Damage from the recent and extended sub-freezing temperatures is widespread throughout our area, but that doesn’t mean with time, patience, and the warmth of spring your landscape can’t and won’t recover. The following information is provided as a general guideline. We will gladly answer any questions you may have and are happy to assist you in developing a specific recovery plan if necessary. Please contact our office at 407-671-4800.
Please take note that response and timing is extremely important to ensure that your landscape is not at risk for further damage. Cutting back damaged plants before the cold temperatures are behind us can cause more problems.
DS Landscape & Maintenance, Inc., recommends the following for freeze damage recovery:
ORNAMENTAL PLANTS AND SHRUBS
The extent of the damage to shrubs and plants will reveal itself in the next several weeks. Right now the damaged growth is actually protecting the plant. Pruning should not be done before February or March or until the potential for freezing temperatures has subsided.
In the event that freezing temperatures return, any new growth as a result of pruning, would be destroyed and in some cases the damage severe enough to warrant plant replacement.
In the event of future freezing temperatures, a breathable material is recommended to provide protection, although it cannot completely shield any plant from permanent damage. Plastic is never recommended and causes more harm than good.
Petunias, pansies, violas, snapdragons and winter flower variety can recover with several weeks of sustained warm temperatures. Impatiens and begonias and non-winter annuals are more than likely damaged to the point of having to be removed.
Where an ornamental plant is located can determine the amount of sustained damage. Even those plants that have survived several cold winters may not survive the great freeze of 2010. The species of the plant and the extent of the damage will determine the level of cutback necessary. We will gladly discuss your options.
Tropicals have sustained the most damage with their recovery potentially taking up to nine months with the return of warmer weather. In many cases, there are two options -- plant replacement or a healthy dose of patience.
TURF
Turf damage will be assessed in the upcoming weeks. Until the return of warm temperatures, which stimulate growth, your lawns will remain brown in color. DS Landscape & Maintenance staff will gladly assist in the individual assessment of your turf damage and provide recommendations for a green and healthy return to your lawn if at all possible. Again, it may take months to determine the extent of the damage and initiation of a recovery plan.
St. Augustine typically can withstand freezing temperatures. Earlier colder temperatures would have better prepared the turf to handle these sudden drastic temperature changes. Unfortunately, that was not the case due to mild temperatures in November and December, which enabled the turf to remain growing and green into January. As a result of the sudden freeze and its duration, damage was both immediate and visible. Sustained temperatures below 32 degrees result in the breakdown of cell membranes causing cells to die. However, temperatures below 25 degrees are the greatest danger to St. Augustine. If the direct freezing of runners occurs the turf will not be able to recover. After the return of several weeks of warmer temperatures, we will be able to determine the extent of the damage. Those areas that do not turn green will need to be replanted.
Zoysia typically is not affected by freezing temperatures. With the return of warm weather, the turf will green up, and though it may take several weeks, it is not recommended that Zoysia be fertilized during the winter months. Please be patient and your Zoysia will be green again in the spring.
Bahia and Bermuda may brown out and show damage above ground, but is in general freeze resilient. Your Bahia and Bermuda lawns will recover with sustained warm weather.
PALM TREES
Palms may not reveal the extent of their damage until several weeks, even months. Damage to the growing point of a palm tree due to freezing temperatures can directly impact its survival. Foxtail, Pigmy, Date, Adonidia, and Bottle are at greater risk than others. The common Central Florida variety including Canary Island Dates, Queen, Washingtonia, and Chinese Fan will most likely recover from any damage by the end of the growing season.
The information provided is intended for use as a general guide. As landscape and lawn maintenance industry experts, please allow our experienced staff to assist you with assessing the extent of the damage to your property and answering any questions you may. We encourage our customers, current and future, to exhibit patience during the recovery process and to contact us directly if improvising a specific plan becomes necessary.
Warm regards,
407-671-4800
Serving Central Florida since 1991
Maintenance, Inc.
Casselberry, FL. 32718
Phone 407.671.4800
Fax 407.671.7027
