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Winter Tree Care: Rock Salt and Soil

When snow is in the forecast, our first instinct is to throw down salt to prevent our driveways, sidewalks, and parking lots from turning into a skating rink. After all, no one wants an injury to occur on their property because of neglect.

But salt can actually damage your trees. In fact, excess salt does the same to soil as it does to your body: it dehydrates it.

When salt accumulates in soil, it makes it more difficult for trees to absorb water, oxygen, and nutrients. Healthy, robust trees can withstand damage but trees that are already damaged, diseased, or dying are more susceptible.

This winter, skip the traditional rock salt (sodium chloride) and instead opt for calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, potassium chloride, or other plant friendly deicers.

Learn more about winter tree care or discover signs you have a tree in need of trimming, pruning, or removal at https://woodchucktreeservices.com/tree-talk/.