Road
Salt
Distribution: Throughout
B.C. on
roadside trees in areas of significant snowfall or icy conditions,
where salt is applied to the roads.
TREE SPECIES ATTACKED: All
species of all ages are susceptible. Douglas-fir is commonly
affected, lodgepole pine and spruce less commonly.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS: Salt causes damage to conifers by splash
that lands on the needles of trees directly beside a road, and to both
conifers and hardwoods through buildup in the soil at the point where
salt-laden water tends to accumulate. Salt water accumulation is
usually on the downhill side of a road, and symptoms can be present a
significant distance from the road if the slope is steep and
unbroken. Run-off water in spring can flow for considerable
distances on frozen soil, even on gentle slopes. Conifers
usually show the most damage on the side of the tree facing the road,
and on the distal half of the needles when splash is the cause.
Trees near septic tank drainage fields often are similarly affected by
salt used for conditioning domestic water.
Damage is most apparent in the spring. By summer, injured
foliage is often shed, and new foliage disguises the damage.
DAMAGE: Damage from salt
accumulation in the soil can kill some conifers, particularly
Douglas-fir, and can cause significant twig dieback on hardwood.
Leaves of damaged hardwoods often show browning on the margins.
Similar Damage: Salt
damage may be confused with other abiotic disorders. Consider
the proximity of the damaged trees to a road where salt has been
applied. |
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Field Guide Index
Contact Tim Ebata
if you have comments on the presentation of this information.
BC Ministry of Forests
Forest Practices Branch
P.O. Box 9513 Stn. Prov. Gov.
Victoria, BC
V8W 9C2
Section phone: (250) 387-8739
Section fax: (250) 387-2136
Last updated March 04, 2002 |
