Evaluating trees for saltwater spray tolerance for oceanfront sites

Abstract

Trees growing along the major resort area thoroughfare of the city of Virginia Beach are subjected to salt-water spray from the Atlantic Ocean. Despite the city's desire to plant trees for shade along this thoroughfare, none of 8 species that were reported to be salt tolerant and that met city design requirements were aesthetically acceptable after 1 year in moderate and high wind exposure locations. Species tested were loquat (Eriobotrya japonica), thornless honeylocust (Gleditsia triacanthos var. inermis), Chinese flametree (Koelreuteria bipinnata), goldenraintree (K. paniculata), fruitless sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua 'Rotundiloba'), dwarf southern magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora 'Little Gem'), sweetbay magnolia (M. virginiana), and lacebark elm (Ulmus parvifolia 'King's Choice').