Green Horizons

Nearly all ice melters are salts. They work by keeping water from freezing when the temperature is less than 32° F. This is great to keep sidewalks, driveways and streets safer. But, these same chemicals can poison your favorite trees if you are not careful. Once the salt crystals have done their job, the resulting salt water solution can either be splashed onto your tree or enter through the roots via runoff.

In both cases the tree's health is compromised. Stunted and deformed growth can occur and leave the tree vulnerable to insect attack and disease development. Over time the salts can accumulate in the soil to the point where the tree dies. So, to help protect trees in areas close to sidewalks and driveways, choose from these alternatives: abrasives land sand or cinders, and bio-degradable de-icers.