By Gia Lalwani
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January 17, 2025
It looks like we’re in for a chilly surprise next week, with temperatures dipping below 40°F and rain in the forecast. While these cold snaps don’t happen often, they can wreak havoc on your landscape if you’re not prepared. Here are some practical steps to protect your yard and ensure everything weathers the cold in style! 1. Shield Your Plants from the Cold Cover Up Vulnerable Plants: Tropical favorites like hibiscus, philodendrons, and palms are not fans of the cold. Use frost cloths, sheets, or even lightweight tarps to cover them. Be sure the covers touch the ground to trap warmth and keep the cold out. Here are a couple tips on Frost Blankets. Relocate Potted Plants: Move container plants to a sheltered spot, like your porch or garage. If you can’t move them, cluster them together and cover them for added protection. Water Wisely: Water your plants early in the day before temperatures drop. Wet soil holds heat better than dry soil, but avoid watering in the evening to prevent creating ice. 2. Prep Your Lawn Pause on Fertilizer: Cold weather can stress your grass, and adding fertilizer now could do more harm than good. Hold off until temperatures warm up. Adjust Your Mowing Routine: Keep your grass a little longer than usual to insulate the roots. This is especially important for St. Augustine and Zoysia lawns. Let Clippings Stay: Grass clippings left on the lawn act as a natural barrier, helping to trap warmth close to the soil. 3. Protect Your Irrigation System Turn It Off: Your irrigation system doesn’t need to run during freezing weather. Shut it off and drain hoses or sprinkler heads to prevent freezing and damage. Water Early if Needed: If rainfall isn’t enough and watering is necessary, do it early in the morning to allow the soil to absorb the moisture before the freeze sets in. 4. Recovering After the Cold Front Inspect and Prune: Once the cold passes, check your plants for damage. Remove any frostbitten leaves or stems, but avoid heavy pruning until spring growth begins. Gradually Resume Care: Ease back into your regular lawn and plant care routine. Keep an eye on stressed areas and address any lingering issues. Need Help? Crowder's Landscaping Has You Covered! We know cold weather can be a headache for our beautiful Tampa landscapes, but you don’t have to handle it alone. Whether you need help prepping for the freeze or cleaning up afterward, our team is here for you. Give us a call, and let’s make sure your yard stays healthy and beautiful, no matter the weather!