Don’t Panic During a Freeze Event. Your Plants Are Stronger Than You Think
Are you concerned about the sight of your seemingly dead plants? All too often, frigid temperatures can cause big problems in our gardens and landscapes, leaving an ugly mess behind. It was no different this year, as the Dallas area experienced a brief period of freezing weather that may have caused potential harm to vegetation. Thankfully, the temperatures were 10 degrees higher than the 2021 freeze allowing plants on commercial properties to escape with minimal harm. The freeze also lasted only two days, which helped minimize damage.
Don’t worry about it too much, though. Just because the plants appear brown and dull-looking does not mean they are dead, and we expect many damaged plants to recover.
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Hold Off for a Moment: Let Mother Nature Take Her Course
If you notice any signs of discoloration or wilting due to the cold temperatures, certainly the plant has been damaged by frost damage. That said, now is not the time to yank it out. The name of the game is to wait, at least until April, to see how the plants fare.
By that point, your plants will have had enough time to recover from freeze damage and grow new leaves and flowers, giving a better view of the dead and healthy material. We understand your worry and frustration, but it is incredible what Mother Nature can do if you let her.
Hollies are arguably one of the most extensively used shrubs for commercial landscapes, and for good reason. If you have Hollies on your property, you may notice their resilience, especially in cold or freezing temperatures. The tough evergreens can survive punishing cold temperatures and a range of different sun exposures, allowing you to enjoy full foliage throughout the year.
On the other hand, if you have Ligustrum, you may notice they are not as hardy and are susceptible to damage. Following a hard frost, the leaves tend to burn and fall off, but they usually survive the freeze event. Despite their frail appearance, these plants are doing better than they look and will rebound and reproduce new growth come spring. Again, patience is key!
Plants Right Now are Experiencing Nature’s Slumber
Even as temperatures continue to plummet below freezing, some plants, shrubs, perennials, and ornamental trees are more likely to survive the extreme weather as they become dormant and enter a state of “hibernation.”
During this period, they halt their growth to conserve energy and protect themselves from the cold temperatures and lack of nutrients that winter brings. It’s good also to leave your overgrown vines and shrubs to stay on as they do a great job of protecting the healthy plant tissue from future frosts.
Wait for the Gradual Spring Green-Up
While it is essential to keep an eye out for your plant’s growth during these winter months, we implore you not to rush to judgment. Even if the leaves turn all brown and ugly, do not assume they won’t regenerate and grow anew. It won’t be until mid to late April that we can truly tell the extent of the damage. So, if you have taken measures to prepare your lawn and garden for winter, it’s important to wait it out and not act too soon.
Contact Us Today
We understand the challenges that come with a harsh winter. Feel free to contact us and let our professionals assess the damage and provide tailored solutions to restore your landscape to its former glory. We take great pride in delivering customized landscape design, installation, and lawn care services to all our clients in the Dallas area.
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