MINNEAPOLIS — In a busy downtown Minneapolis, keeping roads and sidewalks clear during winter is critical.
"You got to keep it clear," said property manager Robert Schroeder. "We salt sidewalks, but we make sure to limit it."
He limits his salt usage because of the harm it can cause to the hundreds of trees planted downtown.
"That is going to affect them," said Robert.
Dozens of trees have died downtown according to the Downtown Improvement District and a salty diet may be to blame for a good portion.
"We believe one of the things that lead to challenge downtown in growing trees is salinity in the soil," said Ben Shardlow, director of urban design for the Downtown Improvement District.
He says tree survival rates have actually improved, but he's still working to educate everyone.
"In many cases property owners and managers can reduce the amount of salt by about 50%," said Shardlow.
Environmental Consultant Connie Fortin says homeowners should pay attention too and look for alternatives so they can 'salt smarter.'
"If we can be a little bit patient we can use a lot less salt or if we invest in newer technologies we can use a lot less salt," said Fortin. "Lets make smart decisions."
Here are some signs your tree has salt damage:
- It has dead branch tips
- Multiple branches coming out of the base of the tree
- Its growth has stopped