Ideal Plants for Coastal Landscapes and Saline Soils

Living on the coast makes landscaping challenging.  Saline soils and salt spray from the ocean make it difficult to grow much.  However, there are some plants adapted to these conditions that can be used for landscaping around your home.

Salt Damage

Water flows from the soil into the roots because the roots have more dissolved molecules in them than the soil.  When salt is in the soil, the soil has more dissolved molecules in it than in the roots, so water flows out.  The plant dehydrates even if fresh water is available in the soil.  In addition, salt landing on the foliage of a plant will draw water out of it that way, burning leaves and stems.  Plants near the ocean have evolved ways to remain hydrated even when there is a lot of salt in the soil.

Salt damage also occurs near roadways in places that have a lot of ice and snow.  Roadways and sidewalks are treated with de-icing products that contain a high concentration of salt.  As the ice and snow melt, the melt water may flow over soil, saturating it with salt.  In addition, as cars drive over salted roads, they may splash the salt on to the foliage of plants near the roadway.

When saltwater infiltrates wells used to irrigate plants, sprinkler heads spray the saltwater all over the plants, just as if they were right on the beach.

Salt can affect plants in one final way.  Sodium and chloride, the components of table salt, can make the pH of the soil alkaline.  Soil can have a pH of as much as 8, which most plants cannot tolerate.

Symptoms of Salt Damage

Salt damage can be acute or chronic.  Acute damage occurs suddenly and may go away just as fast.  Burned edges of leaves from de-icing salt may go away when it rains, and the salt is diluted and washed away.  Chronic damage takes longer to appear but tends to make plants gradually decline and then die.  Here are the typical symptoms.

  • White salt residue on plants
  • Reduced or stunted growth
  • Malformed leaves, stems, flowers
  • Reduced leaves, flowers, and fruit
  • Buds don’t open or drop off plant
  • Early fall color or leaf drop
  • Death

Treating Salt Damage

Treating salt damage may or may not be successful.  First, flush the salt off the plant with good water.  To flush the soil, irrigate with two inches of water, stopping when it starts to runoff.  Repeat two days later.  Adding organic matter can help restore the spaces between soil molecules so water and air can infiltrate the soil.  Finally, replace dead plants with salt tolerant varieties.

Preventing Salt Damage

Prevention is easier than treating salt damage.  Here are some tips to help you reduce the salt reaching your plants.

  • Use de-icing products that contain less salt, or use products containing calcium, magnesium, or potassium instead of sodium.
  • Reduce the use of de-icing products.
  • Place a burlap or plastic screen between the road and your plants.
  • Plant salt tolerant plants.
  • Plant sensitive plants 50-60 feet from roadways.
  • Use raised beds and berms to channel melt water containing salt away from sensitive plants.
  • Irrigate deeply once a week so plants develop strong, deep roots and can resist salt damage.
  • Fertilize only when a soil test indicates you need to. Use only the amount of fertilizer the label says to use.  Almost all fertilizers contain salts and can poison plants if over applied.
  • Mulch plants to protect them.

Salt Resistant Plants

Here is a list of some of our salt-resistant plants. 

Red Maple

Red Maple Tree - TN Nursery

Red maples are native to the eastern half of North America.  The leaves of the red maple turn scarlet in the fall, giving it its name.  The bark is smooth and silver, so they provide some winter interest even after they lose their foliage.  Red maples usually grow 40-60 feet tall but occasionally hit 100 feet in the wild.  The male trees have showy pink flowers.  The females produce red samaras, or fruit, after being fertilized.  Birds and small mammals eat the samaras.  Red maples are the host plant for several varieties of butterflies and moths.  The flowers are used by both honeybees and native bees.

River Birch

River Birch Tree - TN Nursery

River birch is usually multitrunked and grows to be 30-60 feet tall.  Occasionally, it will reach 90 feet.  River birch is often leaning a little and has an irregular crown.  It grows along streams and wet areas in the southeastern United States.  The satiny, silver bark peels in strips and reveals a cinnamon-colored trunk.  The leaves turn yellow in the fall but that isn’t why people plant the tree.  The tree is fast growing and rarely has trouble with diseases and pests.  Wildlife feed on the seeds the river birch has.

