Protect Your Landscape for the Cold Weather

South Louisiana rarely gets low freezing temperatures, but when we do, we want to help advise you on some best practices to protect your plants, irrigation system and landscape.

Bring potted plants inside, if possible. If the potted plant is too heavy inside, cover the plants with cloth, then add a layer of plastic over the cloth. Anchor the edges of the cover to the ground with rocks, bricks, or other heavy objects.

Water your plants before it freezes. If it is still above 40° F, water your plants thoroughly to prepare for the freeze. The water will help the soil retain more heat. Make sure to water the ground, not the foliage of the plant.

Protect tender plants that are susceptible to freeze damage. Add straw or mulch around the root structures of your plants to protect them from frost. You can also cover shrubs with burlap or linen to create a barrier between the plant and the precipitation. When the freeze is over, you can remove the covers to prevent condensation.

Avoid walking on your grass. Blades of grass become brittle in the winter. Grass that is frequently walked on may take a while to recover in the spring. Avoid walking directly on your lawn, especially when the ground is frozen.

Cover exposed faucets. This protects the piping inside your home. Drip the faucets inside to keep a continual stream of water flowing through. If you have any yard décor, fountains, or other outdoor elements with water, drain them before the freeze occurs.

Insulate irrigation pipes. The first step is to shut off the water supply to the irrigation system. The main shut-off valve for your irrigation system needs to be protected against freezing by wrapping it in insulation. The best way to insulate this shut-off valve is with foam insulation tape and a plastic bag. Also, insulate any above-ground irrigation pipes you may have as part of your system. You can use self-sticking foam-insulating tape or foam insulating tubes for these above-ground pipes.

Here are a few videos to watch and learn more

- https://youtu.be/weBJoCUFeVk

- https://youtu.be/Y1Lfhzu4nnM

Give us a call at 504-251-6214 if you have questions or need help with your next landscape project.