Protecting Concrete and Landscaping from Salt Damage
Salt keeps people safe, but over-application damages concrete, lawns and shrubs. Simple steps to protect your hardscape and planting.
Most salt damage comes from using too much, not from using salt at all. With calibrated equipment and a few site-specific habits you can keep surfaces safe and protect your property.
Concrete
New concrete is especially vulnerable in its first winter. Seal exposed surfaces in the fall and use less aggressive products near fresh pours.
Lawns and shrubs
- Pile snow away from planting beds.
- Use burlap screens on the roadside of sensitive shrubs.
- Flush beds with water in spring to move salt through the soil.
Calibrate, calibrate, calibrate
An uncalibrated spreader can easily put down double the salt you intended. Calibrate at the start of the season and after any repairs.
