How to save plants from salt

Some de-icers aren't so harsh and may work as well. Try to apply them before the storm.

In this season, when ice and snow are likely, pause to think of the flowers of spring. Plants that live near streets and curbs, even turf grass, are in jeopardy from ice-melting chemicals that have become the other "white stuff" of the winter landscape.

Plants are damaged in two ways by the chemicals: Salt-laced slush burns evergreen foliage and latent buds. Moreover, salt in the soil can prevent roots from absorbing water and nutrients and affects the long-term health of both evergreen and deciduous plants, including ground covers, spring bulbs, and lawns.

Symptoms include distorted and stunted growth, branch dieback, lack of flowering, and leaves with browned margins. Salt contamination also can cause stress that invites diseases and pests - assuming the afflicted plants live.

David Yost, a plant specialist at Merrifield Garden Center in Virginia, remembers seeing a hedge of yews killed outright by a salt-contaminated snow pile in the corner of a parking lot.

"Roots and all," he said.

Fortunately, paths can be cleared without maiming your landscape, using alternative products and some care. More than your plants are at stake: Excessive salting poses a risk to pets, damages masonry and vehicles, and pollutes water.
The most damaging thawing agent - rock salt, or sodium chloride - is also the cheapest and most readily available. Protecting your landscape may mean having to shop around to find something else. Read the full article...