Hort Shorts

Trees – Salt Injury

Salt is used on our roads to simplify our lives as drivers, but it is harmful to plants. Trees and shrubs planted along the roadside are hit with salt spray. This causes bud death, twig dieback and disfiguration on broadleaf and evergreen trees and shrubs.

Symptoms of Salt Injury

The salt spray affects plants above ground as well as below, because salt accumulates in the soil. Common symptoms of plants damaged by high salt accumulation include:

…abnormally early fall color

…needle tip burn

…browning that starts on the edge of the leaf and progresses toward the leaf’s middle vein

…witches brooming – tufts of twig growth rather than normal branches

Extensive use of salt causes widespread damage. This disfigures trees and shrubs.

Solutions to Prevent or Minimize Injury

Avoid planting salt-sensitive plants close to heavy traffic areas and busy intersections. Salt-sensitive trees include Littleleaf Linden, Sugar Maple, Red Maple, Crabapple, White Spruce and White Pine.

Plant salt-tolerant tree species such as Ohio Buckeye, Black Hills Spruce, Ginkgo and White Ash.

Plant trees at least 60 feet from high traffic roads. Plants that are closer to the road stand a higher chance of being affected.

Avoid using de-icing salts on your sidewalks or use smaller quantities. Use coarse sand instead.

Protect plants with barriers made out of plastic, burlap or snow fencing. Set these up in the fall, between the street and the plants, before the ground freezes.

Finally, keep your plants healthy. A healthy plant is better equipped to survive the damaging effects of salt spray and accumulation.

Source: University of Minnesota Forestry Dept.

Holiday Hazards for Your Pets

‘Tis the season to be jolly and your pets want to celebrate as much as you do. They can’t wait for the turkeys, hams, desserts, decorations, parties and best of all, the Christmas tree. All of these holiday items and events can cause problems or even be dangerous for your pet.

Think about your pets’ needs before company arrives. Is your cat terrified by a house full of people? Does your dog tend to jump on guests? Do your pets snap or bite if handled too much? It may be less stressful for them and your guests to put animals in a quiet room by themselves during gatherings.

If you plan to have houseguests, assess your pet’s behavior and take corrective action before you have problems. For example, you may have elderly or frail guests, or those that do not care for dogs. Train your dog not to jump on guests and to behave calmly. Train your pets not to beg and to sit quietly before they get any meals.

Holiday turkeys and hams are very tempting to dogs and cats. They can eat large quantities, cooked or raw, in a short time. Often this results in an upset belly, vomiting and diarrhea for a day or two. In some cases, dogs, especially, get severe pancreatitis from eating foods to which they are not accustomed.

Remember, anything used to prepare or serve the holiday dinner is inviting to your pets. This includes skewers and strings used to close the turkey and carving knives. Attempts to swallow these items bring predictably bad results. Bones should not be fed to pets, especially ham bones. These are exactly the right size to get lodged in intestines. If this happens, it is a surgical emergency.

Cats like to chew on plants. Be careful with poinsettias. Although not severely toxic, poinsettias can give your cats an upset belly with some vomiting. To help keep your cats happy and away from household plants, provide them with wheatgrass to chew on.

The Christmas Tree – Pets adore these as much as you do. Cats like to climb on them, until they fall over. Dogs prefer to body slam them. Pets and youngsters can get cut feet from stepping on broken ornaments. Dogs and cats sometimes like to mark trees with urine. Dogs like to eat ornaments and candy canes, including the wrappers. Many pets like to chew on light cords, which can shock or kill them. Dogs and cats eat tinsel, which can lodge in their intestines and cause a blockage.

If you have pets, anchor your Christmas tree to the wall in two spots for stability. Avoid all edible ornaments, and avoid putting breakable ornaments near the bottom of the tree. Tape light cords against the tree or wall, so they aren’t lying on the floor, inviting your pets to chew on them. Avoid tinsel altogether if you have young, playful pets. They see it as a moving, irresistible toy.

Make sure your pets get plenty of attention and exercise during the holiday season. This makes them less likely to get into mischief. Check with your veterinarian for more suggestions.

Source: University of Minnesota Extension

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November-December 2002
Hort Shorts | Hort Tips | Selecting a Christmas Tree | All-America Selections Winners 2003 | Water Houseplants…..The Right Way | Sudden Oak Death | Bug Bites - Pantry Pests | Cybergarden Sites | Lawn Care Calendar | Go With the Grain | Sweet Potatoes: I Yam | The Soup’s On: Easy Lentil Squash & Collards | Créme Brûlée | Cornish Game Hens for the Holidays

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