Ice Melt Salts Explained: Pros and Cons for Landscaping Safety and Effectiveness

Winter brings icy sidewalks and driveways that pose safety risks. Ice melt salts help reduce these hazards by melting ice quickly. But not all ice melt products are the same, especially when it comes to protecting your landscaping. Choosing the right ice melt salt can prevent damage to plants, soil, and hardscapes while keeping your property safe.

This post breaks down the differences between common ice melt salts, their advantages and disadvantages, and which options work best near your landscaping.

Different types of ice melt salts spread on snowy driveway near landscaping

Common Types of Ice Melt Salts

Ice melt salts come in several chemical forms. Each type has unique properties affecting melting speed, temperature range, environmental impact, and effect on plants and soil.

Rock Salt (Sodium Chloride)

Rock salt is the most widely used ice melt. It is inexpensive and effective at melting ice down to about 15°F (-9°C).

• Pros

- Low cost and widely available

- Works well in moderately cold temperatures

- Easy to apply and fast acting

• Cons

- Highly corrosive to concrete, metal, and plants

- Can damage grass and shrubs by dehydrating roots

- Pollutes soil and nearby water sources with sodium and chloride ions

Calcium Chloride

Calcium chloride melts ice at much lower temperatures, down to -25°F (-32°C). It absorbs moisture from the air, creating a brine that melts ice quickly.

• Pros

- Effective in very cold temperatures

- Fast melting action due to exothermic reaction

- Less corrosive than rock salt on concrete

• Cons

- More expensive than rock salt

- Can still harm plants and soil if overused

- Leaves a residue that can attract moisture and cause slippery spots

Magnesium Chloride

Magnesium chloride works well down to about 5°F (-15°C). It is less corrosive and considered more environmentally friendly than rock salt or calcium chloride.

• Pros

- Safer for plants and soil compared to other salts

- Less corrosive to concrete and metal

- Biodegradable and less toxic to aquatic life

• Cons

- Slower melting speed in very cold temperatures

- More costly than rock salt

- Can still cause some damage if used excessively

Potassium Chloride

Potassium chloride melts ice at temperatures above 20°F (-6°C). It is often used as a fertilizer additive because potassium benefits plants.

• Pros

- Least harmful to plants and soil

- Can improve soil nutrient content

- Low corrosion risk

• Cons

- Ineffective in very cold weather

- Higher price point

- Limited availability as a standalone ice melt

How Ice Melt Salts Affect Landscaping

Using ice melt salts near landscaping can cause several issues:

• Plant Damage

Salt draws moisture away from plant roots, causing dehydration and browning leaves. Some plants are more sensitive, such as evergreens and young shrubs.

• Soil Health

Excess salt alters soil chemistry, reducing nutrient availability and harming beneficial microbes. This can lead to poor plant growth and soil compaction.

• Hardscape Corrosion

Salt accelerates the breakdown of concrete, brick, and metal fixtures. This can lead to cracks, rust, and costly repairs.

• Water Contamination

Runoff from salted areas can pollute groundwater and nearby streams, affecting aquatic ecosystems.

Choosing the Best Ice Melt for Landscaping Safety

When selecting an ice melt product for use near plants and garden beds, consider these factors:

Temperature Range

Choose a salt effective at the lowest temperatures you expect. Calcium chloride works best in extreme cold, while magnesium chloride and potassium chloride suit milder winters.

Environmental Impact

Look for products labeled as pet-safe, biodegradable, or low-chloride. Magnesium chloride and potassium chloride are better choices for minimizing environmental harm.

Plant Sensitivity

Avoid rock salt near sensitive plants. Use magnesium chloride or potassium chloride to reduce risk of leaf burn and root damage.

Application Amount

Use ice melt sparingly. Overapplication increases damage risk. Sweep up excess salt after ice melts to protect soil and plants.

Practical Tips for Using Ice Melt Near Landscaping

• Create Barriers

Use physical barriers like mulch or edging to keep salt away from plant roots.

• Pre-treat Surfaces

Apply ice melt before snow accumulates to reduce the amount needed.

• Rinse Plants

After snow melts, rinse nearby plants with water to wash away salt residue.

• Choose Alternatives

Consider sand or kitty litter for traction without chemical damage.

• Spot Treat

Apply ice melt only on walkways and driveways, not directly on garden beds.

Selecting the right ice melt salt can protect your landscaping while keeping your property safe during icy conditions. Magnesium chloride offers a good balance of effectiveness and plant safety for most residential uses. Calcium chloride works best in extreme cold but requires careful application near plants. Avoid rock salt near landscaping to prevent long-term damage.