How To Repair Grass Salt Damage

If you live in a cooler climate zone, then snow is bound to be a frequent visitor each year. If you use salt or a de-icing agent, then you may find that your lawn close to the area where you have used these agents has turned brown. Grass salt damage is a common problem and is caused by the salts or chemicals changing the nature of the soil.

There are a couple of simple fixes for the problem in the short term. You can spread some granulated gypsum or limestone (dolopril style is best). Water these in lightly and they will return your soil to a better balance suitable for lawns. If your grass has not been destroyed, then it should start to turn green within weeks. A light dusting with fertilizer will also be of benefit.

If your grass is dead, then you will need to re-sow using fresh grass seed. A lawn repair tool will make light work of this, making it easy to sow – a good watering on a regular basis until those seeds germinate is all that is then necessary.

Preventing the problem returning next year can be difficult. You could remove the grass altogether along that strip and replace it with non-vegetative items such as rocks or pebbles. You could also put in a salt-tolerant garden.  Some gardeners have found that using old bath towels or peat moss laid over the top of that section of lawn can help to reduce the salt damage. A salt-tolerant grass type is most likely an easier option.

If salt damage is a regular problem and you like your lawn, then keep some limestone or gypsum on hand. As soon as the snow starts to thaw, spread one of these products. The earlier you do this the less effect salt or chemicals will have.