Not only can acid rain be harmful to people but it can be very bad for trees and forests. Nutrients such as magnesium and calcium which are in the soil next to the tree to feed it are dissolved if they come in contact with harmful acid rain. Aluminum which is a bi-product of acid rain is also produced in the soil. This all but guarantees that trees will have a hard time absorbing water.
Even trees in more mountainous areas are exposed at greater levels to elements such as acid snow or acid clouds. Water and nutrients are the lifeblood of any tree. By preventing absorption, the tree will eventually weaken and become susceptible infections, insects, and cold weather.
So, it would be wrong to think that acid rain kills trees directly. This is not the case. Acid rain blocks and interferes with vital nutrients that the tree needs to thrive, grow and survive. Eventually the tree weakens and becomes susceptible to other negative elements listed above. These rich nutrients are washed away and turn into run-off after the acid rain has infiltrated the surrounding soil
