In lieu of the big freeze last year, we wanted to give our clients some tips as to how to protect their plants if it freezes or snows again. Here are a few basic things you can do to help your plantings survive:

Water. Well-watered plants can fight better against drying out from dry winds and wet soil absorbs more heat than dry soil does.
Mulch. Mulching best helps protect the root systems of plants. Using a loose, dry mulch is best (such as leaves, or straw). You can also completely cover low-growing plants, but not for longer than about 4 days.
Cover. Covering plants with cardboard boxes, styrofoam, or sheets/ tarps can help save your plantings. If you decide to use a sheet or tarp, make sure to seal the bottom with dirt or bricks. The covering should not touch the foliage but should be held up with stakes around the plant if possible. With larger plants like trees, you have the option to wrap the trunk in an insulating material; if the top dies you have a chance to grow a new tree from the trunk.

Note: If your plantings appear dead after a freeze, don’t dig them up right away. It is possible for them to resprout from the roots as spring rolls around.