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Look for it along walks, driveways and roads
Look for bare spots or invasion by salt- and compaction-tolerant weeds along sidewalks, driveways and roadsides. Soil is sometimes covered with white or yellow crust. Sodium chloride (salt) used for de-icing causes the problem.
Salt damage is often compounded by compaction from foot traffic, auto tires and piled snow. Even if the damage is not enough to kill sod, it increases stress on the grass, making it more prone to diseases and weed competition. Weak turf in these areas is especially vulnerable to runoff into storm sewers and surface waters.
Kentucky bluegrass is very sensitive to salt damage. Perennial ryegrass, fine fescues, and tall fescue are more tolerant.
To prevent salt damage, avoid plowing or shoveling salt-laden snow onto turf. Apply only enough salt to do the job after you remove the snow. Calcium chloride based de-icing salts don't cause as much damage as sodium chloride.
Even though it's often suggested, do not use urea or other fertilizers as de-icing salts. They can run off when snow melts and pollute surface and ground waters.
Spring rains may leach salts from the soil if drainage is adequate. If it's dry, you may need to water by hand to flush them out.
If soil is poorly drained, improve it by mixing in organic matter to a depth of 6 inches, or remove and replace with fresh topsoil and reseed. Improve soil before reseeding because salt can prevent germination and damage seedlings.
© Copyright, Department of Horticulture, Cornell University.
Website design: Craig Cramer cdc25@cornell.edu
Mention of trade names and commercial products is for educational purposes; no discrimination is intended and no endorsement by Cornell Cooperative Extension or Cornell University is implied. Pesticide recommendations are for informational purposes only and manufacturers' recommendations change. Read the manufacturers' instructions carefully before use. Cornell Cooperative Extension and Cornell University assumes no responsibility for the use of any pesticide or chemicals. Some of the links provided are not maintained by Cornell Cooperative Extension and Cornell University. Cornell Cooperative Extension and Cornell University are not responsible for information on these websites. They are included for information purposes only and no endorsement by Cornell Cooperative Extension or Cornell University is implied. Cornell Cooperative Extension provides equal program and employment opportunities.
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