Nipped by Jack Frost?
Barn Goddess® Leslie Honaker, "The Gardener"
We've had several questions about frost damage, including this one from Joyce in Peoria.
"Since the recent frost, our trees and plants look like they have been severely burned - crispy. When is a good time to cut back and see if there is any life left in it?"
 Hi Joyce,
You are not alone! Jack Frost took a nip out of many trees and plants in the Valley last month. I know you are tempted to cut back all the burnt branches, however I encourage you to wait until March 1-15 usually the last frost period in the Phoenix metro area. By keeping the “dead” material on you’ll help insulate the plant from another frost. It’s also important to avoid trimming and fertilizing because it will encourage new growth, which will freeze in a second frost. New growth also requires the plant to expend energy leaving it vulnerable to death if a second frost hits. You can break a small branch or two to see if the wood is still pliable and green. You’ll find many plants may still be alive, so waiting it out through the “brown” is best to give your plants the best chance for survival.
Good Luck!
~ Leslie
Learn more about Leslie Honaker
The information presented and the opinions expressed are those of the content provider. KTVK-TV and KASW-TV do not endorse the accuracy or reliability of any advice, opinion, statement, or other information by the content provider. You acknowledge that any reliance upon any such opinion, advice, statement, or information shall be at your sole risk.
|
