How a Cold Snap Affects Your Landscaping
Florida’s recent cold snap has raised concerns for businesses and landscapers across the state, as the state’s typically mild winters can sometimes lead to a false sense of security when it comes to plant care. While cold temperatures are relatively rare in Florida, the recent “Polar Vortex” likely had significant impacts on the health and appearance of corporate landscaping. Understanding how a cold snap may affect your plants and taking appropriate steps to protect them can help prevent long-term damage.
Cold Snap Impact on Tropical and Subtropical Plants
Florida is home to a variety of tropical and subtropical plants, many of which are not tolerant of freezing temperatures. Common plants such as hibiscus, bougainvillea, palms, and various flowering shrubs can suffer damage when exposed to cold temperatures, especially if the frost lasts for extended periods. Freezing temperatures can cause the cells in the plant tissues to rupture, leading to browning, wilting, or even death of the plant.
If your landscaping includes these types of plants, it’s important to act quickly when a cold snap is forecasted. Covering plants with frost blankets, burlap, or even old sheets can help protect them from the cold. For small or potted plants, moving them into a sheltered location or inside can also minimize damage. Watering plants well before the cold weather arrives can also help, as moist soil retains heat better than dry soil.
Damage to Warm-Season Grasses
Florida’s warm-season grasses, such as St. Augustine and Zoysia, are designed to thrive in warmer climates. While they are relatively tolerant of brief periods of cold, prolonged freezes or frost can cause significant damage. Cold snaps may cause these grasses to turn brown and enter dormancy earlier than expected. While the grass may recover in the spring, this temporary damage can detract from the aesthetic appeal of your lawn.
To mitigate the effects of cold weather on your green space, avoid heavy foot traffic during a cold snap, as the frozen grass can be easily damaged.
Shrubs and Perennials in a Cold Snap
While many shrubs and perennials are more cold-hardy than tropical plants, they can still suffer from frost damage if temperatures drop too low. Frost can cause leaves to curl, turn black, or drop prematurely. Certain cold-hardy shrubs may tolerate a light freeze, but a prolonged cold snap can harm or kill them, especially if the plants were already stressed by drought or poor soil conditions.
To protect your shrubs, prune any dead or damaged branches after the cold snap has passed. For perennials, mulching around the base of the plant can provide insulation and protect the roots from freezing. If the temperature forecast indicates an extended period of freezing weather, consider covering delicate perennials to offer them some protection.
Preparing for Future Cold Snaps
While it’s impossible to avoid the occasional cold snap – even on the Florida Gulf Coast – preparing your landscaping for the possibility of a freeze can help minimize potential damage. Invest in frost protection materials like fabric covers, windbreaks, and outdoor heaters that can be quickly deployed when needed. It’s also wise to monitor weather forecasts, particularly during the winter months, to stay ahead of any potential cold fronts.
While Florida’s cold snaps may be infrequent, they can still cause significant damage to your landscaping. By being proactive and taking the necessary precautions, you can protect your tropical plants, warm-season grasses, fruit trees, and shrubs from the harmful effects of freezing temperatures.
If you are responsible for the maintenance of the landscaping at a corporate office, hotel, retail store or apartment complex – plant leasing services may be an excellent way to protect yourself against losing plants in a cold snap.
Tropex will not only select and install your plants but appropriately care for them and replace plants as necessary. Call today to learn more about how plant leasing can help your company to look its best in 2025.
