Conservationists: road salt in winter damages trees in summer

According to conservationists, the high use of road salt has fatal consequences for trees, soil and water in Saxony. In combination with drought stress, road salt permanently weakens urban trees and shortens their lifespan, according to the Bund für Umwelt und Naturschutz Deutschland (BUND) in the Free State of Saxony. It is calling on local authorities to actively compensate for the damage from the winter in spring.

The association emphasized that trees in cities in particular are already under heavy strain. Compacted soils, little root space and periods of heat and drought are taking their toll. According to the information, road salt acts as an additional stress factor, the consequences of which often only become visible after a time delay. "Regular watering and a targeted supply of nutrients in spring are much more beneficial than felling and replanting with uncertain growth rates," explained Felix Ekardt, Chairman of BUND Saxony.