What effects do deicing compounds have on landscape plants? 
Deicing salts, such as sodium chloride, calcium chloride, potassium chloride and magnesium chloride. can damage landscape plants when excessive amounts accumulate in the soil.

Salts affect plant growth in several ways. When high levels of salt are present in the soil, plants are unable to absorb sufficient water even though soil moisture is plentiful. Plants suffer a salt-induced water shortage termed “physiological drought.”  High levels of salt restrict the uptake of essential nutrients by plant roots. Excessive amounts of sodium and chloride ions in plant tissue are toxic to many plants. Soil structure is damaged by high levels of sodium. Salt deposited directly on plant foliage can cause dehydration of plant tissue. 

Several of my trees were damaged in an ice storm.  What should I do? 
After the storm, the first priority is to remove hazards to people or property. Large, broken branches hanging over houses, garages, sidewalks or driveways should be removed as soon as possible. For safety reasons, the utility company should handle broken branches near power lines. After the hazards have been removed, clean up the debris on the ground and carefully examine each damaged tree. Trees that have sustained major trunk damage or have had the majority of their crown destroyed will probably need to be removed. Trees that have been less severely damaged can be saved with proper pruning. 

Those who know proper pruning practices and have access to pruning equipment should be able to handle small pruning jobs near the ground. However, the pruning of branches high in a tree’s canopy and the removal of large, severely damaged trees should be left to a tree care professional. 

How often should I water my poinsettia? 
The key to watering a poinsettia is the moisture content of the potting soil. Check the potting soil daily with your finger. When the soil surface becomes dry to the touch, water the plant until water begins to flow out the bottom of the pot. Discard the excess water. The pots of most poinsettias are set inside molded plastic pot covers. When watering these plants, carefully remove the poinsettia from the pot covering, water the plant in the sink, then drop it back into the molded pot cover. Both over- and under-watering cause problems for poinsettias. Over-watering will cause the lower leaves to turn yellow and drop. Over-watered plants also may develop root rots and die. Dry plants wilt and also drop leaves prematurely.

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