It’s winter and snow and ice are possible. Sidewalks, driveways and entryways are treacherous when covered with ice and snow. Many apply rock salt to quickly melt the ice and snow.

There are now products on the market used for rapid ice melting that will not damage plants. However, some still use rock salt. Rock salt or ice-cream salt is very dangerous to plants and should be avoided as an ice deterrent.

Rock salt should be applied sparingly, avoiding placement near valuable landscape materials to avoid salt run-off which damages plants. Rock salt is effective but can damage landscape plant materials and can be a pollutant that could damage our streams. Normally two or more light salt applications are no cause for concern. Snow, ice and normal rainfall normally leach salt through the soil, preventing plant damage. Colder northern climates, which often require routine salting, cause extensive salt damage to turf and shrubs.

Salt damage to landscape plants is similar to over-fertilization. Leaf margins and tips easily burn and suffer eventual defoliation. Extreme damage shows itself quickly, in a matter of days, whereas slight salt damage may not manifest itself until spring or early summer.

Try to keep salt and other deicing granules as far away from trees and shrubs as possible when applying to entranceways, sidewalks or roads. Be sure to read and follow the instructions and apply only as needed. Those who apply salt on a routine basis should plan to leach shrubs with water during the spring.

Salt damage can be avoided by utilizing rock salt substitutes. These deicers effectively melt ice and are safe on plants and the environment. Ice melting substitutes are available in both granular and liquid formulations for easy application.

Sand is also an effective salt-substitute. Actually, sand does not melt ice or hard-packed snow but does provide good traction to prevent slipping. It’s messy and somewhat unattractive, however, sand stays on the surface of the ice through its duration and is easily swept off when sidewalks dry. It is the safest way to protect tender shrubs or trees.

Darrell Blackwelder is the retired horticulture agent and director with the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service in Rowan County. Contact him at deblackw@ncsu.edu.