January 2008
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Melting Ice Safely
Each winter, people apply tons of ice-melting materials to sidewalks, driveways, and steps, often without regard to proper application procedures or to what the deicing substance contains. Careless use of deicing products can damage both the home and the environment. To prevent damage to your home and the environment, choose a deicer carefully. It is important not to use plant fertilizers or products that contain urea to melt ice or snow because the nitrogen or phosphorus in them can harm local streams and the bay. The runoff created by melting ice and snow from one small sidewalk may not cause much harm, but the cumulative effects across a region can create harmful levels of salts and nutrients that eventually pollute the bay.
See the table below for some of the ice-melting products currently found on the market along with information concerning their effectiveness and safety.
Product |
Minimum Working Temp. ( °F) |
Speed |
Damages Concrete & Metal? |
Harms Plants? |
Magnesium Cholride |
-13 |
Very Fast |
No |
Moderately |
Calcium Chloride |
-22 |
Fast |
Yes* |
Yes |
Sodium Chloride (salt) |
18 |
Moderate |
Yes* |
Yes |
Potassium Chloride |
25 |
Slow |
Ok on old concrete |
Moderately |
*Sodium and calcium chloride are particularly damaging to newly poired concrete. Also, these chemicals should not be applied to brick or stone surfaces.
For additional information, read our fact sheet FS 707, "Melting Ice Safely" or call us at 1-800-342-2507.
January/February 2009 Tips Calendars - view online or click here for a print version of our popular monthly tips calendars.
New Master Gardener Handbooks are Now Available
The University of Maryland Master Gardener Program is proud to announce the introduction of our new Maryland Master Gardener Handbook.
This indispensable gardening guide, now available to horticulture professionals, the gardening public, libraries and schools, is 640 pages and includes 400 color photos. All material has been completely revised and updated. There are now 28 chapters, including 9 completely new chapters, all with a Bay-Wise approach to gardening that will help you improve your soil, nurture your plants, and manage most pests without pesticides. A great working reference for you and a great gift for all of the gardeners in your life!
Cost: $69.00 (includes shipping and handling)
Take a sneak peak inside the book. Place your order today! Mail your order form and check made payable to the University of Maryland to: MG Handbook, HGIC, 12005 Homewood Road, Ellicott City, MD 21042.
For more information contact Robin Hessey at 410-531-1754, rmhessey@umd.edu
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