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Preparing Your Landscape for Winter

Old Man Winter will quickly be upon us and there are a few things you can do to prepare your landscape before the first frosts and snow:

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Mulch Plants If Needed

Many homeowners think of mulching in the spring but winter mulching can be very helpful to your plants.  If you notice areas around where mulch has been removed, cover them back up.  Mulch will help protect any exposed roots from the winter weather.

 

 

 

MPC107762.jpg.rendition.largest.ssRemove Leaves From Your Lawn and Gutters

Piles of leaves left in lawn areas can cause unsightly brown spots and dead areas in the spring.  If leaves get in your gutters it may cause ice build up and damage to your drain systems and gutters.

 

 

 

 

100032054.jpg.rendition.largest.ssWinterize Your Irrigation System

Use a professional service to drain your irrigation lines of water for the winter.  If your back flow and lines are not properly drained of water they could freeze and cause unknown issues in the spring.

 

 

 

 

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Protect Your Plants

Winter weather can be damaging to some plants.  Protect your plants using pine needles or protective fabric.  Leaves piled up around shrubs like hydrangeas and roses can also help protect soft tissue from the cold winter.  Some salt and ice melts can also be harmful to many plants.  Be careful where you apply ice melting chemicals and try using a protective fence around plants that may come in contact with salt. Kissner offers a line of ice melts that are less harmful to plants and vegetation. Check out www.kissner.com

 

 

BKS029561.jpg.rendition.largest.ssPrune Dormant Plants

Ice and snow build up on plants can cause damage to plants.  Make sure to prune out weakened and overlapping branches to deter any unnecessary damage.

 

 

 

 

 


Contact Kissner Milling Company Ltd. today for all of your Ice Melter needs.

148 Manitou Drive, Suite 301, Kitchener, ON N2C 1L3

Phone: 1-800-434-8248 | Fax: 1-877-434-8250

Email: info@kissner.com

Website: www.kissner.com

 

Ice Melt 101: What you need to know about ice melt

When used correctly, ice melt is a powerful tool that can help keep ice from forming and reduce the risk of slips and falls.

Keep these key points in mind when using ice melt:

  • Ice-melt compounds are only effective down to a specific temperature
  • The temperature of the air, pavement, and the type of ice-melt compound used will affect the rate at which snow and ice meltsslick-sidewalk

Knowing what to use

It’s important that your organization assess your needs for application of ice-melt compounds.

Consider:

  • Where around your facility to use ice melt
  • Whether the area has access to traffic and sunlight, which affects the overall effectiveness of ice-melt compounds
  • All the methods for treating areas
  • Cost

What’s the science behind ice melt?

Ice-melting compounds lower the freezing point of water. These products attract moisture to themselves to form a liquid brine solution, which can generate heat and melt the ice. The amount of ice that is melted by a given quantity of ice-melt compound will decrease as the temperature of the mixture is lowered. As the ice melts, the compound solution’s concentration is reduced and the freezing point of the water starts to increase until such time that more ice-melt compound is spread on the ice and water.

The lowest melting point of the water and ice-melt compound solution is termed the “eutectic” temperature. At this limiting eutectic temperature, solutions of the ice-melt compound aren’t effective and the melting action on the ice will cease.

The quantity of ice-melt compound needed to lower the freezing point of ice to the eutectic temperature is called the “eutectic concentration.” At this lowest temperature, the rate at which ice melts is very slow. When this melting action slows, adding more compound has no impact on lowering the eutectic temperature, thus, the ice melts no faster.

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Tips for using ice melt

  • Do not use on concrete less than two years old. Freeze-thaw damage may occur.
  • Know what product to use by understanding its composition and lowest surface temperature at which it remains effective. Use an infrared heat gun to determine the surface temperature.
  • Apply in advance of a winter storm. Early attention before a storm will help prevent the formation of ice. When snow starts falling, the ice melt will create a brine solution, helping to prevent ice from bonding to the surface.
  • Disperse ice melt properly. Contrary to popular opinion, using large amounts of ice melt does not affect the speed which ice and snow melts. Using too much product can damage surfaces and harm the environment.
  • Use a mechanical spreader for accurate coverage. The proper coverage rate is about one cup per square yard. This coverage will fan out and undercut the ice, so that you can shovel the walkway clear.
  • Continue to disperse ice melt during a storm.  This helps to prevent snow from becoming hard-packed on surfaces.

Ice melt plays an essential role in many winter safety programs. Select the right ice melt and apply correctly to reduce the chance for slips and falls this winter.

Contact Kissner Milling Company Ltd. today for all of your Ice Melter needs.

148 Manitou Drive, Suite 301, Kitchener, ON N2C 1L3

Phone: 1-800-434-8248 | Fax: 1-877-434-8250

Email: info@kissner.com

Website: www.kissner.com

How Salt Can Keep You Safe

Sodium Chloride (salt) is a major player in walkway safety. The Ice and snow build-up can cause dangerous safety conditions to your foot traffic area when it goes unchecked. Tens of thousands of Canadians slip on ice each year. Many of these slips are relatively inconsequential. However, slipping on ice can be more than an inconvenience. According to the Canadian Institute for Health Information; a study showed that over the past five years Canadians have been hospitalized between 5,312 and 9,121 times annually, due to slipping on ice.

