Salt pruning

Salt pruning is the process by which saline mists generated by seawater are driven ashore by winds and thus over time alter the shape of trees or shrubs.

In the eastern United States on Long Island, occurrences of salt-pruned Quercus stellata are observable in Flax Marsh.

In the case of Fire Island's Sunken Forest, the saline mists prevent new oak shoots from growing above the impacted area.

[4] Much later, Bertram Whittier Wells discovered a similar effect at Cape Fear, though he described the oak tree's bent form to be the "Salt Spray Climax.

"[5] Later research done in Cape Fear by Stephen G. Boyce between the years 1951-52 found the oaks were not experiencing necrosis due to the abrasion from the salt content and pressure, but instead had grown accustomed to it.