How to Melt the Ice in a Driveway Naturally

In harsh winter weather, melting driveway ice is a frequent and necessary chore. Unfortunately, deicing chemicals that effectively melt ice can be harmful to the environment and wildlife. While the most natural way to melt ice is to wait for the temperatures to rise so the sun can do all the work, a number of natural products are available to finish the job faster. Melting ice naturally takes persistence, but the results will leave your driveway and front lawn in good condition when spring arrives.

Snow blower
Coarse sand
Alfalfa meal
Shovel
Urea
Cup
Salt

Instructions

- 1
  Turn a snow or leaf blower on and clear away any loose snow from the pavement. This prevents the snow from freezing to the ice, making it thicker and more difficult to melt.
- 2
  Spread coarse sand over the driveway. In addition to melting ice, sand lends traction to slippery surfaces, making them safer to walk and drive on.
- 3
  Scatter alfalfa meal over the entire driveway by shaking it off of a shovel. This is a natural fertilizer that’s also dry and gritty so it adds traction as well. Used in small amounts at a time, the low levels of nitrogen are less threatening to plants and the water system than some other natural options.
- 4
  Pour urea, a natural fertilizer, over patches of ice and let it sit for about an hour to loosen the ice. Note that urea is safe for animals and less corrosive than chemical deicers. Avoid using urea on thick patches of ice because a large amount can burn plants.
- 5
  Shake a cup full of salt over the pavement. While rock salt is widely available in winter, liquid solutions are also effective. Note that salt is harmful to metal, pavement and plants. Consider using it as a last resort, when other materials aren’t available, to prevent damage to your car. In some areas, salt runoff can also affect drinking water.

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