Given the persistent winter conditions we’ve experienced, with the December snow blanket still covering much of Western North Jersey, it is likely that this wintry landscape will remain in place until the arrival of spring. Worse than the cold temperatures and snow is the ice.
“Worse than the cold temperatures and snow is the ice.”
Many commercially available ice melt products can actually be counterproductive because the melted water frequently refreezes, resulting in an even more hazardous, slick, and dangerous icy layer. To enhance traction and mitigate the risks associated with icy conditions, consider mixing materials like sand or, surprisingly, even kitty litter into your ice melt granules. In many instances, applying sand by itself proves to be a more effective solution than relying solely on ice-melting chemicals to address the problem. The sand will add traction to icy serfaces.
This winter, our bird feeders have become exceptionally popular, and the 40-pound sack of birdseed we purchased back in November is rapidly dwindling, nearing depletion. It seems our feathered friends are particularly enjoying the winter bounty, and, unfortunately, the squirrels have also discovered our suet feeder, necessitating more frequent refills to keep up with their appetites.
January certainly lived up to its reputation as a cold winter month in North Jersey, starting with a fresh blanket of snow even before the new year fully arrived in the western parts of the region. The frigid conditions and occasional snow squalls began the month, keeping residents bundled up and cozy indoors. While the harsh weather has been challenging, there’s a glimmer of hope on the horizon. The latest weather forecasts are predicting a shift towards more typical seasonal temperatures, with readings expected to hover in the more comfortable thirties and forties, providing much-needed relief from the persistent cold snap.
