We all love winter in North Carolina, but it’s time we admit it: sudden cold snaps can turn a thriving fall garden into a patch of wilted leaves overnight. When that happens, your landscape spends the entire season begging for spring to arrive, and the damage is already done.
To prevent it, you must know how to protect plants from frost. The good news, though? The process isn’t complicated. You just need to plan it right so when the forecast dips below 32°F, you’ll be quick to take action. Below, we share all the practices and tips to protect your lawn from winter’s wildcards: frost and freezes.
How Frost and Freeze Damage Plants
At first glance, it may seem like frost and freeze events don’t harm your landscape at all. However, when frost forms, it causes ice crystals to develop inside leaves and stems. This ice punctures cell walls, and once the sun rises, those ruptured cells thaw into mushy, brown patches.
Extended freezes are even worse: soil temperatures drop, roots stop absorbing water, and entire shrubs can die back. Younger, tender growth usually suffers first, but long freezes can damage even well-established perennials.
Garden Plants that Need Freeze and Frost Protection
Not every plant reacts the same way to cold temperatures. Some take the attack in stride, but others are more vulnerable. Here are the varieties you should keep a close eye on:
- Tropical and subtropical ornamentals: Hibiscus, mandevilla, and bougainvillea.
- Warm-season vegetables: Tomatoes, peppers, squash, and basil.
- Fruit trees and vines: Young citrus, figs, and grapes.
- Potted plants: Roots are less insulated than in-ground specimens.
- Succulents and cacti in zones 7–9.
- Early-blooming perennials: Hydrangeas, azaleas, and camellias with swelling buds.
Ways to Protect Plants from Frost and Freeze
1. Monitor the Weather
You don’t have to keep your eyes glued to the screen, but we recommend closely watching local forecasts and setting smartphone alerts when temperatures threaten to drop below 35°F. A few hours’ notice allows you to gather covers and move individual plants indoors before the frost settles. In the Triangle region, clear, windless nights following a cold front pose a significant risk of frost.
2. Bring Plants Inside
Frost and freeze protection for plants includes opening your home to them. In fact, potted herbs and patio plants are the easiest to save. You can relocate them wherever there’s warmth: the garage, a porch, or a sunny windowsill. We recommend acclimating them gradually: move them in at night and back out during the day for a few cycles to reduce shock.
3. Cover Vulnerable Plants
You must cover plants for frost protection. We recommend frost blankets or burlap to trap ground heat. Old bed sheets are also the best way to cover plants from frost if you didn’t have time to prepare before a cold spell hits. Drape the frost fabric loosely so it touches the soil on all sides and secure it with stones or landscape pins. Avoid using plastic bags, as they trap condensation and can scorch foliage at sunrise. Remove the frost covers each morning once temperatures rise above freezing to prevent excess moisture.
4. Water Your Plants
Moist soil retains heat better than dry soil. Water thoroughly the afternoon before predicted frosty weather (about one inch for garden beds and a slow trickle for trees). The released heat can raise surrounding air temperatures by two to five degrees, sometimes enough to spare tender leaves.
5. Apply Mulch
We’ll say it again and again: organic mulch (even a DIY one) is your landscape’s best friend. A three- to four-inch layer of mulch insulates roots and regulates soil temperatures. Just keep mulch a couple of inches away from trunks to prevent rot, but do cover the entire root zone. For extra protection, mound mulch around the crown of marginally hardy perennials.
Expert Tips to Protect Your Plants During Winter
And of course we couldn’t leave without mentioning expert tips to ensure you and your plants reach gardening season without extra stress:
- Group containers together: Clustered pots create a microclimate and share warmth.
- Use windbreaks: A simple lattice, temporary fence, or row cover fabric can reduce wind chill, which can desiccate foliage.
- Fertilize sparingly in late fall: Nitrogen-rich feeds push tender new growth that’s easily damaged.
- Prune wisely: Hold off on heavy pruning until spring; winter cuts can expose sensitive tissue.
- Leverage hardscape: Brick walls, stone patios, and even large boulders absorb heat during the day and release it at night, buffering nearby plants.
Give Your Plants Professional Care with Martinez Landscaping!
Knowing how to protect plants from frost and freeze isn’t complex, but it takes time and, in some cases, more ladders, burlap, and thermometers than you’d like to handle. Martinez Landscaping and Hardscape LLC offers seasonal maintenance packages across Durham and the surrounding 100-mile radius. We’ll inspect vulnerable species, install protective coverings, adjust irrigation, and return in spring to prune and fertilize for vigorous growth. So contact us today to give your lawn the winter care it needs and deserves!