As icy weather nears, it’s tempting to grab the salt and go wild—sprinkling it everywhere like you’re seasoning a giant snow-covered meal. But before you go full “salt-bae” on your driveway, let’s talk about how to use salt wisely this season.
Salt is a powerful tool for keeping us safe and preventing slips and slides on icy surfaces, but using it irresponsibly can hurt the environment, your wallet, and your property. Here’s how to make sure you’re salting smart this winter with Cuyahoga Soil and Water Conservation District’s clever acronym S.A.L.T.!
Stuff: Road salt (sodium chloride) works best above 20°F. For colder temperatures, you can use a small amount of sand for added traction, or switch to a deicer, like calcium chloride, that works better in the extreme cold.
Amount: Contrary to popular belief, spreading more salt does not improve deicing. One 12-ounce coffee cup full of salt is enough to cover about 10 standard sidewalk squares. Using a spreader helps ensure consistent spacing, and you should always sweep up excess salt if you find you’ve used too much.
Location: Road salt only belongs on your sidewalk and driveway. That means there’s no need to salt your lawn, flower beds, or the bases of trees. Accidentally applying it to these areas will likely harm your plants!
Timing: Applying salt before a snowstorm can help prevent ice from bonding to the pavement. It’s like giving your driveway a nice winter coat! A thin layer of salt sprinkled before the snow falls will help keep ice from sticking, making it easier to shovel or sweep afterward.
By using salt wisely, you can make sure your winter wonderland stays safe without turning into a salt wasteland. So, this winter, be smart with your salt—your wallet, the environment, and your neighbors will thank you.