While winter is indeed a lovely season, it also brings a lot of stress and issues regarding excessive snow and poor road conditions. Excessive snow on roads can cause delays, accidents, and whatnot! This is where the role of road salt comes into the picture!

Know your material

Winter salting can keep the roads safe and help in combating the after-effects of snow storms. However, as a professional, it is essential to understand the chemical composition and application of the snow removal material you are using. This will help you make the right choice and create the best snow management plan.

Common snow management materials include road salt, ice melt, brine, and sand.

• Road salt: Road salt is generally used as a preventative measure before a snowstorm. It is sprinkled onto the surface. It is also an essential product for immediate treatment after removing fallen snow.
• Ice melt: Ice melt, on the other hand, is a blended product used to create a brine solution.

We offer two top-notch ice melt products including Lake Effect Ice Melter and Sifto Xtreme Ice Melter. Lake Effect Ice Melter is excellent for large areas, easy to manage, does not cake, works in the lowest temperatures, and creates traction. Sifto Xtreme Ice Melter is an exothermic product and works well against -31°C temperatures.

• Brine: Brine is a de-icing salt solution that is made from sodium chloride and water. It is placed on the surface of the pavement before a snowstorm begins. This prevents ice from freezing on the road.
• Sand: Sand is generally used to spot-treat areas to assist with traction.

Know the levels of snow clearing for your area

When it comes to layering roads with de-icing salt, it should be done in the order in order of priority. Toronto roads can become relatively unsafe during winters, and tackling the most hazardous areas first is essential.

Here are the three levels of priority that snow removal teams and landscaping professionals should consider during winter salting in Toronto:

Level 1:

The first priority should be given to high-traffic, steeply graded, and major collector roads. Since these roads receive high traffic, they should be cleared as soon as possible.

Level 2:

Next, the snow removal teams should prioritize the roads within residential areas and roads that are used for reaching medical care facilities and other essential buildings. Since people take these roads during emergencies, their immediate clearance is critical.

Level 3: 

Finally, when the first and second priority roads are cleared, it’s time to take care of the level 3 roads. These roads generally receive low traffic and are not used for emergencies.

If you are a new landscaping contractor and have just started your business, we recommend checking with your municipality for road-clearing guidance.

Know which salting mistakes to avoid

Here are some common mistakes that snow removal teams should avoid:

• Not having an inventory of bulk salt. Bulk salt can prove to be incredibly helpful during sudden snowstorms.
• Remember to salt key areas on commercial properties like entrances, garage doors, walkways, and parking lots. You are responsible for ensuring that businesses can continue operating regardless of the weather.
• Remember to gear up on additional equipment, hire additional employees, and make sure insurance is up to date to tackle the uncertain winter season.
• Remember to train your employees well before the winter season.
• Remember to prepare and provide a survival kit for each truck. This can be a huge mistake that can cause severe consequences during emergencies.

Make sure to consider these top professional road salt application tips as you gear up for the upcoming winter season! Order your road salt supplies today and contact FSI Landscape Supply!