Salt should only be used after the snow is removed and only in areas needed for safety. Distribute salt evenly, not in clumps. Clumped salt is wasted salt. Untreated salt stops working if the temperature is below 15 degrees.

Do you salt before or after it snows?

Rock salt is meant to be put down before snow falls, and keeps it from sticking to the surface, says Nichols. "But most people shovel, get it clear, then put down the salt. If you salt and then get snow on top it can turn to mush underneath and then it gets hard to shovel."

At what temperature does salt work on sidewalks?

Dry salt alone will not melt ice and snow. It's when it comes in contact with the tiniest amount of water that it becomes effective. The highly concentrated salt and water solution can work when temperatures go below 32 degrees.