Preparations for wintry weather normally include pre-treating sidewalks and roadways for ice so that you don't have to spend hours on back-breaking shoveling to clear the way.

The sidewalks at WRAL are no different; tiny white pellets dot the steps and walkways from the parking lot to the studio. I wondered how safe the material was for the environment, so I called Tim Grissom, WRAL's own horticulturist, for more information.

He said there were different products based on the chemicals—a couple he mentioned were salt-based products, potassium chloride and calcium chloride.

"We actually use calcium chloride, not a real salt," he said. "Once the salt is applied it stays in the soil. You still have to watch out and not put the calcium chloride directly on plants because the material heats up when it hits moisture, raising the temperatures from below freezing to around 70º or 80º F. That damages the roots."

It's the same idea as fertilizers, he reminded me, which can also have a salt base. "Here at the Azalea Gardens, we can't use salt-based fertilizers, either, because azaleas are so sensitive to salt. Their roots grow close to the surface."

"And just like fertilizer, de-icing products have to be used sparingly—just use what you need. But a calcium chloride product is more effective and works faster, and seems to do less damage."

So, if you prefer to pre-treat your walkways, you might consider a product with a calcium-chloride base. But if you're like my husband, the fresh air and exercise from a good shoveling can be exhilarating ...