Remediate salt damage to concrete, soil, and landscaping

Road salt and deicing chemicals cause concrete spalling, kill grass within 4-6 feet of treated surfaces, and corrode metal fixtures. March-April is the time to flush salt residue before it causes permanent damage.

Concrete

1. Hose down all walkways, porches, and stairs thoroughly to dissolve and flush salt deposits.
2. For spalling (flaking) surfaces: Apply a concrete sealant before next winter. Quikrete Concrete & Masonry Waterproofing Sealer (~$25-$34/gallon) prevents salt and water from penetrating the surface.

Soil and Landscaping

1. Apply gypsum (calcium sulfate) to salt-damaged soil at 40 lbs per 1,000 sq ft ($10-$15 per 40-lb bag). Gypsum displaces sodium ions in the soil and restores drainage.
2. Deep-water affected areas 2-3 times over 2 weeks to leach remaining salt below the root zone.
3. Reseed dead grass strips along driveways and sidewalks ($15-$30 for grass seed). Wait until soil temps reach 55°F for germination.

Prevention for Next Winter

• Switch from rock salt to calcium magnesium acetate (CMA) or potassium chloride — less damaging to concrete and plants, though 3-5x more expensive per pound
• Use sand or kitty litter for traction instead of salt on walkways near plantings

Tips

• Concrete spalling repair runs $300-$1,500 if left unaddressed
• Salt-tolerant grass varieties (tall fescue, perennial ryegrass) are better choices for areas near treated surfaces
• Metal railings corroded by salt can be cleaned with a baking soda solution and sealed with rust-inhibiting primer