Winter in central Alberta means ice on the driveway, the shop apron, the front steps and the sidewalk out front. This guide covers the ice melter we carry, Scotts EZMELT, using only what Scotts Canada publishes about it, plus what the City of Edmonton and the federal government say about clearing walks and about de-icing salts. We don't add claims of our own about what ice melt does to concrete, plants or animals.
Short answer: is ice melt safe for concrete driveways?
Scotts doesn't give a blanket yes. Its EZMELT how-to page says: "As with all ice melters, this product should not be used on questionable surfaces including stone, brick, wood, pre-cast concrete, pre-cast masonry, poor quality concrete, damaged concrete or concrete that is less than one year old."
For the concrete it can go on, Scotts sets a standard: "Concrete surfaces need to be good quality, air-entrained, properly cured and designed for exposure to winter weather conditions and deicing agents." If you don't know your slab's history, Scotts says: "Consult a concrete professional if you are unsure of the age, quality and curing of your surface."
So a driveway poured this past summer, a set of pre-cast steps, a brick or stone walk, or a wooden deck are on Scotts' do-not-use list. The City of Edmonton's tips also mention sand or gravel for icy patches (see below).
What Scotts EZMELT is
Scotts EZMELT Ice Melter is a granular ice melter. Scotts Canada's product page lists its key ingredient as calcium chloride, "which acts quickly to generate heat and melt ice on contact," and states it "Melts ice down to -31°C". Scotts sells it in three sizes: a "4.5 kg (9.9 lb) shaker jug ideal for fast, easy application", a "10 kg (22 lb) with no rock or no sand filters" bag, and a 20 kg bag.
We carry two of them:
- Scotts EZMELT Ice Melter, 4.5 kg shaker jug: steps, a short walk, the path to the barn door.
- Scotts EZMELT Ice Melter, 10 kg bag: driveways, shop aprons and longer walks.
How to apply it (Scotts' directions)
From Scotts' how-to page:
- Timing: "For best results, apply preventatively before or soon after snowfall begins to prevent excessive ice buildup. If snow is deeper than 5 cm (2 inches) plow or shovel surface before applying product."
- Spreading: "Apply Scotts® ezmelt™ evenly onto the surface to be de-iced using the shaker jug or a Scotts® rotary or handheld spreader, or another suitable device. Avoid piling and do not over-apply." Scotts' how-to page features its own hand spreaders; we carry the Scotts Whirl hand-held spreader.
- Waiting and clean-up: "Wait approximately 20 minutes after applying to give the formula time to loosen the ice. Remove melted ice, snow, and slush to prevent refreezing. Reapply as needed."
Scotts' product page adds that EZMELT "should be used sparingly to cover small, or large driveways and sidewalks," and that "The best time of day to apply the product is in the morning or evening when temperatures are cooler".
Will ice melt hurt my lawn, shrubs or garden beds?
Scotts' own caution: like all deicer products, EZMELT "could harm vegetation if applied at an excessive rate". Scotts' directions put it as: "Avoid piling and do not over-apply."
The federal government makes a similar point about de-icing salts in general. Environment and Climate Change Canada's road-salts overview says that "in sufficient concentrations, road salts pose a risk to plants, animals and the aquatic environment." Calcium chloride, EZMELT's key ingredient, is a chloride salt.
The City of Edmonton's freeze-thaw tips help here too: "Pile snow where it will not run across your sidewalk" and "Aim your downspouts away from sidewalks".
Is ice melt safe for pets and dogs?
We don't make a pet-safety claim for EZMELT. Scotts sells a separate pet product ("Scotts® Pet ezmelt™ Ice Melter is available in a 4kg Shaker Jug."), which we don't stock. For EZMELT itself, Scotts' product page says to "use the product as directed and avoid ingestion or direct contact with the skin or eyes." If a pet or any animal eats ice melt, call your veterinarian.
For livestock water in winter (tank de-icers, heated buckets and bases), see our guide Heated Water Buckets and Stock Tank De-Icers: Keeping Livestock Water Open Through an Alberta Winter.
Do I have to clear my sidewalk within 48 hours in Edmonton?
No deadline is written into the bylaw. The City of Edmonton says the Community Standards Bylaw 14600 "does not provide a timeframe for snow removal." What the bylaw says is: "A person shall maintain any sidewalk adjacent to the land they own or occupy clear of all snow and ice."
On ice melt and sand, the City says: "Sand, gravel and/or ice melt can be laid as a temporary measure while the snow and ice is being removed." And on enforcement: "Failure to maintain your sidewalks could result in a $100 fine plus the cost of snow removal."
Leduc, Wetaskiwin, Millet and the counties set their own rules, so check with your own municipality.
Where to buy ice melt near Leduc and Wetaskiwin
Pipestone Farm Supply sells the Scotts EZMELT 4.5 kg jug and 10 kg bag from our store in Millet, between Leduc and Wetaskiwin, and ships across Canada. See more Scotts products on our Scotts brand page, or contact us with questions about either size before you drive in.
Sources: Scotts Canada, "How to apply ezmelt ice melter" (scottsmiraclegro.com/en-ca/tips-advice/ezmelt.html) and the Scotts EZMELT Ice Melter product page, item 46200 (scottsmiraclegro.com/en-ca); City of Edmonton, "Residential Sidewalk Snow and Ice" (edmonton.ca); Environment and Climate Change Canada, "Road salts overview" (canada.ca). All viewed October 2026.