December 13th

By Mutt Mulligan

Protect your plants & pets from ice melt

As temperatures plunge across big portions of the country, homeowners find themselves looking for easy ways to deal with snow and ice. But before you reach for that ice melt, consider this. These products are dangerous to your plants and your pets. Here’s why.

The salt in ice melt is toxic to plants, robbing them of the phosphorous and potassium they need from the soil. Rock salt also steals water from plants and shrubs causing the roots to dry out and stress the plants. Finally, salt makes your plants less “winter hardy,” leaving them susceptible to frost damage.

You can use burlap or snow fencing to protect your plants from the products. If one of your plants does get salt on it, use a broom to lightly brush it clean. The best way to keep your plants healthy is to avoid salt use altogether. Shoveling your sidewalks free of snow and ice early and often is a safe alternative.

Not only are ice melt treatments hazardous to your living landscapes, they are also dangerous for your pets. The ice melt solution can irritate your pet’s paws, and it is harmful if it is ingested. To keep you pup safe, wash his paws each time he comes in from outside. Even if you don’t see the salt residue, it can be on his paws! Also, keep your dog from ingesting large amounts of ice melt product by keeping her from eating snow and drinking from puddles when outside during the winter.