Many snow management contractors and professional landscapers will or their bulk salt supply ahead of the season or before the harsh winter weather hits. Ordering ahead of time is always best. It will allow contractors or landscape professionals to beat the season rush, prepare ahead of time with a guaranteed salt supply, and have peace of mind. When storing your bulk salt supply, you may run into the issue of clumping. At FSI Landscape Supply, we provide bulk de-icing salt to many snow management contractors and landscape professionals every year. Therefore, with our knowledge and expertise, today’s article will cover why de-icing salt clumps, how to avoid it, and what to do in the event clumping should happen.

Why does de-icing salt clump?

Salt attracts water and heat from its environment. When water molecules are absorbed, it changes the composition of the salt. If too much water or moisture is absorbed, this will inevitably lead to hardening and clumping. The issue of clumping is one of the main reasons why we at FSI Landscape Supply stress the importance of proper storage. Bulk salt should be kept dry, covered, and protected from environmental moisture such as rain, humidity, and snow.

How to avoid salt clumps

Understanding how to protect and store your bulk salt supply correctly is critical. If space is available, keeping the salt stockpile indoors in a temperature-controlled area is best. De-icing salt should be piled on a concrete or asphalt surface, away from doors. If indoor storage is unavailable and the stockpile must be kept outdoors, there are a few tips and tricks to keep your bulk supply under control and clump-free. Similar to indoor procedures, de-icing salt should be piled on an elevated concrete pad or asphalt surface. A tarp should be used to cover your pile and reach the bottom with a few extra feet. Sandbags and or material skirts can be used to prevent runoff and contamination. Keeping your bulk salt supply away from water ways, snow piles, and any trenches or areas where water can collect, or puddle is also essential.

Clumping solutions

If a few areas of your bulk salt supply have been affected by moisture or humidity and have clumped up, the only way to correct it is by breaking it down. A few landscaping supplies such as a hammer or pick should do the trick. Many contractors and landscaping professionals use a dirt crusher if a significant amount of de-icing salt has been affected. Small, clumped pieces of rock salt can be put into a closed material sack and dropped on a concrete surface. Each of the methods will effectively break up stubborn clumps of de-icing salt.

FSI Landscape Supply provides contractors and landscape professionals with various de-icing solutions, including bulk de-icing salt. Contact FSI Landscape Supply and order your supply today!