Are Deicers Really Safe For Grass?
Keeping sidewalks and roadways clean of snow and ice is critical for public safety. There are numerous formulations of de-icing substances. But are these deicers safe for grass? The salt-based deicers are not fit for plants and soil. If these compounds touch the leaves, they can literally “burn” them. In addition, where drainage is an issue, these salts may accumulate in the soil profile, competing for water with plants. When concentrations reach a critical level, the soil’s physical structure becomes unsuitable for plant life. Therefore, people are now opting for safer alternatives like Safe Paw ice melt every winter. Are Deicers Safe For Grass? Almost all deicers are made up of calcium chloride, sodium chloride, potassium chloride, magnesium chloride, or urea. Salt attracts moisture from the soil and prevents it from reaching the grassroots. This dehydration hinders dormant grass from properly regrowing in the spring. Worse, roots can absorb chloride ions, p...