Winter Freeze Preparation

Winter freezes can be tough on your landscaping, especially in climates where temperatures can drop rapidly and unexpectedly. While some level of winter damage is unavoidable during extreme cold, proper preparation can significantly reduce the risk of plant loss and improve recovery in the spring.

 Below are key tips to help protect your landscape from winter freezes and keep your plants healthy year-round.

Managing Expectations

It’s important to note that even with the best protective measures, severe cold weather can still cause damage. If a plant is already struggling due to drought, disease, or other issues, a harsh freeze may push it beyond recovery.

 Additionally, freeze damage isn’t always immediately visible. Plants that seem to survive the winter may show signs of stress or decline during the heat and drought of summer. Understanding these limitations will help set realistic expectations.

Plants Most Susceptible to Freeze Damage

Certain plants are more vulnerable to cold weather than others. Knowing which ones need extra care will help you prioritize protection.

🌿 Plants on the edge of hardiness – Check the Plant Hardiness Zone Map to ensure your plants are suited for your zone. Plants that are only marginally hardy in your zone are at higher risk.

🌿 Tender new growth – Plants with soft, new growth are more susceptible to frost damage. Even if the plant survives, this growth may die back.

🌿 Plants in containers – Plants in pots are more vulnerable because their roots aren’t insulated by the ground.

🌿 Plants with existing damage – Drought, poor drainage, insect infestations, and diseases weaken plants, making them more vulnerable to freeze damage.

🌿 Newly planted material – Young plants haven’t had time to establish strong root systems and are more sensitive to cold stress.

🌿 Open blooms – Fully opened flowers are vulnerable to frost damage, but tight, unopened buds are more resilient.

Protective Measures

The best way to prevent winter damage is to keep your plants healthy and stress-free year-round. Our Lawn and Ornamental Programs are designed to strengthen your plants and prepare them for tough weather conditions. Here’s what you can do to protect your landscape before and during a freeze:

1. Mulching

✅ Mulch acts as an insulating layer that protects plant roots from temperature extremes.
✅ Remove fallen leaves and apply a 2 to 3-inch layer of mulch around plants and in landscape beds.
✅ Alternatively, you can leave a layer of leaves in your beds for insulation and clean them out after the threat of frost has passed.

2. Protect Your Irrigation and Water Sources

✅ Disconnect garden hoses from spigots and drain them completely.
✅ Cover and insulate outdoor water spigots.
✅ Winterize your irrigation system to prevent pipe damage and freezing.

3. Bring Vulnerable Plants Indoors

✅ Tender or tropical plants should be moved indoors or into a garage to protect them from freezing.
✅ If bringing them inside isn’t possible, cover them with a frost cloth or sheet.

4. Use Frost Blankets

Frost blankets are designed to trap heat from the soil, raising the temperature under the cover and protecting your plants from frost damage.

✅ Covering Technique:

Drape the blanket over the plant and secure it all the way to the ground to maximize heat retention.

If the forecast predicts severe cold, use multiple layers.

Pull the cover back during the day if temperatures rise above freezing to allow for air circulation.

✅ Support the Blanket:

Snow or ice can weigh down frost blankets and damage the plant underneath.

Use stakes or lightweight frames to keep the blanket elevated.

🚫 Avoid plastic coverings – Plastic can trap moisture and create heat buildup during sunny days, which can damage the plant tissue.

5. Protect Buds and Blooms

Winter or early spring bloomers (such as camellia, forsythia, and magnolia) may have buds and blooms that need extra protection.

✅ Frost blankets can help protect blooms from light frost.
✅ However, temperatures in the teens and twenties for prolonged periods can still cause some flower loss.

6. Watering Before a Freeze

Water is an excellent insulator and can protect plants from freeze damage.

✅ Water 24–48 hours before a freeze if the soil is dry.
✅ Wet soil retains heat better than dry soil, which helps protect the root zone.
✅ Avoid watering too much—overwatering can lead to root rot, especially during cool weather when evaporation rates are low.

🚫 Avoid watering if the ground is already saturated or if your soil has poor drainage.

7. Pay Special Attention to Potted Plants

Potted plants are especially vulnerable because their roots are exposed to air temperatures rather than the insulating effect of the ground.

✅ Bring pots indoors or place them in a protected area, like a garage or covered porch.
✅ If you can’t move them, wrap the pots in burlap or blankets to insulate the roots.
✅ Grouping pots together can also help create a protective microclimate.

After the Freeze

Once the freeze has passed, take the following steps to help your plants recover:

✔ Remove frost blankets once the temperature stays above freezing.
✔ Avoid pruning immediately—wait until you see new growth in spring to assess damage.
✔ Inspect for signs of damage (blackened stems, mushy roots, or split bark).
✔ Water if necessary, but avoid overwatering until the weather stabilizes.

💡 Tip: Plants may look damaged after a freeze, but resist the urge to cut them back immediately. Many plants will bounce back once spring growth begins.