What effect does road salt have on plants and grass?

While turf grass, like nearly any plant, is definitely vulnerable to the effects of high salt concentration, it's important to note that it is actually less vulnerable than ... to choose another more grass-friendly type of road salt like calcium magnesium acetate, which contains neither sodium nor chloride ions and thus has less effect. read more

Plant species vary in their tolerance to salt exposure (see plant species listings below). Plants that are tolerant of salt grow as well in saline soils as they do under normal conditions. Many herbaceous plants such as grasses adapt fairly readily to high salt levels. Among woody plants, tolerance varies with the species. read more

In addition to harming your existing lawn, rock salt can keep grass from growing for years. Moisture Salt removes the moisture from the soil, keeping it from getting to your lawn's roots. read more

While some people claim that adding just a little bit of salt to the fertilizer will boost the yield of your crops, the amount of salt poured over the roads clearly make it toxic for plants. Salty soil is generally not something you want to have - while some plants can tolerate it to a great degree, most plants just don’t like it. read more

Rock salt is commonly used as a deicing agent, helping prevent winter accidents on roads, driveways and sidewalks. Road crews often add rock salt as a preventative measure when wintry weather is predicted. The same qualities that help the salt break through the ice make it deadly for your lawn. read more