Using Salt on Asphalt Parking Lot

When snow is falling and ice is forming on your asphalt parking lot,  you may question if it is safe to use salt to help keep it clear.

When it comes to asphalt (not concrete).  Salt will not harm your asphalt parking lot.  That said, the run off will affect plants and animals in the area. Salt runoff can cause stunted growth and leaf browning.  adding gypsum to the soil can help plants recover.  Sand is a good alternative to using salt if you are concerned with this.

If you plow the snow from your parking lot or driveway.  Make sure that if chains are used on tires, that they do not allow the wheels to spin in place as they can leave deep gashes in the asphalt that will need to be repaired.