What’s the most effective way to remove snow this winter?

I just moved to the suburbs from a city apartment and will be responsible for removing snow for the first time this winter. How do most people deal with the inevitable snow and ice that occurs in a typical Chicago winter? I also plan on getting a dog this winter.

— Jason Booth, Evanston

One of the most important steps in effective snow management is proper removal. You may want to consider purchasing a snow thrower or snowblower if you have a large area to clear. A snow thrower is a single-stage machine that gathers snow with an auger and discharges it through the chute in a single motion. These machines are good for storms with 8 to 9 inches of snow or less. I have used a snow thrower with a rubber paddle for much deeper snow at home and have a big driveway, but it was very time-consuming to work through the drifts. A snowblower is available in bigger sizes to remove snow more quickly and has more power to handle deep snow. The snow is removed in two stages, with an auger feeding the snow into an impeller, which sends snow through the chute. These machines are typically self-propelled. The best choice for you depends on the size of the area you have to clear. Snow throwers require more effort to operate.

You should not need to apply de-icing products after every storm and not on all driveway and sidewalk surfaces. Many homeowners and commercial enterprises apply too many (or too much) ice-melt products. Read the label of the product you are planning to purchase and follow the instructions to maximize effectiveness and minimize negative effects on the environment and your hardscapes. Calcium chloride, which works when temperatures are as low as minus 20 degrees Fahrenheit, is less damaging to plants than products made with sodium chloride (rock salt) but is similarly harmful to carpet, tile, and shoes, and it is corrosive to concrete and metal. A similar product, potassium chloride, is less damaging to plants and works until temperatures drop below 15 degrees. Calcium magnesium acetate (CMA) is generally considered to be the best de-icer for having less impact on plants and the environment. It is effective for temperatures as low as 20 degrees and loses effectiveness in colder weather. Many ice-melt products for sale include a blend of active ingredients to maximize performance at different temperatures. The key is to apply the recommended amounts to minimize negative impacts on garden plants and hardscapes and only when needed.

If the snow or ice was previously treated with a de-icing product, try to avoid piling it on the root zone of just one nearby tree or shrub. Spreading the treated snow around reduces the likelihood of toxicity building up in one area. Also, try to avoid piling treated snow or ice on long-lived trees. Turf grass can be killed when excessive amounts of salt-laden snow are piled on it over the winter.

Another option to consider for controlling ice with minimal negative impact on the environment is to use an anti-icing product that is generally applied as a liquid using a sprayer right before a storm. As the snow falls, the bottom half inch or so will turn into slush that can be removed. That, in turn, prevents ice from forming that would require a de-icing product. The Garden currently uses sand on roads and walks to control slippery conditions once the snow is removed with de-icing products used minimally in select areas. Sand improves traction on slippery surfaces and is environmentally benign. Try mixing some de-icing product in with sand to minimize the amount of chemicals used at home while keeping walks safe.

All ice-melt products pose some kind of risk to pets, both irritating paws and causing gastrointestinal upset if ingested. Repeated exposure can cause chemical burns on paws. Most common ice-melt products contain sodium chloride, potassium chloride, calcium chloride and magnesium chloride, which are all toxic to dogs if ingested. Pet-friendly ice melts typically contain urea or magnesium chloride, which are considered safer, but may still cause gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting or diarrhea while being less effective at melting ice. Ethylene glycol-based ice melts contain the same active ingredient as antifreeze, which is deadly to pets if ingested. Products with urea as the main ingredient are considered some of the safest options for pets. These products are known for causing less irritation to an animal’s stomach.

For more plant advice, contact the Plant Information Service at the Chicago Botanic Garden at plantinfo@chicagobotanic.org. Tim Johnson is senior director of horticulture at the Chicago Botanic Garden.