While it’s most often used to deice slippery walkways, driveways and sidewalks, rock salt is also considered an effective weed treatment. However, it’s important to remember that a little rock salt goes a long way. Excessive use or sloppy application can have a negative effect on surrounding grass and plant life, so you need to apply the salt carefully and sparingly. If you’re considering using rock salt to treat or prevent weed growth this season, take a look at this informative guide to help you get started. 

What Does Rock Salt Do to Weeds?

When rock salt comes in contact with grass, weeds or underlying soil, it naturally absorbs moisture. This can lead to dehydration of both soil and roots. If the weed roots are dehydrated, the weeds should eventually wither and die. 

Is Rock Salt an Effective Treatment for Weeds?

Rock salt can effectively kill weeds and prevent future weed growth. When applied directly to weeds and their roots, the sodium chloride in the salts dehydrates the weeds and causes the plants to dry out and die. When you sprinkle rock salt or apply a mixture of water and rock salt to the underlying soil, the dehydration process should also sterilize the soil. This process can effectively stop weeds from returning for years at a time. 

How To Use Rock Salt to Kill Weeds

Rock salt can be applied directly to weeds and soil, or you can mix the salt with water to create a weed-killing solution. The exact amount of dry salt you’ll need will depend on the specific size of the treated area. In general, it’s recommended to use approximately 1 cup of salt per square foot of yard. 

When using loose, dry rock salt, sprinkle small amounts on the soil’s surface at the base of each weed. To treat your weeds with a water and rock salt mixture, mix one part rock salt with two to three parts water. Allow the salt to completely dissolve in the water, and pour the mixture in a spray bottle. Spray the mixture onto the base of each weed, between pavers and on any other area where weeds are present or attempting to grow. While exact results may vary, rock salt treatments generally cause weeds to die within 10 days. 

The Cons of Using Rock Salt for Weeds

While rock salt can be very effective at eliminating weeds and hindering new weed growth, one downfall is that it’s strong enough to damage surrounding soil and plants. When weed roots and the underlying soil are treated with dry rock salt or a watered-down solution, there’s always the possibility that the salt will dehydrate nearby grass and plants. It can also affect the pH balance of your soil and create an environment in which new grass and plants struggle to grow. 

Weed Treatment Options From Lawn Doctor

When used in moderation and applied carefully, rock salt provides a natural solution to stopping weeds in their tracks. If you’d like to learn more about treating weeds with rock salt or schedule professional lawn care services, contact us at Lawn Doctor today.