Our Sustainable Approach to Snow and Ice Removal

Winter weather can transform any landscape into a serene and snowy scene, but it also brings challenges like icy walkways, driveways, and roads. At McFall and Berry, we take snow and ice management seriously not only prioritizing safety but also doing so with the environment in mind. Our snow removal methods combine traditional products like sodium chloride with greener alternatives, ensuring a balance between effective ice control and environmental responsibility.

A Thoughtful Approach to Ice Management

When it comes to managing ice buildup, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. That’s why we utilize a combination of sodium chloride and modern ice melt products, applying them strategically based on temperature conditions, surface types, and environmental impact.

Rock Salt: Effective and Efficient

Rock salt, or sodium chloride, remains a reliable option for clearing ice on driveways, parking lots, and roads. When used in moderation and applied correctly, it effectively lowers the freezing point of water, keeping surfaces clear and safe. However, we recognize that overuse can cause harm to grass, plants, and waterways, which is why our team follows greener practices:

  • Precision Application: We apply sodium chloride sparingly, using calibrated equipment to avoid waste and excess runoff. By targeting high-traffic areas like asphalt driveways and parking lots, we maximize its effectiveness while minimizing environmental impact.
  • Surface-Specific Solutions: Sodium chloride is best suited for durable surfaces like asphalt. We avoid applying it to sensitive areas like lawn edges, where it can damage grass and plants.

Magnesium Chloride: A Gentler, Greener Solution

For more sensitive areas or when sustainability is a priority, we turn to magnesium chloride-based magnesium. These products offer several eco-friendly advantages:

  • Gentler on Plants and Soil: Unlike sodium chloride, magnesium chloride is less likely to harm grass, plants, and nearby landscaping, making it an excellent choice for areas where greenery needs to be preserved.
  • Safer for Pets: Magnesium chloride is considered a more pet-friendly option, as it’s less irritating to paws and skin compared to traditional sodium chloride. As fellow pet lovers, we recommend wiping your pet’s paws after any contact with snow removal products to ensure their comfort and safety
  • Low-Temperature Performance: Magnesium chloride remains effective at lower temperatures, providing reliable results even during deep winter freezes.

By incorporating magnesium chloride into our ice management program, we’re able to address winter safety concerns without compromising the health of your landscape or your pets.

Sustainable Snow Removal Practices

At McFall and Berry sustainability guides every step of our snow and ice removal process. Here’s how we ensure our methods are both effective and environmentally responsible:

  • Pre-Treatment for Efficiency: Before a snowfall, we pre-treat surfaces with a light application of ice melt. This proactive approach reduces the overall amount of product needed, preventing ice from bonding to the surface in the first place.
  • Targeted Applications: Instead of blanketing entire areas with product, we focus on critical zones like walkways, driveways, and high-traffic surfaces to minimize waste.
  • Proper Equipment and Training: Our team uses state-of-the-art equipment to control application rates and ensure even, efficient coverage. With expert training, we avoid over-application and unnecessary runoff.
  • Environmentally Friendly Blends: Where possible, we use eco-friendly products like magnesium chloride to reduce environmental harm while keeping surfaces safe and clear.

Balancing Safety and Sustainability

We understand that winter safety is non-negotiable, but it doesn’t have to come at the expense of the environment. By carefully combining sodium chloride and greener alternatives like magnesium chloride, we provide effective snow and ice removal while minimizing unnecessary stress to landscapes, pets, and the surrounding ecosystem.

Our team at McFall and Berry is committed to creating safe, slip-free surfaces during winter storms, all while being mindful of our impact on the planet. When you partner with us, you can trust that we’re not only protecting your property but also caring for the environment one snowfall at a time.

Contact us today to learn more about our sustainable snow removal services and how we can help keep your property safe and beautiful all winter long!