Key Features
- Injury on one side of plant
- Evergreens have brown needles
- Burnt leaves/ fewer flowers
Symptoms
Salt damage is caused by de-icing salt used in the winter on driveways, streets, and sidewalks. The salt is taken up through the roots of plants and harms the plant as sodium chloride is a toxin to plants. Damage is typically seen on the side facing the road or path where salt is applied. In evergreens, salt causes needles to turn brown at the tips of branches and drop. Deciduous tree buds are slow to break dormancy when affected by salt and flowers will most likely fail to open. Leaves of deciduous tres may develop white spots. Damaged leaves will have burnt edges and perhaps some curling.
Biology
Only the side facing the salt exposure will be damaged. Uneven distribution of injury is a telltale sign of salt damage, with more damage appearing closer to the road.
Management Recommendations
Best practice to reduce salt damage is to avoid it if possible. Use sand to gain traction on paths and driveways. There are also alternative de-icing agents that do not have sodium in their formula. If de-icing salt is necessary, erect plastic fencing or snow fences to reduce salt encounter.
Effective Pesticides
Pesticides are neither available nor recommended for managing this condition.
Resources
