Effective Snow Removal Techniques for Homeowners in Salt Lake City

When winter hits, Salt Lake City homeowners face the task of clearing snow and ice from their properties. While South Salt Lake deploys snowplows after an inch of snow accumulates, homeowners are often left to clear driveways, walkways, and sidewalks—and sometimes even plow roads before plows arrive. With frequent heavy snowfalls, it’s crucial to be prepared with effective snow removal techniques. Using the right products, like bulk road salt, can greatly enhance safety. From shoveling to using road salt or ice melt salt products, Kilgore’s Salt Lake Landscape Center offers the solutions you need to keep your property safe and clear all winter long.

1. Shoveling Snow the Right Way

Shoveling snow efficiently can save time and reduce strain. Here are some pro tips to help you tackle snow removal like a native Utahn:

Choose the Right Shovel
For driveways and walkways, a polymer or steel-edge shovel is ideal. The polymer is lightweight and won’t rust, while the steel edge helps break through packed snow without excessive effort. Avoid cheap plastic shovels, as they can break under heavy snow.

Shovel Smart: The 3-Inch Rule
Instead of waiting for a large snowfall, shovel when the snow is just 2–3 inches deep. This prevents the snow from compacting into ice, which is harder to remove. Frequent shoveling helps you stay ahead of Salt Lake City's fast-changing weather.

Use the Right Technique to Prevent Injury
Bend at the knees and lift with your legs, not your back. Scoop small amounts of snow to avoid strain. This method reduces the risk of injury and helps you work efficiently.

2. Using Bulk Road Salt for De-Icing

Shoveling alone often isn't enough to remove stubborn snow and ice. For more effective snow removal, especially on driveways and sidewalks, consider using bulk road salt. It lowers the freezing point of water, making ice melt faster at lower temperatures.

Benefits of Bulk Road Salt
Bulk road salt is an affordable and efficient solution for covering large areas. It’s perfect for driveways and sidewalks where ice builds up, and because it’s available in large quantities, you can store it throughout the season. Many landscaping centers, like Kilgore’s Salt Lake Landscape Center, offer bulk road salt, allowing homeowners to quickly spread salt and prevent ice buildup.

3. Applying Road Salt Strategically

Salt road products aren’t just for large areas; it’s also effective for smaller spaces like driveways and walkways. It prevents ice from forming and makes snow removal easier.

When to Apply Road Salt
Timing is crucial. Apply road salt before a storm to prevent ice from bonding to surfaces. If snow and ice have already formed, sprinkle the salt, then wait a few minutes before shoveling or using a snow blower.

How Much Road Salt to Use
Use road salt sparingly—less is often more. Over-salting can damage your landscape, concrete, and harm pets. A thin, even layer is usually enough, so use a spreader to ensure proper coverage without waste.

5. Snow Blowers: A High-Efficiency Option

For large driveways or heavy snowfalls, a snow blower is a time-saving investment. While effective on its own, it works best when combined with bulk road salt or road salt for de-icing.

Choosing the Right Snow Blower
For heavy snow, a two-stage snow blower is ideal, while a single-stage model is better for lighter snow. Pairing your snow blower with the right road salt or bulk road salt product can make the job faster and more efficient.

6. Using Ice Melt Products for Cold Days

During extreme cold, ice melt products help prevent ice from bonding to surfaces. While road salt is common, options like calcium chloride or magnesium chloride-based ice melt salt are also effective.

At Kilgore’s Salt Lake Landscape Center, find ice melt products designed for low temperatures, safe for pets, plants, and concrete.

7. Consideration of Environmental Impact

While road salt is effective for snow removal, excessive use can harm the environment, leading to soil and water contamination. To minimize impact, use salt sparingly and consider eco-friendly alternatives.

Kilgore Landscape Center offers environmentally-conscious de-icing products that are effective yet safe for your plants, concrete, pets, and local waterways.

Kilgore’s Salt Lake Landscape Center

Managing snow and ice during winter is essential for safety. While UDOT uses a large fleet to clear roads, homeowners often need accessible, budget-friendly solutions for their driveways and walkways.

Kilgore’s Salt Lake Landscape Center provides a variety of de-icing products, from bulk road salt to specific salt road solutions like ice melt salt, to help keep your property safe and clear all season long.

Visit Kilgore Landscape Center for expert advice and the best snow removal products for your needs. Stay safe with our high-quality de-icing products!