Popular ice-melting salts — common table salt, calcium chloride, ammonium nitrate and urea — can damage plants, according to the Missouri Department of Conservation.

Treating plants for salt damage

After exposure to salt spray, evergreens may show immediate effects while deciduous plants, trees that drop their leaves in fall, may not show damage until the next growing season. Symptoms include yellowing or dwarfing of foliage, or dieback and “witches broom” of twigs. Damage is usually more noticeable on the side facing the drift.

If possible, treat by pruning dead or deformed branches and by washing away any surface salt residues. Treat for soil contamination if exposure has been long and heavy, reports the MDC.

Powdered gypsum should be used to promote its solubility and movement into the soil. Gypsum is a naturally occurring substance that will not pollute the environment, reports the conservation department. It is frequently used as a soil conditioner or for clearing muddy water in ponds and is available at garden centers in 50 pound bags.

Plants that have been weakened by heavy or chronic exposure to salt may not respond to gypsum treatment.

Protect at-risk plants & apply ice melters sparingly

Remove ice by mechanical means, if practical, urges the MDC.

“Create drainage channels or barriers around plants where ice melters are used. Use only the amount of ice melting chemical needed to do the job. Practice moderation,” reads a release from the conservation department. “Use dark-colored abrasives as an alternate or supplement to chemicals. Use calcium chloride rather than sodium chloride when fertilizers are not practical. Apply gypsum if sodium chloride contamination is anticipated.”