If you live in a winter climate, chances are you’ve used rock salt to de-ice your driveway and sidewalks.
While rock salt can help keep you safe on slippery surfaces, it can be damaging to your lawn. Salt damage to your lawn can result in dead grass and make it difficult for new grass to grow.
What is Salt Damage to Your Lawn?
Understanding Salt Damage
Salt damage is the result of salt spray and salt used as a de-icer. When salt is applied to walkways and driveways, it can easily spread to other parts of your lawn and landscape.
High salt levels in the soil can draw moisture out of the grass blades and impede water flow in the soil. This can cause damage to the roots and ultimately kill the grass.
Spotting Salt Damage on Your Lawn
The signs of salt damage to your lawn are typically easy to spot. Dead grass with brown or yellow patches can be a sign that salt has been spread in the area.
The damage may also appear in random spots or in areas where snow or ice has melted. Grass that is exposed to salt spray from passing cars may also experience salt damage.
Common Causes of Salt Damage
The most common cause of salt damage to your lawn is the use of rock salt as a de-icer. Other causes may include the use of saltwater to irrigate your lawn, over-fertilization, or the presence of salt in your soil due to your proximity to the ocean.
How Does Salt Kill Grass?
The Effects of Salt on Grass
When salt is present in high amounts in the soil, it can have harmful effects on grass. Salt can draw moisture out of grass blades, making it difficult for them to stay hydrated.
This can cause grass blades to become brittle and dry. Salt can replace other essential nutrients in the soil, making them unavailable for the grass to use.
How Salt Impedes Water Flow in Soil
While it is important for soil to have some salt content, too much salt can impede water flow in the soil.
When water is unable to penetrate the soil, it can’t reach the grass roots. This can cause the roots to weaken and ultimately die.
Salt Damage to Grass Roots
When salt is present in the soil, it can damage grass roots by reducing their ability to absorb nutrients.
This can cause the roots to become weaker and less able to withstand adverse conditions. Weaker roots can make it easier for the grass to die and can make it more difficult for new grass to grow.
How to Prevent and Repair Salt Damage?
Choosing Alternative De-icers
One way to prevent salt damage to your lawn is to choose alternative de-icers. There are several eco-friendly options that can be effective in de-icing your driveway and sidewalks.
Some options include sand, compost, and calcium and sulfur-based products.
Protecting Your Lawn from Salt Damage
Protecting your lawn from future salt damage can require some extra effort. Consider using a lawn spreader when applying grass seed to ensure an even spread.
When shoveling your driveway and sidewalks, try to avoid dragging ice or snow onto your lawn.
Placing barriers such as plastic or burlap around your lawn can prevent salt from spreading to your grass.
Salt Damage Repair for Your Lawn
If you’ve already experienced salt damage to your lawn, don’t worry. Repairing salt damage can be done with a little effort. Rake the dead grass away to allow new grass to grow.
Apply gypsum, which can help flush salt from the soil. Add new grass seed and water regularly to help it grow.
How to Treat Salt Damage on Lawns?
Gypsum as an Effective Treatment for Salt Damage
Gypsum is an effective treatment for salt damage on lawns. Gypsum can help flush salt from the soil and replenish nutrients that may have been lost.
It can be applied by spreading it evenly over your lawn or by watering it into the soil.
Using Calcium and Sulfur to Treat Salt Damage
Calcium and sulfur can also be effective in treating salt damage to your lawn. These nutrients can help reverse the damage caused by salt and improve the overall health of your lawn. Calcium and sulfur can be applied to the soil using a spreader.
How to Repair Salt Damage on Your Lawn after Spring Rain?
If you experience salt damage to your lawn after spring rain, there are a few steps you can take to repair it. Rake the dead grass away to allow new grass to grow.
Apply gypsum to help flush salt from the soil. Add new grass seed and water regularly to help it grow.
You may also consider applying a calcium and sulfur treatment to provide the necessary nutrients to your grass.
How to Fix Salt Damage on Walkways and Driveways?
Removing Salt Deposits with Raking and Kitty Litter
Removing salt deposits from your walkways and driveways can be done with a little elbow grease. Use a rake to break up the salt and then sweep it away.
Kitty litter can also be effective in removing excess salt. Spread it over the affected area and let it sit for a few hours before sweeping it away.
Applying Calcium Chloride to Your Damaged Walkway
If your walkway has been damaged by salt, applying calcium chloride can help reverse the damage.
Calcium chloride can be applied by spreading it evenly over the affected area and then watering it in. It is important to follow the directions carefully to avoid overapplication.
Repairing Municipal Salt Damage on Your Sidewalk or Driveway
If you live in an area where the municipality uses salt to de-ice sidewalks and driveways, repairing the damage can be a challenge.
Your best bet is to contact your local municipality and ask them to repair the damage. If they are unable or unwilling to do so, you may need to hire a professional to repair the damage for you.
How to Avoid Salt Damage to Your Landscape?
Landscaping with Salt-Tolerant Plants
One way to avoid salt damage to your landscape is to plant salt-tolerant plants. These are plants that can withstand exposure to salt spray and soil with high salt content.
Some examples of salt-tolerant plants include sea oats, beach rose, and beach pea.
Protecting Your Landscape from Salt Damage in Winter
Protecting your landscape from salt damage in winter can be done by taking some preventive measures. Consider placing barriers such as plastic or burlap around your landscape to prevent salt from spreading.
Hosing down your plants and landscape after a snowfall can help remove excess salt.
Alternative Solutions to Rock Salt for Your Sidewalk and Driveway
If you’re looking for alternative solutions to rock salt for your sidewalk and driveway, consider using sand, compost, or calcium and sulfur-based products.
These options can be effective in de-icing your surfaces without damaging your lawn or landscape.
