Landscape - Common Areas

Frost Damage

What Can You Do?

Frost season in the Southwest typically runs mid-November through February. The frequency and intensity of frost can vary during this time of year due to a number of reasons, including elevation and population density. Plants that suffer frost damage are easily recognized by their blackish-brown fruit or leaves and shriveled shoots and stems.

Preventing Frost Damage:

• Plant native plants. Selecting plants native to our environment ensures you use plants that are used to our weather. Non-native plants may not be as tolerant of this climate.

• Select western and southern exposure planting areas for frost-sensitive plants.

 • Plant frost-sensitive plants near block walls, rocks and patios; rocks absorb heat from the sun and maintain a warmer temperature through the night.

• Cover bare soil with mulch to create a barrier between the frost and your planting areas.

During the Frost:

• Cover plants susceptible to frost-damage with cloth or paper to insulate them. Drape the paper or cloth all the way to the ground to help trap heat radiating from the ground under the cover. A nursery can help you identify material made specifically for covering plants

• Watering plants the night before a frost can help them stay warmer. Dehydrated plants are more susceptible to frost damage.

• Remove the cover after sunrise each morning.

• If you take time to cover your plants, also cover your backflow preventer and remember to disconnect your hose from the spigot.

Recovering From Frost Damage:

• Optimal pruning methods wait until the threat of frost is done prune frost-damaged new and unestablished shrubs or ground cover plants. Pruning away frost damage too early can result in additional damage to the plant if it is hit by frost again. However, established plants with a sustainable root system can handle pruning for aesthetic reasons throughout frost season.

• Prune frost-damaged trees after new growth has emerged. This way you are able to better prune and balance the tree since you can identify where growth is occurring and where the tree may be suffering from frost damage.

• Removing damaged areas stimulate new plant growth. It is important to wait to prune until the frost season is over since this new growth is especially sensitive to colder weather.

Read More: Frost Damage Flyer