Salts used to de-ice sidewalks and roads is an essential part of winter safety. However, while it’s great for keeping people and traffic safe, salt can severely impact the health of your trees. That’s why Westcoast Tree Care would like to provide you with the following information concerning de-icing salts and how to prevent tree damage.
How Salt Damages Trees
Salt that’s sprayed from cars can cause the bark and needles on your tress to become discolored. De-icing salts can also leach into the soil and impact the root system of your trees due to melting ice and snow. This can severely impact the minerals, balance, and structure of the soil making it tough for roots to absorb water. While the effects of salt damage may not be immediately apparent, it can, however, become a long-term problem that affects the health and safety of your trees.
Reducing Salt Damage
- Reduce de-icing salts by mixing it with abrasive materials like sand or ash.
- Instead of using de-icing salts, use calcium chloride or calcium magnesium acetate.
- Apply mulch around your trees to improve soil drainage.
- Construct barriers between sidewalks, road, and trees.
- Plant salt-resistant trees in areas where salt is often used.
- Control diseases and insect infestations.
Seattle Tree Care
Don’t wait until spring to start nurturing your trees back to good health. Taking the right preventative tree care steps will help to minimize winter tree damage. Doing so will ensure you have a vibrant and healthy landscape to enjoy when the warm weather returns.
If your trees are showing signs of distress due to salt damage, consider contacting the certified arborist at Westcoast Tree Care at 1.800.767.8733. We can help you assess the situation and provide you with preventative tree care services with a no-cost, no-obligation quote.
