De-icing salt is helpful during snowy winter, but it’s bad for your trees and shrubs. For instance, exposure to salt causes the needles of evergreens to turn brown and fall off prematurely. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to reduce the amount of damage road salt inflicts on your landscaping plants. Alton Tree Services, the leading storm damage cleanup and tree service in West Hartford, CT, reveals a few tips to keep local de-icing efforts from harming your trees.

5 Ways to Keep Road Salt from Damaging Your Plants

1. Avoid the Use of De-Icing Salt

Your local municipality likely spreads road salt to melt ice and improve traffic safety, but if you are concerned about the health of your trees and shrubs, don't exacerbate the problem by spreading more of it. Sand is a healthier alternative that improves snowmelt and provides traction without the risk of chemicals entering the soil.

2. Flush the Soil

In spring, liberally water the soil around your trees and shrubs to flush the sodium and chlorine away. This limits the amount of uptake and prevents much of the damage the chemicals can cause.

3. Erect Barriers

By erecting simple barriers to prevent plows from shoving salty snow around the base of your trees, you can keep the melting snow free of contaminants. Plastic or snow fencing will do. Even burlap bags filled with clean snow will help.

4. Rinse At-Risk Plants

When temps start to rise, rinse any accumulated salt from the bark and branches of your trees. Pay close attention to the ones that are close to the road. This will also help flush the soil.

5. Plant Salt-Tolerant Species

Finally, consider planting salt-tolerant species near roads and driveways that regularly receive de-icing salt. These species include birches, poplars, ashes, red pine, and red oak.

If your anti-salt efforts have been too little or too late and a diseased tree on your property requires emergency tree services, call an expert to care for it. Alton Tree Services in West Hartford, CT, has experienced professionals that offer fast response times and dependable service. Call them at (860) 236-8027 to discuss your problem, or visit their Facebook page to connect with them online.