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In a study of the short and long-term effects of salts on silver maple ( Acer saccharinum ), Patykowski et al . found that calcium chloride was less toxic compared to sodium chloride , but when applied at high doses , both were equally as harmful . In comparative greenhouse trials , it was concluded that CMA is less harmful to herbaceous plants when evaluated against traditional de-icing salts . But in contrast , a study using potted tree saplings showed that CMA is equally as harmful to trees during vegetative growth when compared to sodium chloride . In addition , the high cost of CMA prevents its widespread use by many municipalities . Overall , it may be possible to limit plant damage by avoiding the use of rock salt and magnesium chloride , but only when low amounts of other de-icing salts are used . According to Sinclair : “ Salt absorption and subsequent damage increase with the amount of salt deposited on a plant . The type of salt is relatively unimportant .”
Therefore , to prevent salt damage from developing , limiting the amount used is likely the most important factor . To that end , restrict de-icing salt application to essential areas only and include sand when possible . Keeping plants wellwatered during the spring season , if dry weather persists , can help to dilute salts that may be present in the soil . Manipulating soil grade or altering downspout drainage adjacent to sidewalks or driveways prone to ice formation may help to limit salt application in residential and commercial settings . However , in some landscapes , salt damage may be unavoidable given the needs to prevent and remove ice .
In coastal communities , salt spray from the ocean deposits sodium and chloride ions onto foliage and stems , which can be directly absorbed or enter through natural openings or wounds . Large storm systems with strong westerly winds , such as a nor ’ easter , can cause widespread salt spray damage . Physically covering plants with burlap prior to these storm events can help to limit the amount of salt deposited onto the canopy . Salt spray tolerance among woody plants varies and can be influenced by many different site factors . In general , plants with thick , waxy cuticle covering the foliage ( i . e ., two- and three-needle pines ), resinous deposits protecting the buds , or thick , waxy stem bark can better tolerate salt spray .
Hort Notes 2025 Vol . 26:1
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