During the winter, deicers keep paved surfaces free of snow and ice. However, they can also kill any plants, trees, and shrubs that absorb them. While tree service can keep your trees healthy through the winter, you'll still need to make sure they're far from deicers. Use the following guide to learn more about protecting any affected trees.

How Do Deicers Affect Trees?

The most commonly used deicers contain sodium chloride or rock salt. In large amounts, they can damage trees through an airborne spray or soil absorption. When a tree gets sprayed or splashed with salt water, its dormant buds are killed.

During saturation, salt in the ground breaks down into sodium and chloride. Chloride ions prevent buds from opening and cause leaves to scorch, curl, and die. Sodium ions block essential nutrients that are necessary for producing chlorophyll in trees, like magnesium and potassium. Prolonged potassium deficiency in trees can lead to a decreased resistance to disease and pests. When high salt levels are present in the soil, trees cannot absorb enough water through their roots, resulting in drought. 

What Are the Signs of Affected Trees?

Road salt damage in trees looks similar to water stress. Deciduous trees can develop witches’ broom, and the twigs on their branches can cluster. It's also vital to notice any unopened flower buds, stunted growth, and leaf discoloration. 

How Can You Protect Your Trees?

Tree service professionals suggest flushing the ground with water to reduce salt concentration near the root area. It's also useful to change the drainage pattern to direct winter run-off away from your trees.

Trees along roadways should be washed to remove salt spray. However, this should only be done when temperatures are above freezing. Otherwise, ice may form on the branches and cause damage. Consider wrapping up the trees or using barriers for protection from frost.

When you need prompt tree service, count on the arborists at Liscombe Tree Service in St. Charles, MO. Proudly serving the community throughout the Greater St. Louis region, they offer tree trimming, pruning, and various removal services. Call (314) 650-9055 for tree service appointments or visit their website to contact them.