Alternatives to Rock Salts Icemelters That Burn and Pollute: Safer Eco- & Pet-Friendly Options

Have you seen the ominous 2023-2024 Farmer’s Almanac Winter Forecast? Snowfall amounts are predicted to be well above average for almost the entire Northern U.S.  Demand for icemelters has just started to jump as people are anticipating much more sever winter than the last two seasons and significant early snow already hitting parts of the country.  It is best to prepare now – supplies run out very quickly with the imminent first local snowfall.

Traditional icemelters rely heavily on rock salts (sodium chloride) and are responsible for unsightly lawn and plant/shrub burns that can be costly to repair in the spring.  Additionally, rock salts can damage concrete, can burn pets’ paws, are corrosive to metals and have a negative impact on the environment and our water supplies.  However, there are now great cost-effective products available that do not rely on sodium chloride to melt ice and snow and are safer for the environment, concrete, sensitive metals.   Some of these products will actually fertilize your turf, plants and shrubs – not harm them!  Pets will be thankful as well as these products do not cause burning of their paws.

Impact of Traditional Icemelters

Most traditional icemelters, like rock salts, work by lowering the freezing point of water so that ice and snow melts before it can freeze to surfaces such as pavement. The rock salts break down and the chloride finds its way into our bodies of water. While chloride is naturally occurring and low levels are generally safe for human consumption, it can become dangerous at higher levels and can become toxic for freshwater organisms and ecosystems at elevated levels. In recent studies conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey, researchers have found a correlation between elevated winter chloride numbers in water and the use of icemelters.

Novel Non-Sodium Chloride Icemelters That Are Safe for Pets & The Environment

The green industry and organic leaders at Green Earth Ag & Turf and GrowItNaturally.com are proud to be the partner for Xynyth Manufacturing, the leading company in novel pet- and eco-friendly icemelters with over 30 years of production experience.  We offer the top technical and customer service in the icemelt industry, and with our years of experience can help you choose the best product for your specific needs. 

Our current clients have had nothing but great results with our Xynyth product lines, which are now being used by multiple applicators across the U.S as well as by some of the largest cities, federal government facilities and airports in the U.S.  With the proven superior performance around expensive and sensitive equipment, plants, trees and turf – you will not be disappointed. Some of the options are listed below, or you can call or e-mail us at (866) 374-5101 or info@GreenEarthAgAndTurf.com with questions or so we can match you with the best products for your specific need.

The True Eco- & Pet-Friendly Icemelters for Standard Pro & Home Use: GroundWorks Natural / Mountain Organic

GroundWorks (or Mountain Organic, the exact same product with professional labelling) is our standard non-sodium chloride product for home and professional use. GroundWorks uses a Potassium based formula to melt ice in place of the more traditional sodium chloride formulation.  Potassium is in most standard fertilizers and an essential element for plants and turf, and also has a much lower corrosive value than sodium chloride.  Not only does this mean there is less chloride to pollute local water systems, but Potassium and hence GroundWorks poses a much lower risk to the environment; does not burn your lawn, plants and shrubs; is gentler on pets’ paws and safer for use on concrete than any other lines!

• Powerful to -9°F (-23°C).
• Safest on Lawns and Plants - Contains Fertilizer-Based Ingredients.
• Safest for Pets – does not burn paws.
• No Oily Residue or Messy Tracking like Calcium Chloride or Magnesium Chloride.
• Safe on Cured Concrete.

Winter Warrior Enviro LEADer - LEED Compliant

Winter Warrior Enviro-LEADer is a truly non-corrosive formulation that salt free and does not contain any chloride or urea, making it fully LEED compliant.  Enviro-LEADer is great for use around areas containing steel or other metals like concrete parking structures, roads or bridge decks; it will not chemically harm concrete or alter it like other de-icers and does not cause concrete spalling or popouts.

• Fast Acting and Powerful to -6°F (-21°C).
• A unique, truly Non-Corrosive Ice Melt.
• LEED-Compliant; meets all LEED standards.
• Can be dissolved to spray as a liquid on sensitive areas with metals.
• Contains CMA, which acts as a corrosion inhibitor.
• Chloride & Urea Free.
• No nitrogen formula means no polluting urea runoff.

Arctic ECO-Green

Arctic ECO-Green is a powerful icemelter specially manufactured using the latest encapsulating technology, combined with a CMA anti-corrosive formula ingredient. It provides an environmentally friendly alternative to standard rock salts and oily calcium chloride blends.

• Fast Acting and Powerful to -20°F (-29°C).
• Harmless Around Children and Pets!
• Gentle on the Environment.
• Anti-Corrosive Formulation.
• Safer on Concrete.

Winter Warrior Runway Control

Winter Warrior Runway Control is a unique runway safe deicer / icemelter that does not contain corrosive chlorides or nitrogen (ammonia) which can degrade the steel that is embedded in concrete and the surfaces of vehicles used on runways, taxiways and aprons. For these reasons, Winter Warrior Runway Control can also be used effectively on areas with exposed or sensitive metals like bridge decks, vessel decks, ferries, drilling platforms and transit or railway platforms while protecting the environment.

• Federally Approved for Use on Airport Runways, Taxiways & Aprons.
• Can be dissolved to spray as a liquid on airplanes or other sensitive areas with metals.
• Fast Acting and Powerful to -6°F (-21°C).
• Great for airport runways and sensitive commercial areas.
• A unique, truly Non-Corrosive Ice Melt.
• Contains CMA, which acts as a corrosion inhibitor.
• Chloride & Urea Free.

Arctic Blue

Arctic Blue icemelter helps control ice and snow dependably, economically and safely. A basic blue icemelter that is economical and effective on snow and ice, while being very easy to use.

• Powerful to 5 °F (-15 °C).
• Unique Blue Color for Accurate Application.
• Instant Traction.
• Unlimited Shelf Life.
• Leaves No Oily Residue.
• Fewer Applications Required.

True North

True North icemelter is a basic chloride blend containing no dangerous chemicals. This product contains no magnesium chloride so it will not chemically harm concrete.

• Powerful and Economical.
• Contains no Dangerous Chemicals.
• Easy to Use.
• No Oily Residue.
• Instant Traction.
• Long Lasting Action.