Free classifieds . House plans . Preferred listings showcase . The Old House Web Materials used to melt ice and snow can also damage lawns, shrubs and ground-cover plants. This chemical can injure plants if too much is applied, Nuss says.
Sodium can cause soil to become compacted, inhibiting root growth.
A high amount of salt will block nutrients needed by plants and absorbs water, causing drought-like conditions. Sodium and chloride ions can be taken up by plants and can injure leaf margins and the tips of new shoots. Salty water splashed on plants can damage buds, twigs and new leaves. The Park Maintenance Division of the U.S. Department of Interior considers the maximum safe application per season to be one-half pound of salt per square yard, Nuss advises. Alternatives to rock salt Used sparingly, garden fertilizer can be a safe alternative for melting ice.