Effects of Salinity and Freezing on Acer platanoides, Tilia cordata, and Viburnum lantana

Zimmerman, Eric; Jull, Laura G.; Shirazi, A.M.

doi:10.24266/0738-2898-23.3.138

Cited by 6 publications

(2 citation statements)

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“…The adverse effects of airborne de-icers can be easily observed in evergreen trees and manifest as extensive foliage necrosis on the side of the tree facing the roadway or walkway that has received de-icing salt applications. While this form of salt stress has been less extensively examined in trees than soil salinity, studies have shown that de-icers are easily absorbed by the needles of evergreen trees and through the buds, leaf scars, and young stems of dormant deciduous trees, thereby affecting tree growth and delaying bud flushing (Dobson, 1991;Zimmerman and Jull, 2006).…”

Section: The Impact Of De-icing Salts On Streetside Soil and Vegetationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Winter Climate Variability, De-Icing Salt and Streetside Tree Vitality

et al. 2022

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De-icing salts are applied to roads and walking surfaces to mitigate winter hazards resulting from ice, snow and freezing rain. The vitality of streetside trees, especially those growing in densely built urban areas, is compromised by repeated exposure to de-icing salts. Such trees already experience unfavorable establishment and growing conditions resulting from poor soil quality, inadequate moisture, physical abuse and air pollution−exposure to de-icing salt aggravates these challenges and can be an essential catalyst in tree mortality. Climate change is creating less predictable weather and, in some cases amplifying the intensity of winter storms. Cities that undertake snow and ice management may adopt modified approaches, and those less familiar with this practice may require its episodic adoption. We identify three pathways by which future climate warming may, counterintuitively, result in cities increasing their use of de-icing salt: (a) Warming winter temperatures in cities that were historically too cold to make effective use of sodium chloride (NaCl) for de-icing; (b) cities where daily high temperatures in winter may increase the frequency of freeze-thaw cycles; and, (c) cities in North America and Eurasia that may experience more severe winter weather resulting from greater variability in the circumpolar vortex (CPV). To offset potential damage to existing urban streetside trees and to ensure adequate soil and growing conditions for future trees, there is an immediate need for city foresters to collaborate with traffic safety and public works departments. We present a toolbox of approaches that can facilitate synchronized management efforts, including identifying the location of existing vulnerable trees and re-envisioning future infrastructure that would mitigate tree exposure to de-icing salts. At the same time, we call for the prioritization of research that investigates new potential pathways along which climate change may contribute to the novel adoption of de-icing salts.

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Section: The Impact Of De-icing Salts On Streetside Soil and Vegetationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Winter Climate Variability, De-Icing Salt and Streetside Tree Vitality

et al. 2022

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“…Urban soil conditions may also be adverse for adequate tree development. Common conditions are deficiency in nutrients (De Kimpe and Morel 2000); compaction in and around tree pits and construction sites which lowers soil aeration and water movement and impairs root growth (Smith et al 2001;Percival et al 2004); restricted water drainage and water-holding capacity; interrupted organic matter and nutrient cycling; modified soil organism activity; significant concentration levels of heavy metals (Lu et al 2003); and modified soil reactions consequential to use of de-icing salts (Zimmerman et al 2005). Indeed, during winter, large volumes of de-icing salts are applied in some cities.…”

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confidence: 99%

Appraisal of Key Abiotic Parameters Affecting Street Tree Growth

Jutras¹,

Prasher²,

Mehuys³

2010

AUF

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Street trees must cope with severe environmental conditions. Identification of factors that modulate their survival and growth is a key process for successful management. To estimate these factors, contingency analyses were carried out using abiotic data collected locally for Norway maple (Acer platanoides L.), silver maple (Acer saccharinum L.), hackberry (Celtis occidentalis L.), green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica Marsh.), honeylocust (Gleditsia triacanthos L.), littleleaf linden (Tilia cordata Mill.), and Siberian elm (Ulmus pumila L.) trees. Also, comparable analyses were performed on a merged all-species data set. Whereas sharp differential growth was found between commercial zones and residential areas, studied species demonstrated ecological tolerance as individuals were found normally or vigorously growing in severe conditions. In this situation, ample irradiation intensity might be an important factor contributing to urban tree growth. Statistical analyses led to the identification of a threshold level (80% of total potential irradiation) above which optimal growth was found in commercial zones. Research results also brought out the importance of the underlying surficial deposits: slow growth rates were linked to the presence of sand/gravel deposits. Finally, higher soil de-icing salt concentrations were found in tree pits where trees were transplanted closer to the curb and on wider streets.

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