by Bill Gipp, ArtisTree Account Executive
The scene was pretty bad. Just a week before the big blast, Mr. and Mrs. Jamieson (not their real names) had been standing in their front yard admiring their lush landscape which had taken nearly four years to fill in. The shrubs and vibrant flowers never looked more beautiful. So when freezing temperatures were forecast for Sarasota, the worried couple bought large rolls of plastic drop cloth and covered their plants with care.
Next morning the weatherman forecast a second night of freezing temps, so the Jamiesons left the plastic on. When they removed the plastic on the third day, they were shocked to see their annuals withered to the ground and their shrubs and perennials dark and shriveled. The leaves on the crotons that had added such dazzling color next to their driveway looked like burnt pita chips.
One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is covering their plants with plastic during a freeze. Plastic conducts cold, so unfortunately, your plants are damaged even more than not having been covered at all. Instead, purchase frost cloth at any major hardware store, or use old sheets. Both of these materials are lightweight and able to breathe, plus they’re a much better choice than heavy tarps that can crush your plants.
Also be sure to remove your frost cloths and sheets first thing in the morning after an overnight cold snap. If you don’t, condensation can build up and freeze again under the covering.
If that happens, you'll have your own chilling tale to tell!