AbstractSodium chloride solutions were applied as a root drench to containerizedAlnus cordatatrees grown in freely drained or waterlogged compost substrates. Leaf chlorophyll fluorescence; cell electrolyte leakage; plant mortality; leaf necrosis; time to bud burst; and leaf, shoot, and root macronutrient concentrations were evaluated. Waterlogging using distilled water caused no significant stress compared to controls, apart from increasing root iron and manganese concentrations. Complete mortality was recorded in trees watered with a sodium chloride solution ≥ 4.5% or waterlogged in sodium chloride solutions ≥ 2%. Watering or waterlogging with distilled water had no,significant effect on mortality, while 66.6% of trees watered with a 2% sodium chloride solution died. Applications of sodium chloride tendėd to increase time to bud burst compared to controls. Irrespective of whether trees were grown in freely drained or waterlogged compost, applications of sodium chloride to roots decreased leaf chlorophyll fluorescence and increased cell electrolyte leakage and leaf necrosis for up to 15 days after bud burst. Significant reductions in chlorophyll fluorescence was detected by day 3 following bud burst; however, significant increases in cell electrolyte leakage and leaf necrosis were not detected until day 6. Applications of sodium chloride significantly increased sodium and chloride concentrations in root, leaf, and shoots irrespective of drainage, with higher concentrations reflecting applications of stronger salt solutions. Calcium, phosphorous, magnesium, and potassium concentrations in cell tissues were unaffected by treatments. Depressed leaf and shoot copper, zinc, and iron concentrations were recorded in trees waterlogged in sodium chloride solutions ≥ 4.5%. Irrespective of treatment, no significant effects on manganese concentrations of leaf and shoot tissue were found, but significantly lower concentrations of manganese were recorded in roots. Greater reductions generally reflected stronger applications of sodium chloride.