Silky Dogwood

silky dogwood

Silky Dogwood trees are native to the eastern United States and Canada.  They grow from six to twelve feet tall.  Silky dogwood trees have clusters of white flowers in the spring.  They have blue drupes in the summer.  The twigs are reddish purple and the older branches are gray.  Silky dogwoods grow in swamps, low places, and along streams.  The flowers attract butterflies and native bees.  The foliage is eaten by deer and the fruit is eaten by birds and other wildlife.  This tree is good for erosion control due to the dense roots.  If the branches touch the ground, they form roots, leading to dense thickets if the plant is not controlled.

Elderberry

Elderberry

 

Elderberry is native to North America and grows in moist woodlands, along streams, and in marshlands.  The white flower clusters are showy, but the black fruit is even better.  The fruit is used in jams, jellies, and pies.  The flowers and fruits are used to make wine.  Elderberry grows to be 5-12 feet tall and 6-10 feet wide.  It will form dense thickets if allowed to but is often used in erosion control because of this tendency.  The blooms attract pollinators.  The fruit attracts birds and mammals.  Birds and small mammals use the plant to nest in.

This is just a sample of the native plants that are salt tolerant.  We have many more for you to choose from.

We Can Help

At TN Nursery, we can suggest native plants that are adapted to saline soils and spray.  Give us a call at 931.692.7325 to get started.

Red Maple Tree - TN Nursery

Red Maple Tree

Red Maple Tree: Acer Rubrum The red maple tree has vibrant foliage in autumn and can grow in hardness zones 3-9. These can tolerate full sun or filtered shade areas in landscaping. The height reaches forty to ninety feet, and its width is 30-40 feet. This is the right choice if you want to add beauty and color to your landscape. It's easy to thrive where you plant it and is a top choice for homeowners wanting a low-maintenance type. Perfectly named, they have something scarlet year-round. It is great for providing shade in the summer with vibrant green leaves, then turning colors in late Autumn. During the spring, the twigs are bright to dark scarlet. Scarlet buds develop on the limbs for next year's growth, which can be seen during winter.  Red Maple Trees Aesthetic Appearance and Usage The height of their beauty comes during autumn when the leaves turn a beautiful, brilliant scarlet with some yellow and deep burgundy. The fruit of it, known as samaras, grows in clusters and ripens between late May and early June. If you are looking to bring wildlife to your landscape, samaras are known to attract squirrels and other rodents. They do produce very small quantities of sugar. Unlike other maples, the seeds of them ripens in late spring rather than in the fall. Characteristics Of The Red Maple Tree The trunk of them is greyish brown with scarlet limbs. It's unique in appearance and a highly sought-after shade type family favorite. As it reaches maturity, the bark becomes thicker and scaly. It is a hardy and resilient type and one of our best sellers at TN Nursery for good reason. It's beautiful and provides shade in warm months and beauty in colder seasons. It Is Fast-growing and disease-resistant Growing extremely fast, the deciduous red maple tree grows up to 2 feet yearly in good soil. They thrive in moist or dry soil without irrigation. It is not susceptible to blight or disease like other species. Being a native variety, it does not require a lot of maintenance to thrive anywhere you plant it. Drought Tolerant and Attracts Wildlife They are drought tolerant, retain moisture in their structure and root system, and can live for many weeks without water. Its year-round beauty and fast growth make it a favorite among many landscapers. It does well in drought and attracts wildlife, which is a plus for many sightseers who may visit the landscape. it  is one of the first to bud out and produce foliage, which is great if you do not want your landscape to look bare in the early spring. TN Nursery sells over 50,000 of these per year. It's uncommonly known as an all-around best-selling and has been for over half a century.

