Lawn damage caused by road salt can be fixed.
Calcium chloride is a popular ingredient in many of the products used to de-ice streets, driveways and sidewalks. While it is effective in eliminating the ice problem, it can damage your lawn. In addition to "burning" the grass, calcium chloride and other salts can alter the chemistry of your soil and harm the roots. Fortunately, there are things you can do to reverse---and even prevent---the damage.
Instructions
1. Water the affected area heavily and frequently to leach the salt out of the "root zone." Apply at least two inches of water once or twice a day for two days.
2. Sprinkle gypsum lightly over the damaged area and then water so the gypsum penetrates the soil. This should "green up" any grass that is still alive.
3. For areas where the grass has died, remove the dead grass. Mix high quality organic material into the soil to a depth of six inches. This helps improve soil drainage and reduce future salt damage. Use one to two cubic feet of material for every 300 square feet of yard.
4. Reseed or replant the area. Follow planting and watering directions on the grass seed package.
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