GARDEN COLUMN FOR THE SALISBURY POST
Darrell Blackwelder
January 29, 2004

    Sidewalks, driveways and entryways were extremely treacherous this past week with the excessive winter weather mix. When the weather finally calmed and finally able to get outdoors, many applied rock salt to quickly melt the ice and snow on sidewalks and drives. Rock salt works well but can damage landscape plant materials as well as a potential stream pollutant. With the luck we've had over the past few years with winter weather it's a sure bet Rowan could experience more of this type of weather in the weeks ahead. Many will not wait to stock up for the next round of bad weather.
    There are only a few products on the market used for rapid ice melt. Rock salt is generally the standard product and should be applied sparingly, avoiding placement near valuable landscape materials to avoiding salt run-off which damages plant material. Normally two or more light salt applications are no cause for concern. Snow, ice and normal rainfall normally leach salt through the soil preventing plant damage. Colder northern climates, which often requires routine salting is causes extensive salt damage to turf and shrubs.
    Salt damage to plants is similar to over-fertilization. Leaf margins and tips easily burn and with eventual defoliation.
Extreme damage shows itself quickly, in a matter of days, whereas slight salt damage may not manifest itself until spring or early summer.
    Try to keep salt granules as far away from trees and shrubs as possible when applying to sidewalks or roads. Follow instructions and apply only as needed. Those that apply salt on a routine basis should plan to leach shrubs with water during the spring.
    Salt damage can be avoided by utilizing rock salt substitutes. These deicers effectively melt ice and are safe on the plants and the environment. Ice melting substitutes are available in both granular and some in liquid formulations for easy application.
    Sand is also an effective salt-substitute. Actually, sand does not melt ice or hard packed snow, but does provide good traction to prevent slipping. It's messy and somewhat unattractive, however, sand stays on the surface of the ice through its duration and is easily swept off when sidewalks dry. It is the safest way to protect tender shrubs or trees.

Darrell Blackwelder is an agricultural agent in charge of horticulture with the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service in Rowan County. For archived garden columns or other information, visit the Rowan County Master Gardener web site at www.rowanmastergardener.com , e-mail Darrell_Blackwelder@ncsu.edu or phone at 704-633-0571.