Freezing Tonight!

Good Sunday Evening bloggers,

We are setting up for a Moderate Freeze tonight with temps around 25F. Here is some plant care info from www.hamonslandscaping.com:

"Landscapes in Kansas City will soon be hitting the deep freeze. Well, maybe not the deep freeze. However even with temperatures reaching down into upper 20�s � it is important to have all the information necessary.

First of all this is not at all like the freeze of 2007 � although the dates are not that different. The difference lies in the weather of March. In 2007, Kansas City�s weather was unseasonably warm. Plants were a good 3 - 4 weeks ahead of normal development. Last year I already had Iris blooms poking up in my yard. This year, I barely have leaves coming through last falls leaves. Freezing temperatures this weekend will only be a slight problem for landscapers and homeowners in Kansas City.

Different plants will need different amounts of care this weekend.

Perennials

Most perennials will be fine as long as the temperature stays above 20 degrees. However, if you are the type of person who like to err on the side of caution then covering the plants with a bed sheet. If you use plastic then you must make sure to support the plastic off the leaves or blooms and leaves will still be damaged.

Trees

There is no practical way to protect a tree from the effects of the freezing air. All those pretty magnolias that bloomed this week will be turned to mush if the temperature gets below freezing. However, no permanent damage will be done. This is a common problem with most magnolia trees in our area. Sweetbay Magnolias are on tree that rarely has problems because of it late blooming.

Shrubs

If you have any shrubs that are blooming or who have tender new growth then they should be covered with a sheet to protect the new tender foliage. If you do nothing then you will likely see some dieback of the new foliage - but no lasting damage. If you have shrubs that almost ready to bloom, you may lose this year�s blooms if they are not protected.

Vegetables

If you got an early start on some of your vegetable you will need to protect them unless they are spinach or lettuce. Construct a sturdy frame over the rows and then lay a sheet over each row. Secure the sheet to the ground to prevent wind from moving or disturbing the sheet.

With a little extra care you will can make sure that this upcoming freeze will not delay the beauty of the your landscape."

More Tomorrow,

Andrew