Q.using salt water on magnolia tree
I have a little gem magnolia tree that is bent over to the ground from ice. Can I use salt water on it to get ice off? My tree has only been in the ground since last summer.
Certified GKH Gardening Expert
Salt water is not recommended because it will enter the soil and cause toxicity for the plant. Salt in the soil can kill plants, in many cases:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/reversing-soil-salinity.htm
If you can somehow catch the salt water in a bucket or tarp as you wash the tree, then you might be able to get away with it.
Other than that, the best you can do is to brush off any snow but leaves the ice in place. If the tree looks like it is breaking from the weight, you could prop it in place with a stake or board. But don't try to bend it back into an upright position, since that could break the trunk.
