Share this post:
It’s that time of year again. The dead of winter brings shorter days, the lowest temperatures of the year, along with snow, ice, and sleet. It can bring about driving conditions that are less than optimal, so salt is used to overcome the slippery hazards these wet and cold weather patterns bring. But this solution can wreak havoc on our lawns. Not to worry, your neighborhood lawn care pros at Spring-Green have all the tips you need to protect your lawns from the salt that helps keep the icy, snowy winter roads safer.
1. What Does Salt Damage Look Like: While the salt is saving the roads, sidewalks, and your driveway from slippery conditions, you may notice strips of brown grass along their edges when the snow begins to melt. The salt that breaks through the ice and snow is powerful enough to also dry out your lawn’s roots and result in dead patches. Although salt-damaged grass often rebounds when the snow melts and the spring rain starts to fall, this is not always the case. If not detected and treated, it can kill the grass forcing the home or business owner to repair the damaged area.
2. Protecting Your Lawn from Salt Damage: Prevention is the best medicine, as the saying goes. Taking a few simple steps this winter can help save your lawn from salt damage.
3. Choosing the Right Salt: Deicers and salt aren’t all created equal. The bargain options for salt deicing can contain harsh chemicals that are prone to build up in the soil as well as cause damage to hard surfaces such as concrete and decks. The more expensive types of salt are often gentler and less corrosive. Here’s a quick breakdown of the common salt deicer options:
4. How to Fix Salt Damage: If you see the signs of salt damage in your landscaping, your first step should be to rinse your plants and soil with water as soon as the temps go above freezing, and the snow dissipates. Soak the affected grass for a two to three-day period to clear any residual salt. Be careful using water from a spigot so as not to cause any damage to your home’s plumbing. Monitor the temperatures and turn off the water from inside your home as temperatures fall below freezing.
If the damage has been done, you may be able to use a pelletized gypsum soil conditioner to reverse the damage caused by the effects of salt. This solution can promote new growth and moisture retention. As soon as you’re able, be sure to rake out as much of the dead grass as possible.
Anyone living in the northern areas of the country are familiar with the use of salt along any busy roadway when the snow, ice, and sleet of winter start to fall. The salt used by municipalities and homeowners to battle icy conditions can have a negative and damaging impact to lawns. The powerful salt solutions draw moisture from the grass and cause it to turn brown, and if left untreated, can cause it to die. The good news is you have a lawn care expert standing by to assist you no matter what salt-related damage your lawn may be facing! The Spring-Green experts can help you save your lawn when possible, improve your beautiful grass if needed, as well as provide expert consultation on how to prevent issues before they happen.