The channeling of drainage water away from susceptible plants will prevent salt from coming into contact with plant roots. If plants are situated up-slope or away from drainage areas, they are less likely to be affected. The time of year salt Is applied. This is because there is less time for winter snow and precipitation to leach salt from the root zone before growth resumes in the spring. The depth and duration of soil freezing is also important.
Dormant trees continue to absorb water and nutrients in unfrozen soils.
Salted water can percolate through frozen soils, reaching active plant roots in unfrozen soil horizons. The best solution to the de-icing salt problem is to prevent contamination. Homeowners can use abrasives instead of salt when treating driveways and walkways. If vegetation is located in areas where salt spray occurs, barriers or screens can be erected to protect plants during the winter months. Anti desiccants may also help prevent injury when applied to evergreen foliage along the coast or where de-icing salt will be used.