From deicing slippery sidewalks and driveways to keeping seasonal weeds at bay, rock salt has many home and garden uses. However, the corrosive properties of rock salt can be harmful to grass and plant life if not applied carefully. Here’s some helpful information on how rock salt works and how you can protect your lawn when using the salts for various outdoor projects. 

What Does Rock Salt Do?

Rock salt, also known as halite, is a type of nonedible salt created from the remnants of various bodies of water and found in salt mines. It contains more minerals and impurities than traditional table salt, and it has many uses. When applied to driveways and sidewalks and used in lawn care, rock salt dehydrates or pulls out moisture. It works well as a deicing agent, and it’s also commonly used as a natural weed killer. When applied to soil and grass, the salt removes both moisture and nutrients. This process dries out the weed’s roots and hinders new growth. 

How Can Rock Salt Harm Your Grass?

When used as a driveway or sidewalk deicer, run-off from snow and ice can work its way onto nearby surfaces, including your lawn. The remaining salt in the run-off can damage grass and underlying roots if it travels into the soil. 

Rock salt is often mixed with water for use as a weed killer. If run-off from the water solution hits the surrounding grass or underlying soil when you’re spot-treating the weeds, it can result in dehydration and damage. Damage to surrounding grass and plant life can also occur when you sprinkle dry rock salt on weeds and the soil directly below their bases. 

What Can You Do to Prevent Rock Salt Damage?

Careful application is one of the most important steps you can take to prevent rock salt damage. Here are some more tips to follow when using rock salt in lawn care or as a deicing solution:

• Mix with other materials. Mixing rock salt with sand or sawdust can reduce the strength of the salt while still getting the job done. Both sand and sawdust are beneficial for traction, making this a good option when treating your driveway or walkways for ice.
• Only treat perimeter, walkway or driveway weeds. If you’re using rock salt for weed control, avoid weeds growing directly in your lawn and focus on those at the edge of your driveway or walkway. You can apply rock salt along your yard’s perimeter for weed control. Be sure to apply the water mixture or loose rock salt as carefully as possible to lower the risk of damaging the surrounding grass or plants.
• Create barriers between grass and application areas. When applying rock salt as a deicer, consider setting up a barrier to prevent the salt from running off into the grass. You can use decorative stones to create a border or lay down plastic sheeting between the treated areas and your yard. If you use plastic sheeting, make sure to weigh it down with rocks or bricks.

Helpful Lawn Care Tips From Lawn Doctor

When used in moderation, rock salt can be a helpful addition to your outdoor maintenance routine. Contact us at Lawn Doctor today for professional lawn care services.