Winter in Maryland means snow, ice, and plenty of road salt. While de-icing salt keeps our sidewalks and driveways safe, it can quietly harm your landscape. Trees, shrubs, and grass absorb salt from runoff and spray, leading to damage that often goes unnoticed until it's too late. The good news? You can spot the warning signs early and take action to protect your outdoor investment.

Is your landscape already showing signs of salt damage? Don't wait until your trees start declining. Contact Oaklawn Landscaping today at (301) 231-1974 or through our online contact form to schedule an evaluation and protect your landscape before winter strikes again.

What Salt Does to Your Landscape

Road salt, also called sodium chloride, is a lifesaver on icy roads. But when it splashes onto your plants or seeps into the soil, it creates serious problems. Salt pulls moisture away from plant roots, essentially dehydrating them from the inside out. It also builds up in the soil over time, making it harder for roots to absorb water and nutrients.

Here's what happens when salt affects your landscape:

Roots can't drink water properly. Even if you water your plants, salt in the soil blocks them from taking in moisture.
Leaves and needles get burned. Salt spray from passing cars lands on branches and causes brown, crispy damage.
Soil structure breaks down. Salt makes clay soil even harder and prevents proper drainage.
Plants become weaker. Stressed trees and shrubs are more vulnerable to disease, pests, and extreme weather.

The damage often builds slowly over multiple winters. A tree that looks fine in February might show serious decline by spring.

Early Warning Signs of Salt Damage

Catching salt damage early gives your plants a fighting chance. Look for these symptoms starting in late winter and continuing through spring:

On Trees and Shrubs

Brown or yellow leaves on one side. If the side facing the road looks worse than the rest, salt spray is likely the culprit.
Crispy, dead needle tips on evergreens. Pines, spruces, and arborvirs are especially sensitive to salt.
Buds that don't open in spring. Salt-damaged branches may fail to leaf out when warm weather arrives.
Twig dieback. Dead branch tips that snap off easily signal stress from salt exposure.

On Lawns and Ground Cover

Brown patches near driveways and sidewalks. Grass directly exposed to salt runoff turns brown and dies back.
Slow green-up in spring. If areas near paved surfaces stay brown longer than the rest of your lawn, salt may be to blame.
Bare spots that don't recover. Salt-damaged grass often won't regrow on its own.

In Your Soil

White crust on the soil surface. This crusty layer is actually dried salt that has leached into the ground.
Poor drainage. Salt damages soil structure, causing water to pool instead of soaking in.
Weeds thriving where other plants struggle. Some weeds tolerate salt better than desirable landscape plants.

The key is to inspect your landscape regularly, especially along roads, driveways, and sidewalks where salt exposure is highest.

Where Salt Damage Happens Most

Not all parts of your landscape face equal risk. Salt concentrates in predictable places, and knowing where to look helps you spot problems faster.

High-risk areas include:

Within 20 feet of roads and driveways. Salt spray from plows and passing vehicles reaches surprisingly far.
Downhill from treated surfaces. Melting snow carries salt downward, pooling in low spots.
Along sidewalks and walkways. Even hand-applied de-icer damages nearby plants if used heavily.
Near drainage areas. Gutters, downspouts, and storm drains concentrate salt runoff.

Plants in these zones need extra attention. If you have valuable trees or ornamental shrubs in high-risk spots, monitoring them closely can prevent permanent damage.

Protecting Your Trees from Salt Damage

Prevention is easier than trying to save a declining tree. Taking a few simple steps before and during winter can make a big difference.

Before Winter Arrives

Deep water trees and shrubs in fall. Well-hydrated plants handle salt stress better than thirsty ones.
Apply mulch around root zones. A 3-4 inch layer of organic mulch helps protect roots and reduces salt penetration.
Install burlap screens. Wrapping vulnerable evergreens or erecting barriers blocks salt spray from roads.

During Winter

Choose plant-safe de-icers. Look for products labeled as low-sodium or designed for use near plants. Calcium magnesium acetate is a gentler option.
Shovel before you salt. Remove as much snow and ice as possible before applying any de-icer, reducing the amount you need.
Direct salt away from plants. When spreading de-icer, aim for the center of walkways rather than near planting beds.

After Winter

Flush soil with water. In early spring, water salt-affected areas deeply to help leach salt down past the root zone.
Test your soil. A soil test reveals salt levels and other nutrient imbalances that need correction.
Prune dead branches. Removing damaged wood helps trees redirect energy into healthy growth.

Professional tree services can assess the extent of damage and recommend targeted treatments to help your trees recover.

When to Call in the Professionals

Sometimes salt damage is more than a DIY fix. Mature trees, valuable specimens, and widespread damage across your landscape all call for expert help.

Consider reaching out to professionals if:

Multiple trees or shrubs show symptoms across your property
Large, established trees have significant dieback or browning
You're unsure whether salt or another issue is causing decline
Your landscape hasn't recovered despite your efforts

Landscape professionals can test your soil, diagnose salt damage accurately, and create a recovery plan tailored to your specific situation. They also have access to soil amendments and treatment methods that aren't available to homeowners.

Regular lawn care during the growing season also supports overall plant health, making your landscape more resilient to winter stress.

Give Your Landscape the Care It Deserves

Salt damage doesn't have to mean the end of your favorite trees and shrubs. By learning to spot the warning signs early and taking proactive steps, you can protect your landscape investment for years to come. Whether you're concerned about existing damage or want to prevent problems before the next winter, taking action now makes all the difference.

Oaklawn Landscaping specializes in helping Maryland homeowners maintain healthy, beautiful landscapes year-round. Our team understands the unique challenges of winter salt damage and can create a customized plan to protect and restore your outdoor spaces. From soil testing and tree health assessments to comprehensive residential landscaping solutions, we're here to help.

Don't let salt damage steal the beauty from your landscape. Call us at (301) 231-1974 or contact us online to schedule a consultation and give your trees the protection they need.

Salt Damage in Maryland Landscapes: How to Spot It Before Your Trees Decline