The Response of Dormant Norway and Sugar Maples to Simulated De-Icing Salt Spray

Abstract

Norway maple and sugar maple trees sprayed during dormancy with salt solutions simulating salt spray along heavily salted roads in winter were less vigorous than those not exposed to salt. Fresh and dry weights of leaves, stems, and roots; height increase, and total shoot growth were greater in the unsalted trees. The percent of buds opened was also slightly greater on the unsalted plants. Percent dry weight was lower for the unsalted plants, indicating a higher water content than in the salted trees. Trees which were exposed to ambient conditions following the salt spray were generally in better condition than those protected from precipitation. Salt deposited on plant parts was probably washed away, preventing injury.