Why does road salt spilled on grass kill it?

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extraordinarygirl
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I'm having a difficult time with a question in my homework and I was just wondering if anyone would help me out.
The question is:
Road salt that has been accidentally spilled on grass often kills grass. Explain why this happens?

I think it is because the salt deprives the grass of getting water, so it shrivels up and dies. Does anyone know if I am on the right track? I would love to hear another imput.
 
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You are on the right track but there might be more to it. So, if you gave us a more details explanation of your thought process we might be able to help you more.
 
Okay, if the grass' soil contains salt, it would be hypertonic, so the cells will kill the grass and the water around it has a higher concentration of salt, so the water will leave the cell?
 
Thanks for your help:)