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River Birch Tree - TN Nursery

River Birch Tree

River Birch Tree: Betula nigra The River Birch Tree is a medium-sized deciduous type native to North America. It is prized for its distinctive peeling bark, triangular leaves, and tolerance for wet or poorly drained soils. It is highly valued in landscaping for its aesthetic appeal, adaptability, and numerous benefits. Their unique characteristics and practical advantages make them famous for enhancing outdoor spaces. It is a deciduous shade-giver with charming, ornamental features for every season. It grows quickly, averaging up to 40 feet tall with a proportionate 30-foot canopy, and it is best known for its vibrant leaves and unusual bark. River Birch Tree Has Stunning Foliage It showcases true forest green foliage. Serrated edges give each leaf character; the leaves grow on delicate branches that move easily with the wind. The leaves' alternating arrangement gives them space to flutter, and the combined effect catches the eye in even a light breeze. In autumn, the green turns to gold. This gorgeous plant puts on a bright show at the end of the growing season. A single plant or small stand can add seasonal color to gardens after the summer flowers have had their turn. River Birch Tree Has Unique Bark As lovely as its leaves are, this plant's claim to fame is its bark. Contrasting colors pop, and this species' vivid black, white, brown, and salmon bark looks like an Impressionist painting brought to life. The bark naturally peels in papery layers as it grows, creating a shifting display that has enchanted artists and poets for centuries. It's a wonderful trait for gardens and landscape designs. Even without leaves, this plant adds color and visual texture throughout the year. Flowers are Unusual It has unusual flowers. Instead of petaled blooms in spring, their catkins decorate otherwise bare branches through winter. The catkins grow larger in early spring, and the unusual flowers are relatively discreet. They serve as points of interest for guests and hopeful, seasonal signals that a long, hard winter is ending. The tree invites nature into any space. It's a great choice for birdwatchers because it attracts hummingbirds and various songbirds. Seeds from fertilized catkins draw many species, and its structure also supports safe nests, so it isn't unusual for chicks to grow up singing in one. Several types of butterflies visit it as well. This Native Tree Thrives in Wetlands  They prefer flooded conditions and heavy but well-drained soils. They grow on the River's edge and in wetland forests. They are most comfortable in sunny places with some shade and have no strict requirements for the type of soil - they grow on clay and sand.  These deciduous trees are valued for their attractive cinnamon-colored outer bark. They are also immune to many tree diseases and have a high tolerance for dampness and moisture; for this reason, they can be used for landscaping and soil erosion control.  These are deciduous trees, which are fast-growing and grow to a height of 1.5 to two feet in a year when conditions are perfect for the tree to grow. Soon, they germinate and form a canopy within several years. Has a Long Lifespan   The trees normally have expected life spans of 50 to 75 years. Although they may not be as durable as some other species of hardwood, their quick growth and contrasting trunk colors make them ideal for landscape designs. River birch trees have relatively small root systems that spread to a greater depth, which is why they are used in the prevention of soil erosion. Because these roots can spread quite wide horizontally, they should be planted some distance away from homes, other structures, and underground service lines.

