This is referred to as physiological drought, which, if not corrected, can lead to reduced plant growth. This results in less water being available for uptake by the plants, increasing water stress and root dehydration. Rock salt also causes damage when salt laden snow is plowed or shoveled onto lawns and garden beds. Chloride accumulation can reach toxic levels, causing leaf burn and die-back. The chloride ions can be transported to the leaves where they interfere with photosynthesis and chlorophyll production.
Plants then absorb the chlorine and sodium instead of needed plant nutrients such as potassium and phosphorus, leading to deficiencies. The dissolved sodium and chloride ions, in high concentrations, can displace other mineral nutrients in the soil. Sodium and chloride ions separate when salts are dissolved in water. Plants are also affected by dissolved salts in runoff water. Damage to deciduous plants is not seen until growth resumes in the spring. Needle or leaf browning, bud death, and branch dieback on the side of the plant facing the road or sidewalk is a common sign of salt spray damage. Many times, the damage is not evident until late winter or spring. The unprotected developing leaves and flower buds dry out and are often killed by the cold winter wind. Salt spray can also cause damage by desiccating the bud scales, exposing tender tissues of the developing leaves and flowers.
Salt spray can cause salt burn on buds, leaves and small twigs. Salt damage occurs on plants when salt is deposited by spray from passing cars on stems and buds of deciduous woody plants and on stems, buds, leaves and needles of evergreen plants. However, an understanding of the impacts salts have on plants and salt application management strategies can help to protect plants or reduce plant injury due to salt. Deicing salts can cause injury and contribute to the decline and death of landscape plants. Despite the benefits of improving safety on roads, streets, sidewalks, driveways and parking lots, deicing salt can cause damage to landscape plants. The most commonly used salt for deicing roads is sodium chloride (rock salt) because it is inexpensive, effective and readily available. In Massachusetts, the Department of Transportation (MassDOT) recommends one or more applications of salt at 240 lbs per lane mile after every snow fall to ensure the safety of those using the roadways. Across the country, more than 22 million tons of road salt is used every year.
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