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

 

HOMEOWNERS ARE LIABLE FOR ICE AND SNOW REMOVAL

During the winter months, it’s a familiar site to see shopping centers and business owners clearing the ice and snow from pathways, parking lots and entrances. It’s a liability issue should someone slip and fall and injure themselves entering their business. Homeowners also face similar liabilities if they fail to take adequate steps to remove such slippery hazards from their property.

Deice-Driveway

Homeowners are responsible for limiting dangers on their property, and in some cases, this can also extend to public sidewalks abutting your home. In some localities, governments have given fines for homeowners who fail to clear the ice and snow. County and municipal agencies have written policies directing property owners to remove accumulated ice and snow “within 24 hours of the end of the snowstorm.” Penalties for property owners not complying can range from nominal tickets, to misdemeanours punishable by up to 90 days in jail, to fines of up to $500.

Shovelling snow is simple enough, but ice removal can be a tricky matter. Nothing works better to remove or prevent ice from forming than an Ice Melter containing Sodium Chloride, Salt. Ice Melters lower the water’s freezing point, the temperature at which it changes from a liquid to a solid and vice versa. Melting the ice and snow directly at the pavement is the most effective way to clear off the surface. This process, preventing water from freezing in the first place, is called anti-icing. It is best achieved by putting the Ice Melter down on the sidewalk when a freeze or a snowfall is expected. In contrast, melting water already frozen is called deicing and in this case an Ice Melter is applied once ice appears. It still works, but is less efficient than anti-icing.

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Laws regarding ice and snow clearing vary by region and from locality to locality, but most mandate some action must be taken within a reasonable time period, often 24 hours after it stops snowing.

 

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

 

Protect Your Pets

Ice melters are fairly safe towards pets, but a few precautions should be taken to protect your pets…

Ice Melter Ingestion Dangers
Animals like to eat salt; it is always a good idea to prevent pets from licking ice melter granules. Keep them indoors while ice melter is applied.

Don’t let your dog lick ice melt or drink from puddles when they are outside. Even very limited amounts of 100 percent sodium chloride can be lethal to dogs. Purchase an ice melt with colored pellets or granules to make it easier to identify in the snow.

Some of the symptoms seen in animals after the ingestion of ice melter granules and residues are; drooling, vomiting, loss of appetite, disorientation and increased water consumption.

While it is unlikely for pets to consume a large enough amount of ice melter that would lead to poisoning, that does not eliminate the small chance that pets can be adversely affected by the presence of such chemicals. According to the ASPCA-APCC, consumption of excessive amounts of ice melter by an animal may result in; low blood pressure, decreased muscle function, cardiac abnormalities, seizures, coma or even death.

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Pets Have Sensitive Paws
Pets such as dogs and cats are generally more sensitive to the colder winter weather. They might have a sufficient coat of fur to keep their bodies warm, but the drying and stinging effects of ice and snow may have a negative effect on their delicate paws. Likewise the salt and certain chemicals included in various ice melters can also cause irritation to these sensitive areas.

Always wipe your dog’s paws with a moist towel after walking outside on snowy days. Also, trim the hair between the dog’s toes to reduce mineral collection, or put doggie booties on all four paws as extra protection.

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Pet Safe Ice Melt Benefits
Pet safe ice melt products can help reduce any harmful effects to animals and the environment. A pet safe ice melter will not irritate and dry out your pet’s paws and is less harmful if accidentally swallowed. Using pet safe ice melters will help ensure that your pets are protected from the harmful effects of non-pet friendly ice melter blends.

Please observe the following precautions for the safety of your pets:

  • Keep pets indoors while ice melter is applied
  • Avoid taking pets on long walks during the winter
  • Restrain pets from haphazardly running and jumping on piles of ice or snow
  • If going outdoors for long periods of time is unavoidable, have your pets wear boots
  • Keep a rag or towel near the door and wipe ice melter residue from their paws

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

B.S.C. Holdings Inc.

