Question
We just had our first snow recently and I almost bought salt for our steps but stopped because I heard that some salt that you put down to melt ice is bad for the grass. I also know it is corrosive to the cement and other things.  I can't remember what to buy instead.  Is this just a misconception?  Do you agree it is bad, and what do you use instead?

Answer
Chemical de-icers are a wonderful invention - but murder on grass.  

Calcium Magnesium Acetate is sold in Whole Food Markets and other organic grocers.  Made from Dolomitic Limestone and Vinegar, it stops snowflakes from sticking together or to the road surface.  It won't harm plants or your lawn and it does minimal damage to the sidewalk and other concrete surfaces.  If you winter in Zone 7, this is all the salt you need this winter.

Calcium chloride ?the big seller - works even on ice to 25 degrees F below zero.  In small amounts, it's not a problem.  But some people tend to do things to excess; these are the people who run into trouble with Calcium Chloride.

Rock Salt, aka Sodium Chloride - table salt! - is the cheapest de-icer on the market.  It will melt ice down to 12 degrees F.  Rock Salt mercilessly and corrodes without mercy.  It damages concrete and plants, soil, even metal.
 
Potassium chloride does all of the above; even worse if it splashes onto foliage.

Urea, or Carbonyl Diamide, is used for melting ice in some locales.  Big plus: It's a lot Less corrosive than Sodium Chloride.  Negatives: It will contaminate ground and surface water with ammonia derivatives, and it won't work at all below around 21 degrees F.

With all the work you put into a lawn, not to mention the big bucks, it just makes sense to watch out for your lawn even while it's dormant.  Calcium Magnesium Acetate and a few bags of sand in the garage will ease the pain this winter.  With a bit of luck, your grass will be as green next spring as it was in September.  Don't forget to let me know.