Hard Frost May Damage Gainesville Lawns without Proper Precautions

Profile picture for user Rusty
Rusty Thompson on February 5th, 2016

There is a Hard Freeze Warning coming up in Northern Florida this week. The current forecast is predicting overnight freezing temperatures for extended hours which will likely result in some amount of damage or Gainesville lawns and landscape plants on Tuesday. Here are some tips that will help minimize the harmful effects of low temperatures:

  • Run your irrigation system for 15 minutes per zone for rotor heads and 5 minutes per zone for spray heads tonight and again in the morning once temperatures rise above freezing.
  • Cover your cold-sensitive shrubs and ornamentals (see list below) with sheets or blankets, but not plastic.
  • Don’t mow, drive over, or walk across your lawn if it is frozen or if there is frost present.

If you have any questions, whether you’re a The Master's Lawn Care client or not, please call our office at (352) 378-5296. 

Most Common Cold-sensitive Gainesville landscaping plants*:r

  • Gold Mound Duranta
  • Some Palms
  • Philodendron
  • Bird of Paradise
  • Variegated Schefflera
  • Some varieties of Ginger
  • Hibiscus
  • Firespike
  • Plumbago
  • Bougainvillea
  • Lantana
  • Croton
  • Heather
  • Hydrangea
  • Oleander
  • Butterfly bush

*This is just a list of the most common plants. If you have plants not on this list that are fruit bearing or annuals, it is recommended you cover them as well.

Being prepared and vigilant can and will help you protect and preserve the investment you’ve made in your Gainesville lawn and landscaping. A little work now will pay big dividends when you have a healthy lawn this coming Spring.

The Master's Lawn Care is a Certified Gainesville Lawn & Ornamental Pest Control Business, and we want to help you get the best out of your lawn. Call us at 378-LAWN if we can be of service.

Tags:

Quick Tips