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Silky Dogwood - TN Nursery

Silky Dogwood

Silky Dogwood Silky Dogwood boasts vibrant green foliage during the growing season, transitioning to a rich burgundy hue in the fall. This autumnal transformation can contribute to a captivating and ever-changing landscape throughout the year. The shrub's branching structure also provides an elegant silhouette, making it an eye-catching focal point in gardens and natural areas. It is a large, flowering shrub that brings a welcome vibrancy to any space. Its gorgeous blooms, glossy leaves, and bright fruits ensure that it delights in multiple seasons. How Big Does Silky Dogwood Grow This shrub proliferates, so reaching its full potential won’t take long. When mature, it can get six to 12 feet in height and spread. If you appreciate the striking flowers the trees are famous for, you’ll understand the appeal of the blooms. These shrubs are also members of the Cornaceae family, and the resemblance in the shape of the flowers is unmistakable. They have tiny star-shaped flowers that are made up of four creamy-white petals. Each flower measures roughly half an inch in width. However, the flowers are arranged in flat clusters on single stems. These measure between two and three inches in width. The effect creates the look of lacy bouquets of creamy-white blooms among the shrub’s greenery. Flowers generally appear in May and June. The Foliage Of Silky Dogwood Silky Dogwood changes its leaves with the seasons. In the spring, there is speedy growth and elliptical leaves in a rich green. The upper sides are dark. The undersides remain paler. Both sides can have soft hairs. This may be where the characteristic silkiness that gives this shrub its name comes from. As for size, leaves measure between two inches and four inches in length. They remain fresh and green throughout the summer. Berries develop in early August. Small and round, they’re initially white. They turn an entrancing porcelain blue as they mature. As fall approaches, the shrub’s leaves transform into shades of purple or red. Their stems have their appeal. Older branches develop a thin bark that is either gray or deep purple. Younger stems are covered with fine hair and are more colorful. They can be red-purple, purple-lavender, red-burgundy, or brown copper. It is an excellent choice for a flowering shrub that delights in any season. It counts people, pollinators, and songbirds among its many fans. This Native Shrub Benefit Pollinators And Birds It is hardy on moist, well-drained soils and will withstand most light environments, from full sun to half shade. It is particularly well-adapted to marshes, banks, and all places with a high water table, so the plant is perfect for naturalizing landscapes of these kinds.  Which fertilizer is best for this shrub It needs to be fertilized using a slow-release fertiliser or compost to bring the correct nutrients required for good growth. Soiling in early spring will not only establish a deep root system but yield plenty of leaves as well.  The life-span It will persist 20-30 years if taken care of. As it stands so high, it makes a great buy when creating long lasting privacy screens or wildlife gardens.  How often should I water it It prefers adequate moisture, especially during its early years when establishing its root system. Water it once or twice a week during periods of drought, and it pays back with good growth.  Is it easy to care for Silky dogwood is amazingly easy on the gardener; it does not require too much attention. After being set, it needs little intervention and tolerates a wide range of conditions while offering beautiful seasonal interest from blossoms, fruits, and foliage.

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elderberry shrub

Elderberry Plant

Elderberry Plant - Sambucus The Elderberry plant is a beautiful shrub that is a great addition to any garden. Known for its medicinal properties, it features lovely white flowers and produces edible berries. This makes it an excellent choice for anyone interested in cultivating a functional garden species.  Elderberry Plant Offers Many Uses Because of their evolutionary history, elderberries are hardy almost anywhere you put them. They are also native shrub species. This shrub is highly sought after because it attracts wildlife and provides raw inputs for jams and herbal remedies. Growing And Care Instructions  It is easy to grow and care for, making it a top choice for many homeowners wanting to transform their outdoor spaces. It likes relatively dry and well-maintained soils but is adaptable, with mature shrubs surviving in sunny and shady environments, where necessary. Seasonal Benefits  These shrubs bloom during the spring and late summer, developing clusters of sweet-smelling white flowers that presage the arrival of dark purple, almost black berries later in the year. These shrubs add variety to gardens, making it more likely that pollinators will start calling the place you plant them home. Producing and Harvesting During the late summer, dark berries start to appear on the stalks. Following traditional recipes online, you can harvest these to make various syrups and jams. After the peak seasons, elderberries remain green and attractive for the rest of the year. For this reason, it can provide an attractive backdrop to most garden areas, making it a highly versatile shrub with landscaping appeal.  Sizing And Specs Most grow between 6 and 12 feet tall and develop bushy, full appearances. Many shrubs live for decades, meaning you won’t need to replant them in years to come. Discover our selection of attractive berry-producing shrubs to keep your garden stunning throughout the year, with bright white blooms in spring and fruits over the summer. Quality Plants at TN Nursery Get your elderberry plant in a single box, ready for planting in your garden. It is an Attractive shrub year-round, providing a nice touch for gardens that want an amazing shrub that will give back to the environment.

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