5 Deicing Strategies for Your Business  

Winter can be a challenging time for business owners. Icy sidewalks, slippery parking lots, and treacherous walkways are more than just inconveniences—they’re safety hazards that can impact customers, employees, and your bottom line. If you’ve found yourself frustrated by recurring ice problems, you’re not alone, but there are solutions.  

At Shelton Landscape Group, our team has spent many years improving its deicing techniques to deliver the best results. In this post, we’ll share five proven deicing strategies every business should know so you can prepare your business for winter’s worst.

Why Deicing Is Essential for Your Business

Deicing is the process of removing ice and preventing its buildup on various surfaces, such as sidewalks, driveways, parking lots, and entryways. For businesses, this isn’t just about convenience; it’s about helping your business succeed.

• Safety for Everyone: Icy surfaces can cause slip-and-fall accidents that injure employees, visitors, or customers.  
• Reduced Liability: Neglecting icy areas could leave your business legally exposed to lawsuits or claims.  
• Smooth Operations: Keeping your premises ice-free ensures minimal disruptions and keeps operations running smoothly.  

5 Effective Deicing Strategies for Your Business

1. Apply Deicing Agent Early  

Timing is everything. The earlier you apply deicer, the better—it’s easier to prevent ice than to remove it after it forms. By laying down deicing solution or salt just as snow begins to fall, you’ll stop ice from bonding to the surface, making future shoveling or plowing much easier.

2. Use the Minimum Amount Needed  

More isn’t always better. Excessive use of deicing products can lead to environmental harm, such as runoff into local water systems. It can also damage your business’ landscaping. Instead, aim for just enough to break the ice-to-surface bond.  

3. Prioritize High-Traffic Areas  

Before storms hit, identify the most critical zones of your property. These include entryways, sidewalks, parking lot pathways, and areas around loading zones. Focus your deicing efforts here to maximize safety and efficiency.  

4. Invest in Quality Deicing Agents    

Not all deicers are created equal. Avoid the cheapest options and invest in high-quality products that balance effectiveness, cost, and environmental impact. This ensures the best outcome for your business and the environment.        

5. Make Sure to Continue Shoveling and Scraping

Deicing agents are essential for managing icy surfaces, but spreading salt alone isn’t enough. Salt works best when it contacts the ice directly, so shoveling and scraping are key. Without clearing excess snow and packed ice first, salt is less effective, slowing melting and leaving dangerous patches.

Why Hire a Professional Snow and Ice Removal Company?

While the above strategies are effective, winter weather management can quickly get overwhelming for small business owners. That’s where professional services come in. They bring:

1. Efficiency and Expertise: Professionals use commercial-grade equipment and proven techniques to clear ice and snow quickly and thoroughly.  
2. 24/7 Availability: Many services, including Shelton Landscape Group, are available around the clock to respond to unexpected storms.  
3. Liability Reduction: Proper removal by insured professionals can reduce your legal exposure to slip-and-fall incidents.  
4. Surface Protection: Experts know how to apply deicing agents without harming your property.  
5. Focus on Your Business: Delegating these tasks lets you concentrate on running your business, not managing winter conditions.  

Make Winter a Non-Issue for Your Business

Managing winter weather doesn’t have to feel like a battle between ice and your operations. By understanding deicing basics, implementing these five strategies, and hiring experts for support, you can ensure your property remains safe, accessible, and fully functional during even the coldest months. This winter, trade frustration for preparation. Contact Shelton Landscape Group to keep your business running smoothly and safely all season long.