Rock salt and other deicers can negatively impact waterways and plants. Even with our winters becoming milder, it is still important to know how to properly treat icy surfaces while minimizing the environmental impacts. Read on for seven smart salting strategies to help keep your walkways clear this winter.

Less is more

Less salt is needed than you may think. Salt is only effective if it can dissolve, so make sure salt granules are evenly spread with some space between. Check instructions on the salt bag before applying. Typically, it only takes one cup of rock salt to treat a 20- foot driveway.  

Use sand or gravel when possible

Sand and gravel can be used to increase traction, especially when it is too cold for deicers to work.  

Salt isn’t effective below 15 degrees

Although it is getting more uncommon for cold spells below 15 degrees in the Mid-Atlantic, if the temperature does drop below, traditional deicers won’t work.

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Shovel first, salt second

Shovel early and often, this can decrease the need for salt and can help you take advantage of the sun to melt the rest. 

Use more environmentally friendly deicers

While all deicers harm the environment, there are some that minimize the negative impacts. Check out the US EPA’s list of products that are certified “Safer Choice” and read more on our blog about environmentally friendly deicing.

Try using brine

Brine is a mixture of rock salt and water, and it’s easy to make your own brine at home. Because brine is only about 20% rock salt mix with water, it reduces the amount of salt needed. You can also use brine to pretreat surfaces up to 24–48 hours before a snow fall, however it won’t work if rain comes before the snow.

Be careful around plants and grass

Even environmentally friendly deicers can be harmful to plants.  

Additional resources for salt management: 

• Salt Smart: Environmentally-Minded Winter Salting - The Conservation Foundation 
• Be Salt Smart at Home - Salt Smart Collaborative