Protect landscapes when freezing weather moves in

CORVALLIS, Ore. — When freezing weather arrives, a few quick steps can keep vulnerable plants from suffering winter damage.

Oregon State University Extension Service experts recommend these approaches:

Support branches on susceptible shrubs

• Knock accumulated snow off shrubs with flexible or narrow branches such as arborvitae, boxwood, cypress, and young rhododendrons and azaleas.
• Wrap rope around the shrub to hold branches upright before the storm.
• Leave snow at the base of plants because it helps insulate roots.

Cover tender perennials

• Insulate plants such as hardy fuchsias, roses, clematis, salvia, some ferns, canna, agapanthus and dahlias with mulch, compost, leaves, conifer branches or other organic material to protect root systems.
• For a prized plant, place a tomato cage around it, wrap the outside with burlap and secure it with bungee cords.
• Fill the cage with straw or leaves and remove the material when temperatures rise.

Safeguard container plants

• Move pots into an unheated garage, basement, greenhouse, cold frame or other spot that stays above freezing.
• If plants must stay outside, set pots on the ground and cover them with evergreen boughs, straw, leaves, old blankets, sheets, burlap, woven row cover or plastic for insulation.
• Wrap pots in bubble wrap for extra protection and do not leave containers hanging.

Know your plant hardiness

• Think back to which plants have struggled through winter and focus protection on those.
• Most trees tolerate winter because they are dormant, but some non-native trees lack cold hardiness.
• Check labels before buying and choose plants rated for your area using the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map.

Protect lawns and structures

• Avoid walking on frozen turf, especially when there is no snow cover, because frozen grass blades can be damaged.
• Keep greenhouses at or above 35°F so plants inside can survive.

Watch for spring damage

• After a hard freeze, spring-flowering trees and bulbs planted recently may show brown streaks or shriveled areas.
• Frost injury can look severe but does not always kill the plant.

Water only when needed

• Do not water plants when temperatures are at or below freezing.
• Shrubs growing under house eaves may miss winter rainfall and can suffer drought stress.
• Water those shrubs deeply every six to eight weeks, only on days above freezing and early enough for foliage and soil surfaces to dry.

Previously titled Eight tips to gear up the garden for cold weather