In many parts of the country, snow removal trucks apply road salt to paved roadways once the winter arrives. Road salt, also known as deicer, melts snow and ice and provides better tire traction for drivers. However, this material is not environmentally safe, and using it on your driveway, stairs, or lawn could result in several problems, including those listed here. 

Why You Should Schedule Snow Removal Instead of Using Road Salt

1. Pollutes Water

The rock salt found in most stores is primarily composed of sodium chloride. When this dissolves, the sodium and chloride ions left behind are washed away into nearby water sources. These chemicals disrupt how the water mixes, which can kill wildlife at the bottom of lakes and ponds.

Sodium and chloride ions can also enter local groundwater, altering drinking water for homes and wells. Elevated salt intake can cause high blood pressure, heart and kidney damage, and cardiovascular disease. 

2. Harms Soil & Plant Life

When rock salt is added to your driveway and walkways, wind and rain spray the product onto nearby plants. This causes burns on buds, stems, and leaves, which exposes the tissues to the winter winds and dries them out. By the spring, these damaged parts will turn brown as the plants continue to grow.

Dissolved sodium and chloride ions in the soil will also displace essential nutrients. This causes the plants to absorb these ions instead of those they need, like potassium and phosphorous, so they become nutrient-deficient. Chloride also interferes with photosynthesis and chlorophyll production, and if toxic levels are reached, the plants will start to brown and die off.  

3. Puts Pets & Wildlife at Risk

When small mammals and birds drink too much saltwater, they can get sick. If you have pets, they are at risk of getting the salt on their paws and fur and licking it off later.

When the salt is added around your home, it can also attract larger animals, like deer and moose. This can be dangerous for them as they can then venture onto nearby roadways or get caught on home landscaping features. 

Safely remove the snow around your home by contacting the team at DCM Landscaping LLC & Total Lawn Care based in Saratoga, WI. Since 1991, this locally owned landscaping company has provided lawn maintenance, design, installation services to Central Wisconsin and the Tri-Lakes area. Their landscaping crew has over 66 years of combined experience. Call them today at (715) 325-5548 to request a free estimate for snow removal and ice control, and visit their website to learn more about their services.