Most plants survive the worst of Ohio winters. You can improve the odds for your own favorites by some smart planning.
Salt is one of many considerations for locating your plants and trees. Some trees and shrubs can handle salt better than others.
Azaleas are sensitive to salt damage. Plant them away from places treated with winter salt.
Sensitive or not?
Here are some trees and plants to avoid near driveways and sidewalks treated with salt:
* Dogwood
* Hybrid roses
* Sugar maple
* White pine
* Azaleas
* Rhododendron
* Hackberry
* Spirea * Hosta
If you know an area will be treated with salt over the winter, consider these salt-tolerant shrubs and trees:
* Hydrangea
* Japanese barberry
* Spreading juniper
* Honeylocust
* Black gum
* Cottoneaster
* Austrian pine
* Rose-of-Sharon
Plan for winter
Some other ways you can take action against salt damage include:
* Grade walks so they drain away from plantings.
* Rinse plants sprayed by salt with water in the spring.
* If you suspect salt damage, have your soil tested for soluble salts. Ask your County Extension office for more information.
* Consider using sand, gravel, kitty litter and cinders for most of your home’s ice treatment. These provide some traction for walking without damaging trees and shrubs.
Need some more tips?
At Hennessy Landscaping, we can help you design a landscape plan that can handle all four seasons with stride. Give Joan a call at 614-870-5296 for a free consultation.
Serving our central Ohio customers since 1988. P.O. Box 528, Galloway, OH 43119
