How to Protect Plants from Frost in Austin
Austin Plant Winterizing Guide
While this summer (and fall) have been hot, hot, hot! We're starting to flirt with freezing temperatures as we enter into December. I've gotten lots of inquiries from clients about how to protect their plants so I figured I'd write up a blog post to serve as a reference.
Protecting Containers from Frost
One nice feature of containers is there portability! If you have a container with a tropical houseplant, a succulent, or a cactus - be sure to bring it inside when the temperatures get below freezing! Plants in containers have less insulation for their roots, since they aren't buried in the warming ground - so it's doubly important to winterize a plant in a container! Of course, we often work with outdoor container plants that are so large as to not be easily portable. If we can't help you bring it in, then please do the following steps to protect it:
- Cover the container in a canvas cloth
- Move the container (if possible) indoors or near your house. Surround it with other containers
- Give the plant in the container a deep watering before a freeze comes through
Protecting Outdoor Plants from Frost
Many Texas Native Plants such as Texas Mountain Laurels are naturally resistant to freezing temperatures. However, sometimes things get so cold (or a plant can't handle any freezes) that extra steps are necessary.
Remember that in 2021 Austin was below freezing for more than a week, with a half a foot of snow on the ground! It's best to be prepared.
To protect your delicate new trees and tender plants, it's best to take the following steps:
- Water your plants very deeply before freezing temperatures hit. It helps insulate the soil
- Cover the area around your plants up to the dripline (the outer edge of the canopy) with a thick layer of mulch. we recommend 6-12 inches. The mulch will help the soil stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer. It's VERY important not to let the mulch directly touch the trunk however, as that can lead to rot
- Wrap the trunks of your trees with pipe insulation. These are essentially pool noodles cut in half, and insulate the vulnerable base of your plant or trees trunk
- Cover your tender tropical and fruit trees with canvas cloth. It provides insulation, retains heat, and shelters the plants from chilling winds.
When to Winterize Plants and Trees
It's best to be conservative. Better safe than sorry when it comes to protecting plants with tremendous financial and/or sentimental value.
