There is a Freeze Warning coming up in Northern Florida for this weekend. The current forecast is predicting overnight freezing temperatures for both Saturday and Sunday nights, which could result damage or Gainesville sprinkler systems and tender landscape plants. Here are some tips that will help minimize the harmful effects of low temperatures:
- Cover your sprinkler system's backflow preventer with protective covering and change settings like this. Upgrading your weather sensor to a rain/freeze sensor also protects your irrigation from running and leaving moisture to cause freeze damage on plants.
- Cover your cold-sensitive plants (see list below) with sheets or blankets, but not plastic.
- Don't mow or use heavy equipment on your lawn if it is frozen or if there is frost present the following morning.
Most Common Cold-sensitive Gainesville landscaping plants*:
- Gold Mound Duranta
- Some Palms
- Philodendron
- Bird of Paradise
- Variegated Schefflera
- Some varieties of Ginger
- Hibiscus
- Firespike
- Plumbago
- Bougainvillea
- Lantana
- Croton
- Heather
- Hydrangea
- Oleander
- Butterfly bush
- Impatiens / Sunpatiens
- Warm Season Annuals
*This is just a list of the most common plants. If you have plants not on this list that are fruit bearing or of a tropical nature, it is recommended you protect them as well.
Being prepared and vigilant can help you protect and preserve the investment you’ve made in your Gainesville lawn and landscaping. A little work now will pay big dividends when you have a healthy lawn this coming Spring.
The Master's Lawn Care is a Certified Gainesville Lawn & Ornamental Pest Control Business, and we want to help you get the best out of your lawn. Call us at 378-LAWN if we can be of any help.