Before or After the Snow? Here’s The Right Time to Salt Your Driveway This Winter

The Centers for Disease Control report a 35 percent increase in outdoor slips and falls during the winter months. Icy sidewalks, stairs and driveways are largely to blame for this seasonal uptick. Icy driveways are not only dangerous to walk on but also make driving and parking difficult. Ice melt salt is one of the best ways to keep driveways clear, but how should you best use it? Should you apply it before or after a storm — or both? Two industry experts weigh in on the best way to salt your driveway for optimal results this winter.

Should You Salt Your Driveway Before It Snows?

It depends. Salting before a big storm with heavy snow and ice accumulation is a good idea, but timing matters.

Plan to apply salt several hours before a storm hits for best results. It creates a salty coating that prevents the initial snowfall from bonding with the driveway surface. Pre-salting reduces total snow accumulation and makes snow removal easier once the storm is over. Avoid doing it too far in advance, or if rain is in the forecast, as the salt can be washed or blown away before the snow arrives. It’s not necessary to salt before a light snowfall of less than six inches. 

Should You Salt After It Snows?

It’s always a good idea to salt after it snows, but don’t rely on it to replace snow removal efforts. First remove as much snow as possible with a shovel or snowblower, then use salt to clear away any remaining slush and snow.

The best time to salt is immediately after snow removal, before cold nighttime temperatures set in. “When applied before the temperatures drop, salt prevents ice from forming and ensures the snow does not freeze solid to the ground,” Angelika Klimorowski, a winter maintenance specialist at Online Rock Salt, says. 

Should You Do Both? (Anti-Icing and De-Icing?)

Apply salt before and after a big storm for best results, especially when heavy snow, sleet or freezing rain is expected.

“Pre-salting helps prevent ice from bonding to the driveway, while a second application can help break down any ice that forms,” Aaron Strickland, owner of Mr. Trim Lawn & Garden Services, says. “For a typical snowfall, both applications usually aren’t necessary.”

If only a few inches of snow is forecast, salting after snow removal is likely sufficient. Applying salt before and after a small storm is not only a waste of money, but can damage driveway surfaces, burn lawn edges and generate harmful storm runoff. 

How Much Rock Salt Do You Need?

“The exact amount of rock salt that you need will depend on how big the area is that you are planning to de-ice,” Klimorowski says. A little goes a long way, and more is not better. A 12-oz. coffee mug filled with salt is enough to treat a 1,000-sq.-ft. driveway. Spread salt evenly, leaving about 3 inches between salt grains. Avoid overapplication, as it can degrade driveway surfaces and harm the environment.

A handheld spreader makes application easier and more consistent, especially for larger driveways. “We try to follow recommended coverage rates and use a spreader wherever possible,” Strickland says. “Too much salt wastes product and can damage surrounding grass and gardens.” If spreading salt by hand, always wear gloves and cascade it for even coverage. 

Rock salt is only effective down to ground temperatures of 15 to 17 degrees. Don’t apply more salt if it’s not working, as it’s likely too cold out for it to work. “If your area tends to experience colder temperatures, you may need to find an alternative de-icing product to keep your surfaces safe,” Klimorowski says. Calcium chloride and magnesium chloride ice melt products are two common alternatives that remain effective at sub-zero temperatures. 

FAQ

Does rain wash away salt?

Yes, rain will wash away salt rather than dissolve it. It then ends up in storm drains and potentially pollutes local bodies of water.

What temperature is too cold for rock salt?

Rock salt stops working in temperatures below 10 to 15 degrees.

Is it ever/when is it too late to salt?

“While it is true that salt will work best if you apply it before the temperatures drop, there is no deadline, and you can always apply it later,” Klimorowski says.

Will salt damage your driveway?

There’s no guarantee salt will damage your driveway, but you should use it sparingly. Concrete driveways are particularly vulnerable to salt damage. 

About the Experts

• Angelika Klimorowski is a de-icing and winter maintenance specialist working at Online Rock Salt, a de-icing products distributor based in Lancashire, England. 
• Aaron Strickland is a second-generation owner of Mr. Trim Lawn & Garden Services, with over 20 years of experience in residential and commercial lawn care. 

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