Surviving the Freeze: Protecting Grass and Plants in Georgia

Now that winter is in full swing here in Georgia, many homeowners are noticing the challenges that freezing temperatures and frosty nights bring to their lawns and gardens.

While our winters are generally milder than those in other parts of the country, we've already had temperatures drop below freezing several times which can take a toll on your plants and grass. In this blog, we'll share practical tips to protect your plants, minimize frost damage and identify signs of winter lawn disease.

Covering Your Plants

Many plants in Georgia gardens, such as annual flowers, young shrubs, and certain vegetables, are susceptible to freezing temperatures. Protecting these tender plants is crucial to ensure they thrive through the colder months.

Use Frost Cloths: Lightweight frost cloths can be purchased at your local hardware store and are a fantastic way to help trap heat around your plants to prevent cold air from creeping in. Old bed sheets or burlap will also work if you already have these things on hand.

Avoid Covering with Plastic: Using plastic bags might seem like an easy solution, but they're more likely to trap moisture and create more frost on your plants.

Bring Potted Plants Indoors: Potted plants are especially vulnerable to cold weather because their roots are more exposed in shallow soil. Bring them inside or to a sheltered area, at the very least.

Water Before a Freeze: This might seem backwards, but moist soil retains heat better than dry soil. Watering your plants a day before freezing temperatures can help insulate their roots. However, don't water them after temperatures have already dropped, as this can cause more harm than good.

Dealing with Frost

As you see from above, frost can wreak havoc on lawns and gardens, especially when it forms suddenly or there are no protective measures in place. If frost hits your lawn or plants:

Do Not Walk on Frosty Grass: We've all walked outside on a winter morning to see a pale, crystalized lawn and hear the crunch under foot. But walking on frost-covered grass can crush the frozen blades, leading to long-term damage, and should be avoided when possible.

Don't Water While Frozen: If frost has settled on your plants or grass, wait for the sun to thaw it naturally. Spraying water on frozen plants and grass can make the situation worse.

Gently Brush Off Frost: For delicate plants, you can gently brush off the frost using a soft cloth or your hand to minimize damage.

Signs of Winter Lawn Disease

While most lawn diseases thrive during Georgia's many hot and humid months, warmer temperature days and excess moisture during the winter months can still create the perfect conditions for lawn diseases. Some winter lawn diseases that are possible in Georgia include:

Brown Patch: While more common in summer, this fungal disease can also be quite active at cool temperatures on warm season grasses. It is also active in areas that experience consistent moisture for more than 10 hours a day for several consecutive days. It creates large, irregular brown patches in your lawn. Learn more about Brown Patch here.

Pythium Blight: This disease thrives mostly in tall fescue and Bentgrass where there is high soil moisture, cool temperatures, and low light. Symptoms include greasy, discolored patches that spread quickly.

Dollar Spot: All species of warm and cool season turfgrass can be affected by dollar spot. It is more common at warmer temperatures but can be seen during milder winters. Dollar spot can be identified by small sunken, circular patches in turfgrass. See a picture of dollar spot here.

Snow Mold: Although rarer here, this disease can develop during prolonged periods of dampness and freezing temperatures, especially further North where snowfall is more abundant. Look for circular, matted patches of grass that appear white, gray, or pink.

Disease Prevention

To prevent winter lawn diseases, it's important to maintain proper lawn care practices. Excess water encourages fungal growth, so reducing watering during the colder months can help minimize the risk of disease. Aerating compacted soil improves drainage, allowing water to flow freely and preventing standing water. Additionally, keeping your lawn clear of leaves, sticks, and other debris helps to eliminate moisture traps that could exacerbate disease and fungal growth.

By following these tips, you can protect your lawn and plants from freezing temperatures and frost, as well as ensure your yard stays healthy throughout the winter. And remember, AgroPro is here to help you maintain a beautiful and thriving landscape, no matter the season!