Kissner Group Holdings LP, the parent company of Kissner Milling Company Limited announced today that it has acquired B.S.C. Holdings Inc., the parent company of both Central Salt, L.L.C. of Elgin, Illinois and Lyons Salt Company of Lyons, Kansas.

Central Salt is a leading supplier and marketer of bulk and packaged deicing products, as well as a leading supplier of agricultural salts. Lyons Salt is a vertically-integrated salt mine. Both companies serve commercial and governmental customers.

David Safran, Chief Executive Officer of Kissner commented, “The combination of our companies strengthens our ability to reliably supply high quality products and to provide exceptional service to our customers over a broader geographic footprint through multiple vertically-integrated mines. The transition process will be seamless to customers and is already underway.”

Peter Powell, Chief Executive Officer of BSC, will serve on the Board of Directors of the combined companies, and will continue in his responsibilities as Chairman of the Salt Institute. Mr. Powell said, “We are excited about the opportunity that this combination represents for our customers, our employees and the Elgin and Lyons communities. Our combined companies will be ideally positioned to meet the needs of our customers in our diverse markets throughout North America.”

Mark Demetree, Chairman of Kissner, added, “This transaction represents a solid platform for value creation for Kissner, by extending our offering and market reach through the acquisition of an established industry leader, with a long tradition of excellence and service in North American markets. As a result of this transaction, Kissner can now provide a wider range of products across a larger geographic area in North America.”

About Kissner Group Holdings
Kissner Group Holdings is the parent company to Kissner Milling Company Limited and is owned by Metalmark Capital, Silvertree, a venture between Silverhawk Capital Partners and Demetree Salt, LLC, and the Kissner management team.

About Kissner Milling Company Limited
Headquartered in Cambridge, Ontario, Kissner Milling Company Limited is a leading producer and distributor of bulk rock salt and packaged specialty deicing products across North America.  Kissner owns and operates a rock salt mine located in Detroit, Michigan, which began operations over 100 years ago and today is one of the most efficient and safest rock salt mines in North America.  With a vertically-integrated supply chain for packaged deicing products, Kissner is highly differentiated in its industry and one of the most cost-competitive producers and distributors of bulk rock salt and other packaged deicing products, across its markets.

About BSC Holding, Inc.
Headquartered in Mission, Kansas, BSC Holding, Inc. is a leading producer and distributor of bulk rock salt and packaged specialty deicing products across North America.  BSC Holding owns and operates a vertically-integrated rock salt mine located in Lyons, Kansas, which began operations over 100 years ago. Today, BSC Holdings has an outstanding safety record and a dominant position in the Kansas market. BSC Holding also owns and operates Central Salt, a leading supplier and marketer of bulk and packaged deicing products, as well as a leading supplier of agricultural salts.


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

148 Manitou Drive, Suite 301, Kitchener, ON N2X 1L3

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

Email: info@kissner.com

Website: www.kissner.com

Canada Winter Forecast

Well Above-Normal Temperatures to Envelop Western Canada

Western Canada residents should expect another winter with above- to well above-normal temperatures, as a prevailing westerly flow delivers milder Pacific air across the region. Compared to last winter, there will be more snow across the coastal mountains of western British Columbia, which includes the Whistler Blackcomb ski resort, host of the 2010 Winter Olympics.

Farther east in the Rockies of eastern British Columbia and western Alberta, snowfall will underachieve this winter. The majority of the snow in this region will fall during the first half of the winter before a drier pattern sets up during January and February.

Drier and milder weather will be a dominant theme across the Prairie region this winter as the Polar jet stream gets displaced farther to the north. This pattern will greatly limit the amount and duration of Arctic air masses that normally impact the region. Average temperatures could be as much as 3 degrees Celsius (5.5 degrees Fahrenheit) above normal this winter in cities such as Edmonton, Calgary and Regina.

Significant snowfall events will be few and far between across the region as the primary storm track will generally remain farther south across the central and southern U.S.

