How Does Road Salt Affect The Environment Around My Trees?

Buffalo neighborhoods filled with tree-lined streets must consider the health of their trees when it comes to road salt. Road salt has numerous detrimental effects on the wellbeing of your trees. An unhealthy tree can ultimately become an expensive liability if the limbs begin to weaken. This is why it is important to ask yourself, “How does road salt affect the environment around my trees?

Road Salt and Your Trees

On evergreens, damage is apparent to the naked eye. Salt residue that is in the air can make the needles yellow and make the conifers pale green. Also, your car can splash salt onto needles, discoloring them as a result.
For deciduous trees, damage is not so obvious. Salts that get into the tree root systems creates drying, altering the soil structure and nutritional balance.
Look for salt damage where snow has piled up near your trees to see if professional tree care service is needed. Treatment options are available to fight salt damage. An arborist can repair the soil by drilling holes near the trees' drip lines and exchanging salt-tainted soil with eco-green matter to give the trees a salt-free area to flourish.

What You Can Do?

Consider trying a different type of road salt. Calcium chloride-based road salt might be a pricier sort of salt compared to sodium chloride. Though, calcium is less damaging to trees.
If you’re going to use sodium chloride, mix it with sawdust, sand, or other comparable materials. This adds traction, reducing the amount of salt spread and bad effects on your trees. Also, watering your trees a little more aid in washing away salt from tree trunks and leaves.
When it comes to caring for your trees, remember that careful placement and planning can hinder your tree’s exposure to road salt.