This week's weather report indicates that the jet stream will plunge into the deep South with arctic air masses following its pattern.  Any moisture in the air might just fall in the form of snow or ice.  We all get out our shovels and melting compounds for the sake of safe passage.

Regarding shovels, I prefer a steel shovel to aluminum or plastic.  Sure, it's heavier, but the steel shovel is much more durable.  A snow pusher is a shovel with a narrow, curved blade and is very effective in moving large quantities of snow.  These are also available in steel.  Enough about shovels...

    Ice melting compounds come in many different formulations and possess varied characteristics.  Concerns should be the damaging "scaling" effects of the product on concrete, the compound's lowest melting point, the toxic salt effect on plants in the landscape, and residues which can be tracked onto carpets and floors.  It should be noted that concrete which is less than a year old is extremely subject to salt damage.

    Many of these natural compounds are mined from the floor of the Dead Sea.  They include sodium chloride, potassium chloride, calcium chloride, and magnesium chloride.

    Sodium chloride (common salt) is used in a coarse "rock" form which is safe for aged concrete if used in moderation, melts to about 20 degrees Fahrenheit, can be very harmful to plants, and tends to tract on floors.  Apply at the rate of 6 pounds per 100 square feet.

    Potassium chloride, a common component of fertilizer, is used in a small, round pellet form which is risky for aged concrete, melts to about 25 degrees Fahrenheit, can be very harmful to plants, and tends to tract on floors.  Apply at the rate of 6 pounds per 100 square feet.

    Calcium chloride is used in a "flake" or round pellet form which is reasonable safe for aged concrete, melts to about -25 degrees Fahrenheit, is fairly safe for plants, and leaves very little residue to track on floors.  Apply at the rate of 3 pounds per 100 square feet.

    Magnesium chloride is used in a "flake" or round pellet form which is reasonably safe for aged concrete, melts to about 5 degrees Fahrenheit, is the safest for plants, and leaves very little residue to track on floors.  Apply at the rate of 3 pounds per 100 square feet.

    All of these products should be applied to the ground prior to snow or ice fall for best results.  The use of sand in conjunction with these products may be desired for traction.  For our Virginia climate, we recommend magnesium chloride because it is the safest for plants and melts to 5 degrees.  In colder regions you would probably use calcium chloride because it melts in colder temperatures.  The primary reason sodium chloride is used is because it is cheaper per pound, however, you would need to apply it at the highest rate.  The end result is false economy.  Have a good and safe winter and I'll see you next week.