Skip to main content

Tag: winter maintenance

Cut off image at feet showing hands salting a walkway

Presalting Your Property – Is It Worth It?

Written by BSLandscaping on . Posted in Winter Safety, Winterization.

Presalting your property is a topic that often leaves people wondering if it is worth the investment.  We have some thoughts: Grab a chair, a cup of coffee, or a sprinkle of salt (just kidding, you don’t need any of that yet) and let’s get to it.

The Art of Presalting

We all know that winters in Southern Ontario can be, well, dramatic. The snow, the ice, and the ever-changing weather patterns can keep us all guessing. But you’re a savvy homeowner; you’re not going to let Mother Nature play dice with your property.

Presalting, for the uninitiated, is the practice of spreading salt on your driveway and walkways before the snow or ice rolls in. It’s like giving your property a preemptive strike against the icy forces of nature.

Is It Worth the ‘Salt’?

Presalting is like buying insurance for your driveway. You invest a bit now to save a lot later. Here’s why it’s worth considering:

  1. Safety First: It’s all about safety, folks. Presalting prevents ice from forming, reducing the risk of slip and falls. 
  2. Time Saver: By Presalting, you can often skip the heavy-duty snow removal session. A little preventive action can save you hours of back-breaking shovelling.
  3. No Damage Zone: Rock salt, when applied before a snowfall, helps to prevent the formation of thick ice layers, which can damage your pavement. Protect your property and your wallet!
  4. Peace of Mind: Knowing your property is prepared for winter weather helps with peace of mind. No more late-night weather app checks or worrying about that surprise freeze.

Timing Is Everything

Now that we’ve got the ‘worth it’ part down, let’s talk timing. When should you whip out the salt shaker? The key is to be proactive, not reactive.

Pre-Storm Prepping: As soon as you hear that winter is knocking on your door, start spreading the salt on your driveway and walkways. Don’t wait for the snow to fall.

Maintain & Refresh: Keep an eye on your property. If the weather is particularly nasty and a lot of precipitation is expected, give your property another sprinkling to keep that ice at bay.

Temperature Matters: Salt works best when it’s not too cold. If it’s frigid out there, the effectiveness of the salt decreases, so don’t be shy with the salt when the mercury starts to plummet.

Don’t Overdo It: Remember, a little goes a long way. You don’t need to create a salt desert on your property. Just a light, even sprinkling should do the trick.

Presalting your property in Southern Ontario is an investment in safety, sanity, and your property’s longevity. So, the next time you’re thinking about the ‘salt life,’ remember – it’s better to be salty in advance and stay ahead of the winter curve.