial de-icer on your concrete or stone pathways will cost you in the long run. In addition, it can also cause damage to the plants and soil surrounding your paving stones.

Scattering salt-based products on icy patches will lead to flaking and deterioration of your stone surfaces. Other chemical based ice removers can cause permanent staining of the stone.

When it snows, shovel it as soon as you are able, preferably with a plastic shovel. This will help prevent compression and build up of the snow from repeating walking, as well as scoring paver surfaces with metal shovel blades. In Edmonton, we tend to get plenty of sunny days throughout the winter, removing any little patches that may develop. Together, this combo is often enough maintenance to keep pathways clean and safe.

However, with the large temperature swings we find roofs melting and downspouts draining. So what do we do if this develops into a large icy patch? Below you will find the best alternative to de-icer that will still melt the ice:

Pour over ice and as it turns to slush, shovel away!

This will help keep your landscaping looking gorgeous come every spring!