Smart Winter Salting
Best Practices for Snow and Ice
You can keep sidewalks and driveways safe this winter while protecting our waters by following these simple steps:
1. Shovel
Clear walkways and other areas before the snow turns to ice. The more snow you remove manually, the less salt you will have to use and the more effective it will be.
2. Scatter
If you use salt, scatter it so that there is space between the grains. Believe it or not, a coffee mug of salt is enough to treat an entire 20-foot driveway or 10 sidewalk squares. If you see oversalting, follow these simple steps.
3. Switch
When pavement temperatures drop below 15 degrees, salt won’t work. Switch to sand for traction or a different ice melter (PDF) that works at lower temperatures.
4. Select a Certified Contractor
Check to see if your contractor is already certified through the Winter Salt Certification Program. If not, encourage them to become certified and to follow appropriate application rates.