Protecting Your Trees from the Silent Winter Threat

When we think of winter damage in Michigan, we often think of things we can see—like a broken branch. But there is a hidden threat lurking along our curbs and sidewalks that doesn't show its face until the spring: road salt.

While salt is essential for keeping our Metro Detroit commutes safe, it can be devastating for our landscape. Here is what Southeast Michigan homeowners need to know about salt damage and how to protect their trees.

The Science: Why Salt is a "Dessicant"

Salt (specifically Sodium Chloride) is a desiccant, which is a fancy way of saying it’s a moisture-thief. When salt accumulates in the soil, it does two things:

• Dehydration: It draws water away from the tree roots. Even if the soil is damp, the tree can’t "drink" because the salt is holding the moisture captive.

• Nutrient Blockage: Over time, high salt levels change the soil structure, making it harder for the tree to absorb essential nutrients like potassium and magnesium.

Not All Trees Are Created Equal

Some of our favorite Michigan varieties are suprisingly "salt-sensitive." In other words, they're the first to show signs of stress if they live near a road or a heavily salted driveway.

• The Sensitive Crowd: White Pine, Red Pine, Sugar Maples, and Beech trees are the "canaries in the coal mine" for salt damage—meaning these trees are the first to give us an early warning that salt is harming them and the surrounding environment.

• The Salt-Tolerant Crew: If you are planting near a road, choose hardy species like Honey Locust, White Oak, or Blue Spruce—these trees can withstand the harsh conditions when salt trucks start making their rounds.

Maintaining a beautiful landscape in Michigan requires a balance between safety and nature. By being mindful of where you salt and how you treat your soil in the spring, you can ensure your trees remain a healthy part of your property for decades.

Signs of Salt Damage (What to Look for This Spring)

Since salt damage happens silently underground in the winter, so you won’t see the effects right away. Keep an eye out for these red flags when spring arrives:

• Late Budding: The tree takes much longer to leaf out compared to others nearby.

• Marginal Scorch: The edges of the leaves look brown or "burnt" early in the season.

• Witch’s Broom: Small, stunted clusters of growth at the ends of branches (common in deciduous trees).

• Needle Browning: Evergreens will show browning starting at the tips of the needles and moving inward.

Pro Tips for Protection

• The Barrier Method: For young or sensitive evergreens, set up a burlap screen to shield them from the salt spray kicked up by cars and snowplows.

• Switch Your De-Icer: For your own walkways, try using Calcium Magnesium Acetate (CMA). It’s much gentler on your plants —and safer for pets—than traditional rock salt.

• The Spring Flush: Once the ground thaws, give your roadside trees a long, deep watering. This helps flush the salt past the root zone and down deeper into the soil where it can't do as much harm.

Winter salt may be a lifesaver on icy roads, but it doesn’t have to spell disaster for your trees. By recognizing the signs of salt damage and taking a few proactive steps—like choosing salt-tolerant species, using safer de-icers, and giving your trees a spring flush—you can keep your Michigan landscape healthy and thriving year after year.

At Safari Tree, we do not provide salt, de-icing, or snow removal services. Our focus is on tree and plant health—and that includes helping you understand how road salt can impact your landscape. This article is here to help educate homeowners about those effects and share practical tips to protect your trees. Our goal is simple: help you secure your investment and keep your yard beautiful and healthy all year long.