Winter weather often brings snow and ice, making roads, driveways, and sidewalks slippery and dangerous. To keep our communities safe, salt is commonly used to melt ice and snow, but while it helps keep surfaces safe, it can also cause hidden damage to your lawn, plants, and property. If not managed properly, salt can lead to long-term damage, leaving your landscape struggling come spring.
In this blog, we’ll discuss the effects of salt on your lawn and property, how to minimize damage, and what you can do to protect your outdoor spaces during the winter months.
How Salt Affects Your Lawn
When salt is used to melt snow and ice, it can run off into the soil around your yard. While salt can be highly effective in reducing slippery surfaces, it can wreak havoc on your lawn and garden in several ways:
1. Soil Compaction
Salt can affect the structure of the soil, leading to compaction. As it mixes with the soil, salt can alter the balance of minerals, preventing water from being absorbed by the roots of your grass. This disrupts the natural nutrient uptake and can lead to dead or brown patches in your lawn.
2. Disrupted Water Absorption
Salt in the soil can cause an imbalance in the osmotic pressure, making it difficult for the roots of your grass to absorb water. This creates a drought-like effect, even if there is enough moisture in the soil. Your lawn may begin to show signs of dehydration, even during the winter months.
3. Burnt Grass and Plants
When salt comes into direct contact with plant leaves, stems, or roots, it can cause “salt burn.” This manifests as yellowing or browning of the leaves and, in extreme cases, can lead to the death of plants and grass. The more concentrated the salt is, the more severe the damage.
4. Toxicity to Plants
Certain plants, particularly those sensitive to high salt levels, can be severely damaged by even small amounts of salt. Salt can inhibit plant growth, stunt new plantings, and cause long-term harm, making it difficult for your garden to thrive in the spring.
Damage to Hardscaping and Property
In addition to harming your lawn and plants, salt can also cause damage to other areas of your property, including driveways, walkways, and outdoor structures.
1. Damage to Concrete and Paving Stones
Salt can accelerate the wear and tear of concrete, asphalt, and other paving materials. When salt accumulates on these surfaces, it can cause cracks and crumbling. The salt penetrates the material, creating fissures that allow water to seep into the surface, freeze, and expand. Over time, this leads to further degradation.
2. Corrosion of Metal Surfaces
Salt is highly corrosive to metal surfaces. If you use salt on driveways or walkways near fences, gates, or railings, you may notice rusting or weakening of the metal over time. Even vehicles exposed to road salt can experience corrosion, especially on the undercarriage and metal parts.
How to Protect Your Lawn and Property from Salt Damage
While it’s nearly impossible to avoid using salt entirely in winter, there are ways to reduce the impact it has on your lawn and property.
1. Use Salt Alternatives
Look for safer alternatives to traditional rock salt, such as sand, gravel, or environmentally-friendly de-icing products. These alternatives are much gentler on your lawn, plants, and hardscaping while still providing traction and ice-melting benefits.
2. Shovel Early and Often
To minimize the need for excessive salting, try shoveling snow and ice as soon as possible. The sooner you remove it, the less you’ll need to rely on salt. This will also help reduce the build-up of ice, which can be difficult to remove without salt.
3. Apply Salt Carefully
When using salt, be sure to apply it sparingly, especially near your lawn and garden beds. Avoid over-application and try to keep salt away from the edges of your yard. Salt should be concentrated only on the areas that need de-icing, such as driveways and walkways.
4. Water Your Lawn After Snowfalls
If possible, water your lawn after snow or ice has been salted. This helps to dilute the salt and wash it away from your lawn and garden. Be cautious when doing this in extremely cold temperatures, but a good watering once or twice a season can reduce the damage caused by salt.
5. Protect Sensitive Areas
Use physical barriers, such as burlap or plastic sheets, to cover and protect delicate plants and shrubs from salt exposure. You can also use a tarp to cover garden beds, especially in areas where salt runoff is a concern.
6. Clean Off Your Vehicles Regularly
If you drive on salted roads during the winter, make sure to regularly wash your car’s undercarriage to remove salt build-up. This can help prevent rust and corrosion on your vehicle.
What to Do in the Spring
After the winter season ends, you may notice areas of your lawn or garden that have been affected by salt. Here’s how you can help your lawn recover:
- Rinse the Soil: Water your lawn deeply in the spring to help flush any remaining salt from the soil. This can help dilute and reduce the salt concentration.
- Reseed Damaged Areas: If you notice dead spots, reseeding in the spring is essential to fill in bare patches caused by salt exposure.
- Amend the Soil: Add organic matter like compost or mulch to help improve soil health and promote healthy plant growth.
Salt is a necessary tool for winter safety, but it’s important to understand the potential damage it can do to your lawn, garden, and property. By taking precautions with salt usage and caring for your lawn after the winter season, you can minimize its harmful effects and ensure a healthier, more vibrant landscape in the spring.
If you need help with winter property care or want advice on how to best protect your landscape, Blue Sparrow Lawn & Landscape is here to assist! Contact us today to learn more about how we can help prepare and maintain your lawn throughout the year.