As winter sets in and Minnesota roads become icy, many municipalities turn to de-icing salts to maintain safe driving conditions. While rock salt (sodium chloride) is commonly used to melt snow and ice, it can pose significant risks to nearby trees and shrubs.
Let’s explore how winter road treatments can harm your trees and effective strategies to protect your greenery during the harsh winter months.
The use of rock salt is prevalent due to its availability, affordability, and effectiveness. However, this widely accepted solution comes with a downside. Trees and shrubs near salted roads are particularly vulnerable to salt exposure, resulting in “salt injury.” This condition can manifest as brown tips on needles, leaf drop, and stunted growth.
Trees are affected by salted conditions through two primary pathways.
1. Salt can seep into the soil, where it is absorbed by a tree's roots.
2. Salt may get blown off the street and directly settle on branches and foliage.
Although airborne salt exposure is generally considered more damaging, both avenues can draw moisture from the trees, leading to dehydration and overall weakened health.
Not all tree species exhibit the same level of salt tolerance, so it is essential to consider salt tolerance when planning landscaping or selecting trees for your property. Certain species, such as Eastern Redcedar, Honey locust, and some oak varieties, are known to withstand salt exposure better than others. Trees like Colorado Blue Spruce and some flowering cherries are more susceptible to damage. If you're planting new trees near a road, it's crucial to research their salt tolerance to ensure they thrive despite potential winter road treatments.
Even if you have chosen salt-tolerant tree species, additional measures can help protect them from the harsh effects of de-icing treatments. Here are some strategies to consider this winter:
1. Deicing Alternatives: When treating your driveway and walkways for ice, explore alternatives such as sand or sugar beet juice, which can provide traction without causing significant harm to your trees. If feasible, consider shoveling snow to eliminate the need for salt or other deicers.
2. Wash Off Airborne Salts: Rock salt that lands on tree branches and foliage can be rinsed away with a garden hose. If snow and ice are forecast, keep an eye out for salt spray and take time to rinse it off to help reduce potential salt injury.
3. Support Soil Health: Healthy soil can mitigate the negative effects of salt exposure. Conditioning soil with gypsum—a natural mineral often used as a fertilizer—can help maintain its structure and function. Regular watering and irrigation throughout the year (as conditions allow) can prevent soil from drying out and flush excess salt, both vital for maintaining tree health.
4. Mulching: Applying organic mulch around the base of your trees can provide insulation and moisture retention, which is particularly beneficial during winter months. Mulch can create a barrier that shields roots from salt runoff and contributes to overall soil health.
While de-icing salts are necessary for maintaining safe road conditions during winter, it’s crucial to be aware of their potential impact on nearby trees and shrubs. Understanding the effects of salt exposure, knowing the salt tolerance of the tree species on your property, and implementing effective protection strategies can help ensure your trees remain healthy and vibrant through the cold season. By taking proactive measures this winter, you can protect your landscape investment and enjoy a thriving environment for years to come.
If you're concerned about the impact of winter road treatments on your trees or need assistance, Nic’s Works Tree Service, LLC is here to help. We have the expertise to assess your trees' health and provide tailored advice for maintaining your greenery during the winter months.
Nic's Works LLC
954 Poplar Drive
East Gull Lake, MN 56401
218-270-0861
