Salt Damage

 

Look for it along walks, driveways and roads. Bare spots or invasion by salt- and compaction-tolerant weeds along sidewalks, driveways and roadsides. Soil is sometimes covered with white or yellow crust. Sodium chloride (salt) used for de-icing causes the problem.

 

Salt damage is often compounded by compaction from foot traffic, auto tires and piled snow. Even if the damage is not enough to kill sod, it increases stress on the grass, making it more prone to diseases and weed competition. Weak turf in these areas is especially vulnerable to runoff into storm sewers and surface waters.

 

What to do!

 

Rake and/or broom off all available salt.

Spray area with Ivory soap and Hydrogen Peroxide 50/50 mix.  Use a hose end sprayer and soak all areas thoroughly .  This will help  flush the area of the salt and help to reduce the chance of molds creating further damage.

 

Seed area with salt tolerant seed.  This area will always dry out faster than others and it will need additional organic matter (Organic Ferti-Mulch), lime (pH control and soil buffering qualities), RainMaker and better cultural practices such as mowing at 3” and water more frequently than other areas of the lawn.

 

1 tsp makes 1 pint of gel

 

1 OZ Ferti-Mulch covers 1 sq ft

What a boulevard should look like