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Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/725835
www.landscapeirrigation.com Landscape and Irrigation October 2016 23 features tailored to ice management needs, such as multiple independently controlled spraying zones for surface and curb applications, and hose reel spray wands for treating areas inaccessible to trucks. Know when to apply Every storm is different and presents unique challenges. When deciding to utilize anti-icing strategies, it is essential to monitor storm-specific conditions prior to and during the event. Those conditions include pavement temperature, the amount of moisture present and anticipated, the time of day and impact of solar radiation on the surface, anticipated traffic during the application timeframe, the type of deicing chemical being used, and duration of the coming storm. Pretreatments can be done 48 hours or even longer in advance of a storm, as long as there is no rain forecasted before the storm hits. This allows contractors to choose the optimum time to treat their properties before conditions get bad. Anti-icing with salt brine is most effective at surface temperatures between 15 to 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Blended enhanced brines, calcium and magnesium chloride brines can be effective at lower temperatures. Anti-icing is typically not recommended for events with high moisture content, freezing rain, mist or rain turning to snow, or very cold temperatures with dry blowing snow; however, with advanced knowledge and the presence of other factors it may be possible. Grow into it When integrating new methodologies into your winter operations, don't bite off more than you can chew. Choosing the right entry point for your operations, getting crew buy-in, and setting realistic expectations are critical to ultimate success with liquids. A phased approach provides the snow contractor an opportunity to get used to the new tools and applications gradually. For example, pretreating your stockpile, pre-wetting salt in the chute just prior to spreading, and sidewalk anti-icing are good places to get your feet wet. Sidewalk equipment is very affordable and provides feature capabilities such as treating curb-to- sidewalk transitions, which are unattainable with solid deicers. The application scope is smaller, the risks more manageable, and the potential ROI greater. Once comfortable with handling the new materials and equipment, the next step will be less daunting. It is often easier and involves less risk to begin by purchasing reputable brine or engineered liquids that offer reliable supply and consistency. This approach involves less initial start-up cost and offers maximum LANDSCAPE AND TURF MAINTENANCE flexibility to learn the ropes. Over the long run, and with the proper equipment, contractors who make and store their own brine will optimize cost effectiveness. Train your crew Use the increasing resources and training programs on anti-icing in the industry to train your crews. Along with this training, implement monitoring and control mechanisms to track material usage. If your team doesn't understand the value of the process and how it works, and if you don't track the amount of material used, they won't dial back on the amount of salt spread, and you will not reap the savings you should by incorporating anti-icing into your operations. Education is the key to success. For manufacturer, property owner and contractor alike, anti-icing offers a "win-win" proposition for all concerned. Pam Buckley is project planner, SnowEx Liquid Solutions (www.snowexproducts.com). Anti-icing is more than an essential tool — it represents a dramatic shift in snow and ice control as a whole.