A few basics for the beginner. Ridding walks, steps, and driveways of hazardous ice If you don’t want to chop ice away with a handtool, there are several substances that will melt it. Rock salt is the cheapest, but it kills vegetation and damages footgear; moreover it won’t work below 10°F.
Calcium chloride pellets are less damaging to vegetation; they will melt ice at temperatures as low as -25°F Although they are more expensive than rock salt, less is needed.
Granular fertilizer has little melting power but provides traction. It also feeds vegetation along your walk. Cat box litter, sand, and cinders also provide traction without causing damage.