While our Florida winters don’t have the snowfall that some of the northern states may see in the winter, it doesn’t mean that we don’t have our own problems to deal with. Frost is a very real problem that can cause damage to your lawn and plants. We want to help you be aware of what you can do to save yourself time and money in needing to replace your grass and landscaping.
What is Frost?
Frost is a thin layer of ice that forms after water vapor that is above freezing comes in contact with a surface that is below freezing. This typically occurs when the temperature is expected to reach between 36 and 32 degrees Fahrenheit.
How To Prepare for Frost
The one positive when living in Florida is that we have a longer time to prepare for an upcoming frost as compared to other parts of the country. There are precautions that can be taken to ensure that your grass and landscaping doesn’t bite the dust during the next frost.
Grass Precautions
It is important to be sure to cut the grass on a higher setting, as mowing too low can cause the grass and roots to die during a frost. If the grass appears to be brown, it is best to just wait it out until the spring. It is tempting to want to make a change as soon as possible, but the grass may not have died. It might just be dormant until the spring arrives. Be sure to give your grass some space after a frost. It is not recommended to walk all over the grass to make inspections. Walking on frosty grass can cause breakage and more trouble that you started with. As the saying goes, it is best to let sleeping dogs lie—the same can be true of your grass. Just let it be until the spring, and then reevaluate.
Plant Precautions
If you are expecting a frost, a frost cloth can be purchased from a nursery or home garden center. While a thick blanket may work, a frost cloth gives the best protection. If you are surprised by a frost, have not prepared, and are worried about the state of your plants, like the grass, it is best to just leave it until the springtime. What may look damaged or dead may just be dormant and will return to its natural beauty in the spring.
If you are concerned about the state of your lawn and landscaping and are interested in learning how an irrigation system can benefit your property, give us a call! We look forward to hearing from you. At Challenger Irrigation, we are happy to serve Hernando, Pasco, Pinellas, and Citrus counties.
