Hello, winter! After last year’s sunny and almost warm holiday season, it’s a pity to be back to business as usual in Alberta. Already, there have been car pile-ups in Edmonton and weather warnings for travelers, and the weather’s not likely to get any better until May. But while the snow may have arrived (or […]
Sometimes it seems like a Calgary winter will never end and some years, we get a little taste of winter every month. Spring is just around the corner and we’re enjoying the occasional day that’s just mild enough to lull us into a false sense of security. Don’t get complacent though, because old man winter […]
Toronto and several other Canadian cities have adopted a novel and environmentally friendly approach to attacking icy roads when temperatures plummet – beet juice. Traditional de-icers like rock salt aren’t very effective at temperatures below – 20 C. About five years ago, the City of Toronto began to replace the salty brine that’s mixed with […]
If you live in Canada, you’re probably familiar with city trucks roaming the streets after a snowfall, spreading de-icer in their wake. You might even use salt based de-icer on your own sidewalks and driveway. But have you ever wondered how salt causes ice to melt? Salt lowers the freezing and melting temperature of water. […]
City works crews and snow removal companies will likely heave a mighty sigh of relief when the winter of 2013/2014 is finally over. It’s been a particularly difficult one so far for the people tasked with keeping Calgary’s roads, sidewalks, and pathways safe. After a snowfall or a sudden thaw and freeze cycle that […]
Springtime is wonderful: the snow is melting, plants are growing… but winter leaves behind it’s mark: a white crust of salt stains on your driveway and sidewalks. Here’s a great tutorial on how to remove those pesky stains without harsh chemicals, ensuring your property will look its best year round.
Have you ever used salt based ice removal products and when spring arrived noticed that your sidewalk was chipping and crumbling or your lawn was damaged? Salt is a very effective ice buster but it and some other ice removal products can literally eat your sidewalk and kill your grass. When rock salt melts, it […]
Just because gardening season is over doesn’t mean it’s time to put your 5 Star Landscaping fridge magnet away in a kitchen drawer. Did you know that during the winter, 5 Star puts the lawnmowers and pruners away and brings out the snow and ice removal equipment? Did you also know that in the City […]