Baby It’s Cold Out There

Winter damage to plants near a roadside

How Will The Cold Temperatures Affect My Landscape?

With record breaking low temperatures (9 degrees this morning!), one would wonder if these conditions are bad for our landscape? Will these temperature harm or kill our plants?

Plants Can Fend For Themselves

Plants are well suited to deal with cold temperatures. Trees and shrubs go dormant. Perennials die back to the ground. However, there is some damage that can occur to our plants.

Cold injury varies with plant species, age, the general vigor of the plant, and site and soil characteristics. It is unlikely that the cold could have much if any impact on native plant materials in their natural habitats. But the fact of the matter is that we use a lot on non-native plants in the landscape that are not quite as cold hardy.

Types of Cold Damage

One type of cold injury that is most certain is the killing of flower buds on those trees and shrubs that are marginally hardy. Flower buds are typically less hardy than leaf buds. We saw this happen last winter with Hydrangeas and some varieties of Crape Myrtles. Last winter’s cold resulted in less or no blooms on these plants.

Another type of cold injury is the yellowing or bronzing of the leaves of evergreens when exposed to winter sun and wind. These usually return to normal color when growth resumes in the spring. Winter injury may be confused with early stages of some fungal diseases.

Cold injuries such as sun scald and frost cracks on tree trunks often occur in response to sudden and wide fluctuations in temperature of wood. This typically takes place on cold days when the sun warms the sunny side of the trunk to a temperature above freezing, causing some expansion of the wood. Unfortunately this can lead to total loss of the plant.

What Can Be Done?

The best things you can do to help your plants survive a winter cold blast is to take good care of them the rest of the year. Proper fertilization, pruning, pest control and mulching go a long way to keeping plants healthy. Always prune off damaged and dead parts of plants to avoid further problems down the road.

The good news is that we do not see a lot of winter cold damage on plants around here and generally our plants recover very well.

 

Allentuck Landscaping Co. designs, installs  and maintains landscapes in Montgomery County, Maryland including Bethesda, Chevy Chase, Potomac, North Potomac, Darnestown, Rockville, Gaithersburg, Germantown, Clarksburg, Ijamsville and Urbana.

 

Top May Garden Tips: Helping Your Landscape Thrive in Late Spring

May is a magical time in the garden. Flowers are blooming, vegetables are growing, and everything seems to burst with life. As the weather warms up, your landscape needs regular care to stay healthy and vibrant. These Top May Garden Tips will help you keep your garden looking its best as spring transitions into summer. 1. Stay on Top of Weeding and Mulching With warm temperatures and sunny days, weeds can take over quickly. Weed Weekly: Regularly pull weeds before

READ MORE »

8 Best Low Maintenance Landscape Plants

Landscaping doesn’t have to mean constant pruning, watering, and worrying. In fact, choosing the best low maintenance landscape plants can save you time, money, and weekend headaches—while still making your yard look amazing. Whether you’re planting a new bed, refreshing an old one, or just want to spend less time doing yard work, these reliable plants deliver big beauty with minimal effort. Let’s dive into the top picks that thrive with less fuss. What Makes a Plant “Low Maintenance”? Low

READ MORE »

How Do I Fix Bad Drainage in My Yard?

Water should be a blessing for your yard — not a headache. But when every rainstorm leaves behind puddles, soggy spots, or even erosion, it’s a clear sign there’s a bigger issue. Bad drainage in my yard is something no homeowner wants to deal with, but the good news is, it’s fixable. With the right strategies, you can protect your landscape, your home, and your peace of mind. Let’s dive into exactly how to spot the problem, understand what’s causing

READ MORE »

Should You Aerate Your Lawn in the Spring?

Your lawn took a beating this winter. Soggy soil, heavy snow, kids and pets running across frozen turf — it all adds up to compacted soil and tired grass roots. As the weather warms in Montgomery County, many homeowners start asking: Should you aerate your lawn in the spring? The answer isn’t a simple yes or no — it depends on your grass type, the condition of your lawn, and what you’re hoping to achieve. Aeration is one of the

READ MORE »

Keys To An Outstanding Outdoor Kitchen

Outdoor kitchens have come a long way. What used to be a basic grill tucked onto the patio has evolved into a full-blown extension of the home—blending cooking, dining, and entertaining into one unforgettable experience. If you’re dreaming about backyard meals, sunset dinners, or hosting the ultimate summer party, it all starts with one thing: the keys to an outstanding outdoor kitchen. Here’s how to make sure your space isn’t just good—it’s exceptional. Think Like a Chef (and a Host)

READ MORE »

When Is It Safe To Plant Summer Annuals In Montgomery County, MD?

You’ve just walked into the garden center and—bam!—there they are. Bright, bold, blooming summer annuals lined up like candy in a store window. It’s tempting to grab a cart and start planting the moment the first warm day arrives. But hold on. In Montgomery County, MD, timing is everything. Planting too early can lead to disappointment—wilted flowers, stunted growth, or worse, a surprise cold snap that wipes out all your hard work. On the other hand, waiting just a bit

READ MORE »