The coming freeze and your plants...

[John Palmer]

Just wanted to offer some thoughts regarding what we all probably thought was coming, in spite of June in March. A hard frost or freeze. I've been writing about this a lot on my Facebook page. Just search 'PlanetCare Landscape Services'. It was so easy for people to want to get a jump on yard work during this warm stretch. There are some inherent dangers, though. A lot will depend on just how close you are to Lake Erie. The water temperature off Cleveland is 43-44 degrees. That should moderate overnight temperatures for those within a mile or so of shore. Inland and in low lying areas, the risk is greater.

I've been telling people not to prune their roses because of the possibility of a freeze. This was according the local advisers with the American Rose Society. Because of the extended warmth, and the continued long range forecast for above average temperatures, even they revised their advice and started pruning. Things were just moving along too fast, but now that decision could backfire. This freeze could damage recently pruned roses. If you did prune yours, I suggest covering them with something to try to hold ground heat in. A sheet or blanket, just be careful not to damage the plants. And make sure to remove it the following morning. Leaving it on as the sun warms things up can damage them too. I've even heard stories of people filling old milk bottles with hot or warm water and putting them near their plants under the covering. I suggest not too close if you're using fairly hot water, just to be safe.

Also, if you have fruit trees that aren't too tall, you might want to cover them too. Frost damage is a real danger to this year's crop.

If you planted grass seed and the new seedlings are exposed, there is a risk to the immature seedlings. You should also cover recently planted annuals (yes, I've seen some) and perennials and delicate plants and shrubs. Plants appropriate for our hardiness zone should do ok and survive without too much damage.

I know most of this may be after the fact, but at least now you know. For future reference, the average date of the last frost here is the first week of May!

Good luck and stay warm!

John Palmer
Arborist
PlanetCare Landscape Services