Increased Risk for Ice Storms in Ontario, Quebec

This coming winter will not be nearly as cold as last winter thanks in part to El Niño. This should lead to a noticeable difference in heating bills compared to last year.

Unfortunately, the winter pattern will also favor an increased risk of ice storms, especially from eastern Ontario to southern Quebec, including the cities of Ottawa and Montreal. Much of Ontario, including the lake-effect snow belts will have less snowfall compared to normal, as the main storm track shifts to the south and east during January and February.

As the storm track shifts toward the East Coast later in January and February, there will be an increased risk for significant snowfall events across eastern Quebec, including the Gaspe Peninsula.

Stormy but Mild Conditions Forecast for Most of Atlantic Canada

The combination of a strong El Niño and warmer-than-usual sea-surface waters surrounding the region will lead to slightly higher temperatures compared to normal this winter. The winter could turn snowy again from New Brunswick to Prince Edward Island, especially the second half of the winter. The milder conditions will favor a greater tendency for storms that initially bring snow, but change to ice or rain, especially across Nova Scotia. Much of Newfoundland will experience a milder winter with a reduced number of major storms.

Canada Winter Forecast 2015/2016

Canada Winter Forecast 2015/2016


Contact Kissner Group Inc. today for all of your Ice Melter needs…

32 Cherry Blossom Road, Cambridge, ON  N3H 4R7

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

Email: info@kissner.com

Website: www.kissner.com

How to Apply Ice Melters

When to Apply Ice Melters?

anti-icing

Anti-Icing

Anti-Icing – Proactive application of ice melter to surfaces prior to a storm. Anti-icers are applied before precipitation begins to prevent the ice from building on walkways. By applying an ice melter before a snowfall event, you can prevent the ice/snow from bonding to the surface area and simplify removal of ice and snow.

de-icing

De-Icing

De-Icing – Apply ice melter to existing ice and snow. Deicers are made from a variety of mineral salts and work on the chemistry principle that salt water has a lower freezing point than fresh water. As the chemicals react they form a brine solution, which penetrates the ice and snow to form a barrier between the surface area. This allows for easier removal of ice and snow.

Applying Ice Melters

  • Too little ice melter will not control ice and snow as intended.
  • Too much ice melter is wasteful and potentially harmful to the environment, resulting in burnt vegetation and corroded hardscapes.
  • Some products can be toxic to both vegetation and applicator.
  • Always consult the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for the product and use only as directed.

Application Rates

Application-Rate

Application Rate

For best results, apply ice melter using a push type or hand held spreader. It is very effective; a small amount will go a long way! Depending on the amount of ice and snow present, sprinkle the ice melter on ice and snow at the rate of 1 lb. to 4.5 lb. per 540 ft². Shovel off excess slush/water, and then reapply to the heavy areas of ice. Do not overspread. Apply evenly and avoid piling.

Ice Melter Granular Size

Small granules melt quickly, and a large amount of them can get the melting process off to a fast start.

Larger particles have a comparatively slower melting action. They will likely penetrate through an ice layer, but may not be completely dissolved into an underlying brine layer. The unused materials can reduce melting efficiency and increase cost.

The most effective ice melters use consistent, medium sized granules which can bore through the surface and maximize brine formation. This breaks the ice to surface bond, allowing easy removal of the remaining ice.

Before and After Application

Before-&-After

Granular Size

Helpful Tips When Applying

  • Wet/Heavy Snow: Apply as soon as wet/heavy snow begins falling to prevent ice from bonding. When more than 1 inch accumulates, shovel snow and reapply if necessary.
  • Sleet/Freezing Rain: Apply ice melter early to prevent ice build-up.
  • Dry Powdery Snow: Can be shoveled or swept, and may not require the use of ice melters.

Contact Kissner Group Inc. today for all of your Ice Melter needs.

32 Cherry Blossom Road, Cambridge, ON  N3H 4R7.

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

Email: info@kissner.com

Website: www.kissner.com