Spreading rock salt along icy roads may be good for our safety, but it’s not so great for the health and beauty of our lawns. If you’ve noticed a buildup of white salt mixed in with your green turf, you may be wondering how your lawn is being affected.
Rock salt can pose a threat to your existing lawn and future lawn growth. The elements of rock salt that allow it to break through ice can be deadly to your lawn.
When the salt builds up in your lawn, it strips moisture from the turf's roots, causing them to desiccate and die. This prevents your grass from getting the nutrients and water it needs to withstand winter weather. Because the salt attracts water away from the lawn’s roots, the grass is left dehydrated and in a drought-like state. Browning grass in the cool-season can be an indication of rock salt damage.
There are a few approaches you can take in both winter and the upcoming spring season to protect your lawn from rock salt damage.