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Safety Starts with Salt

When uncomfortable cold winter weather conditions make for treacherous outside travel, salt can help. Using salt to maintain walkways and parking lots in response to winter snow and ice events will contribute to a dramatic reduction in slipping on ice.

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Kissner Milling Co. Ltd. is committed to providing winter safety across North America, and continues to pursue that goal by supporting sensible salting. Established over 130 years ago, Kissner Milling Co. Ltd. has evolved to become a trusted market leader known for providing reliable service to an impressive list of clientele throughout North America. We have the experience and resources to be your top supplier.

How Does Salt Work?

Studies show that implementing winter maintenance programs that consist of salt usage can help clear the way for safer winter foot travel. Salting your walkways and parking lots before a storm forms a layer of brine on the pavement, greatly decreasing the formation of ice on the surface.
Pre-treating allows home and business owners to use less salt and it also makes it easier to shovel the snow off of the surfaces safely since the snow is not frozen to the pavement.Applying salt after a winter storm can be beneficial as well if all the slush is not cleared. If there is water on the walkways there could be a chance of that water re-freezing.

This is how salt helps keep walkways clear and safer for travel so that you can keep moving despite the freeze.

Contact Kissner Milling Company Ltd. today for all of your Ice Melter needs.

148 Manitou Drive, Suite 301, Kitchener, ON N2C 1L3

Phone: 1-800-434-8248 | Fax: 1-877-434-8250

Email: info@kissner.com

Website: www.kissner.com

Organize Your Snow Removal Plan

Established over 130 years ago, Kissner has evolved to become a trusted market leader in both the rock and blended salt industry. We are known for providing reliable service to an impressive list of clientele throughout North America. We have the experience and resources to be your top supplier.

 

Call Toll Free 1 (800) 434-8248. Local Call (519) 279-4860

 

Early fall is the best time to organize your snow removal plan so you are not caught off guard.

 

Some Important Tips for Proper Snow and Ice Management:

 

  1. Remember that most cities have snow removal bylaws governing snow clearing timelines for your walkways/parking lots.

 

  1. Slips on ice can cause serious injuries. Be sure to clear ice from your residence or business walkways. If you cannot clear the ice then be sure to add a salt mix to avoid liability concerns.

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  1. Snow removal can be dangerous, especially for the elderly or people with health conditions. Most communities have snow removal programs that can assist in snow removal for those who cannot do it themselves.

 

  1. If you have a flat roof or a commercial roof, be sure to clear the snow off these surfaces, as the amount of snow after storms can become extremely dangerous. It is prudent to remove it as soon as possible after each major event. Also, remember that roof snow removal can be dangerous so use a professional.

 

  1. Falling ice from a roof can be very dangerous. Be sure to hire a professional company to remove the ice from roof edges where the public may get hurt. Snow guards are helpful and should be installed if no guards are currently installed on the roof.

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  1. Snowplow equipment can also be dangerous. Please allow adequate room for snow equipment on city streets and highways to do their jobs.

 


Contact Kissner Milling Company Ltd. today for all of your Ice Melter needs.

148 Manitou Drive, Suite 301, Kitchener, ON N2C 1L3

Phone: 1-800-434-8248 | Fax: 1-877-434-8250

Email: info@kissner.com

Website: www.kissner.com

 

Safe Winter Driving

Whether we like it or not, winter is on its way. Some parts of North America are already seeing some snowfall.

Here are 7 tips on safe winter driving:

1. Create a ‘survival kit’
Your survival kit should include items such as: gloves, booster cables, small shovel, windshield wiper fluid, first aid kit, torch, snow brush, candles, safety vest, water bottles and non-perishable energy foods. Keep the kit in the trunk of your car.

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2. Keep a safe distance behind snow plows
If you find yourself behind a snow plow, maintain a safe distance. Snow plow drivers do not always have the best visibility and can create clouds of snow that can reduce your visibility, as well.

3. If you don’t already have them, get winter tires
They provide better traction, handling and braking and can shorten your braking distance by as much as 25 per cent. All-season tires are not the same as winter tires. They lose their grip when the temperature dips below 7 C.

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4. Slow down and give yourself extra travel time
This one might be obvious — but it’s important. Drive according to the road conditions around you and don’t rely on the estimated time of arrival your GPS gives you.

5. Clear snow and ice from your vehicle
Make sure you clean all windows, mirrors, lights and the roof. Wait for any foggy windows to clear up so your visibility isn’t poor.

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6. Wear comfortable clothes
It’s a good idea to layer up in the winter time, but having too many layers can restrict your movement and make it difficult to check your blind spot.

7. Keep a full gas tank
It can help reduce moisture in the fuel system and also adds extra weight to your vehicle to slow it down.

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Visit CBC News for more safe winter driving tips.


 

Contact Kissner Milling Company Ltd. today for all of your Ice Melter needs.

148 Manitou Drive, Suite 301, Kitchener, ON N2C 1L3

Phone: 1-800-434-8248 | Fax: 1-877-434-8250

Email: info@kissner.com

Website: www.kissner.com