FSI Landscape Supply weighs in on treated road salt. An ice melting game changer, article posted by SIMA (Snow and Ice Management Association), written by Greg Baun, April 19, 2017. Greg Baun brings to our attention the history and benefits of treated salt. https://www.sima.org/snow-business/library/newsdetails/2017/04/19/an-ice-melting-game-changer

Greg Baun shares some historical highlights of the traditional use of road salt and treated salt innovation. Since early 1970 snowplow trucks would arrange the vehicle under a shower head like system which distributed calcium chloride on the loaded road salt. FSI Landscape Supply expresses, “it is interesting to know the history of this industry. It is something we do not traditionally think about. The snow and ice removal industry has come a long way as to the executed methods and manufacturing of products”.

In 1986, a Hungarian chemist working at a distillery was asked to explore the possible reasons as to why a nearby pond was not freezing over during the winter. The chemist discovered that the distillery’s excess waste runoff was slowing down the water’s freezing point. Greg Baun continues to explain that the chemist went on to patent the newfound carbohydrate solution in Europe and North America as a liquid de-icer. FSI Landscape Supply shares, “this is what is known as a happy accident. If it wasn’t for the chemist back in 1986, who knows how much longer we would have had to wait for the concept of liquid de-icers. Now it has been brought to the attention of millions and frequently used. Liquid de-icers are great as the application is quite precise”.

Further advancements were made in 1996. A chemist by the name of Derek Yan discovered that adding magnesium chloride and carbohydrates dramatically influenced the freezing point of water. Changing the winter maintenance industry for years to come. FSI Landscape Supply expresses, “treated salt has now become a staple product for snowplow contractors and landscape professionals. There are many benefits, including being cost-effective, works immediately, less bounce rate, and the residue continues to work on the surface. Treated salt is one of our best-selling products”.

Treating traditional road salt with the magnesium chloride and carbohydrate combination began in western New York in 1996. Greg Baun shares that it has taken many years to improve the ratio and production of this winter solution. Greg continues to explain that moisture level and gradation of the salt, concentration, blend, and application rate of liquids are taken into consideration to produce a useful product. FSI Landscape Supply shares, “manufacturing a product that is consistent, effective, and reliable takes hard work. As the article suggests, the process is to ensure every grain of salt is treated. We only experience the end product, which works extremely well and is favored amongst professionals in the winter maintenance industry. With this knowledge, we have come to appreciate the innovative minds and labor that gave us treated salt”.

Treated salt is now readily available and manufactured with quality assurance. Treated salt is fast-acting, has a  lesser bounce rate, is environmentally friendly, and can cover more surface area with less product. Snowplow contractors and landscape professionals will benefit from using treated salt and combat the winter elements with ease.

Make sure to ask the landscaping professionals at FSI Landscape Supply about incorporating treated salt as part of your winter maintenance solution.