The problem with the yearly rock salt that reaches our lawns is that it can burn the plants’ leaves, infiltrate into the soil, and accumulate over winter. Salt can be very toxic to plants, and, as we all know, it can destroy hard surfaces like asphalt, blacktop, or concrete. Since we cannot ask the city to stop sending the plow trucks to de-ice our streets, our lawn care experts in St. Peters MO have a few solutions for you!
1. Do Not Use Too Much Rock Salt Yourself
It is enough that the city uses it. Every time you consider de-icing your yard, patio, driveway or walkways with rock salt, think if it is necessary. If you have to use it, follow the recommendations on the bag to a tee.
2. Consider Rock Salt Alternatives
Our specialists in lawn care in St. Peters MO recommend you use other materials that can help you maintain your lawn safe and your hard surfaces free from snow and ice. Such methods, as approved by our lawn care company, include:
- Dry sand;
- Kitty litter;
- Calcium chloride or magnesium chloride – depending on what soil and types of grasses you grow, our lawn service suggests you pick the right product for your needs.
- Chopped wood – just as in the case of sand and kitty litter, timber chips do not melt the ice, but help you achieve some level of comfort while you walk or drive around the property.
Discuss matters with your lawn maintenance team about alternatives to salt and see which one serves your needs best.
3. Use Barriers
As a rule, you should never use plastic sheets and covers for your lawn and landscape. However, our experts in lawn care in St. Peters MO recommend you use burlap covers, shielding fences, and other means to protect your front-street vegetation from absorbing salt spread by the city’s trucks.
4. Shovel As Much Snow as You Can
Monitor the weather and take your shovel out when it snows. If you let it accumulate on the ground, it will freeze, and you will need salt and other materials to remove the ice. Make sure you do not pile the snow in only one place on the lawn.
In case the salt damages the lawn, talk to your local lawn service company about using gypsum to remove the salt from the roots. However, before you begin, ask for the professional help from our lawn care experts in St. Peters MO!
