Tips for preparing your plants and landscape for winter weather

Tips for preparing your plants and landscape for winter weather Posted on January 14, 2026

Due to a persistent La Niña weather pattern, this winter has been drier and warmer than usual, but cold snaps remain possible. Occasional ice storms and hard freezes can cause significant damage to plants and trees, frost injury to leaves and buds, and root damage. Certain species, especially those not adapted to cold, may even die after extreme cold snaps. Fortunately, you can take steps to protect your lawn and plants.

Lay off your lawn

One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is overwatering their lawn in winter. Lawns go dormant from fall to spring and need little or no supplemental watering. Overwatering increases the risk of harmful fungus growth; usually, rainfall is sufficient for a healthy spring return. In practice, that means you need only water during an extended dry spell. Also, watering before a freeze is a good idea because water's ability to absorb and hold heat makes it a useful tool against cold stress. However, it's best to avoid late afternoon or evening watering before a freeze, as moisture on stems and leaves can freeze and cause damage-morning watering lets plants dry before temperatures drop.

Additionally, the winter slowdown in grass growth means less mowing is needed. Taller grass shades the soil, helps retain moisture, and keeps winter weeds at bay. So, if you do mow, raise the mower height.

Protect plants and trees with mulch

Make sure you put mulch down before the first hard freeze. Mulch protects roots, insulates the soil, and reduces evaporation. Adding mulch can also suppress weeds and adds nutrients as it decomposes. Effective mulch materials include leaves, grass clippings, hay, wood chips, and compost. Add a layer of mulch about three to four inches deep around trees, shrubs, and plants. To discourage diseases and pests, avoid piling mulch against the stems or trunks of plants.

Not all covers are equal

During a light or moderate freeze, cover plants to reduce damage. Use frost cloth, bedsheets, burlap, or light cotton fabric. Plastic tarps or painter's plastic can conduct cold, which can cause damage. And keep in mind that your goal is to contain the heat in the soil. The best approach is to place covers over plants that reach all the way to the ground, rather than wrapping them and leaving the bottom of the plant still exposed. Plan to take covers off during the day to let the sun warm the soil and put them back on at night.

Protect potted plants

Plants in pots are more vulnerable to weather fluctuations and benefit from added protection. The soil in a container gets colder than ground soil, and while the plant's above-ground parts might survive, the roots can suffer during a cold snap. You can protect your potted plants by overwintering them in a garage or shed with a window or on a protected porch. Tropical plants need a bit more sun and warmth, so store them near a sunny window indoors.

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