Our extreme temperatures of summer have just barely diminished but it is a great time to think about getting your landscape ready for the winter months considering the freezing temperatures we had last winter.
Follow these tips to avoid potential frost damage:
- End all fertilization now of frost-tender plants such as bougainvillea, oleander, hibiscus, natal plum and citrus now to prevent new lush, easily frost damaged growth.
- Avoid pruning tender plants as pruning will encourage new lush growth.
- Reduce irrigation to frost-tender plants as the weather cools and day length shortens. This helps the plants go into dormancy and prepare them for frost.
- Avoid additional frost damage by keeping citrus trunks loosely wrapped with burlap during winter months.
- Move outdoor potted plants that are frost susceptible into protected areas as containers don’t offer much root insulation.
- During frost warnings, cover your plants as needed with burlap or frost blankets, never plastic.