Salt tolerant plants
There are many landscape plants that are very sensitive to salt spray or exposure to salt. So we as designers must be careful when selecting plants to use, especially along sidewalks, roadways and parkways. Some plants, if they are not salt tolerant, become deformed, resulting in witches brooming, or stunted. Other symptoms can include unsightly brown foliage due to desiccation, particularly on evergreen trees and shrubs. Do not despair; there are a few salt tolerant plants, many of which are native to areas along the ocean. Think about the amount and type of salt you are using. Mixing sand (torpedo), crushed limestone (TB) or kitty litter is a good way to reduce the salt being used. Rock salt (sodium chloride) only is effective down to about 20 degrees. Potassium chloride and Calcium chloride are used for colder temperatures but also can be mixed with sand to reduce the amount used. Safety is the most important factor but care can be taken not to damage plants and soil.
