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Sodium no good for plants, vehicles, either

Posted December 12, 2007 10:00 pm

John Reynolds

While rock salt can help people get around easier during the winter months, it can be bad news for plants and vehicles.

Jennifer Fishburn, a horticultural educator with the University of Illinois Extension, Sangamon-Menard Unit, said Wednesday that some plants can be injured if they come into contact with salt, and salt can make it difficult for a plant to absorb water if it gets into the soil.

"Plants vary in their salt tolerance. Not all plants react the same," she said.

If people have plants near their homes, Fishburn said they should be careful when using salt on their sidewalks or porches. They should use as little salt as possible, and it can be a good idea to combine their salt with sand or kitty litter for better traction.

If people spread salt on their sidewalks and later shovel the walks, they should remember to not throw the shoveled snow near plants, since there will be salt mixed in with the snow, she said.

The city of Springfield and the Illinois Department of Transportation both spread salt on the streets or roads to help motorists. Sangamon County uses a 50/50 mixture of salt and sand.

Bob Bitschenauer, owner of By-Pass Auto Body, 2300 Clear Lake Ave., said the salt spread on roads can damage cars.

The problem arises when there are chips in the car's paint and the salt comes into contact with the metal. If the salt isn't washed off, the car can start to rust.

"After the salt is off the roads, people need to wash their vehicles and get all of the salt off," Bitschenauer said.

People need to use both soap and water to wash salt off completely, he said.

John Reynolds can be reached at (217) 788-1524 or john.reynolds@sj-r.com.

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