Sidewalk Salt, The wrong one will destroy your Grass and Driveway

Using the Wrong Sidewalk Salt will destroy your Grass and Driveway.

Salting your Driveway

The ice that forms in winter on your driveway & sidewalk is not only a dangerous slipping hazard but dealing with it can have consequences. The easiest is to simply put some sidewalk salt on it.

Using salt on your driveway/sidewalk can cause the concrete to deteriorate. Also, salt can kill your grass and other plants.

Different types of salt have different effects on concrete, plants and soil. If you use the wrong type of salt it can cause lasting damage to your driveway, sidewalk and lawn.

For example, rock salt is great at melting ice but over time the granules will erode into a powder. It eats up the concrete surface of your driveway or sidewalk. It’s more corrosive than sodium chloride (table salt) so should be used sparingly if at all.

The calcium in calcium chloride makes it more effective than other salts as an ice melt. But it’s also very damaging to cement surfaces; even small amounts can create potholes in driveways over time. It’s also terribly damaging to lawns and plants, so make sure you don’t spread it beyond the sidewalk or driveway.

Sodium chloride is more gentle than other salt varieties and thus safer for concrete. But it’s not as effective at melting ice. Potassium chloride is a good alternative that works better in cold temperatures, however it too can be harmful on its own due to its corrosive nature; when combined with calcium it becomes even more corrosive.

Avoid Sidewalk salt if possible

It’s best to avoid all types of salt if possible – instead try using sand or kitty litter which won’t damage your grass or driveway while still providing traction. If you do decide to use salt, use sparingly and monitor the areas that have been treated for signs of damage.

By doing your research and understanding the potential consequences, you can ensure you choose the right type of salt to keep your home and landscape safe from winter weather. If in doubt, it’s always best to consult a professional landscaper or contractor before applying any type of salt solution to your driveway or sidewalk. They’ll be able to give you advice on what is most suitable for your surface area and environment. Taking the time to do this will save you money and hassle in the long run!