Total Landscape Care Digital Magazine
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/85696
READER TIP OF THE MONTH I How to protect frost-sensitive plants n the midst of cold winter weather, keeping frost-sensitive plants alive can be a challenge. Here are tips on how to protect your clients' plants until the spring from FloraTerra Landscape Management in San Jose, California. Plants should be thoroughly wa- tered, especially those in containers, several days in advance of the frost. However, do not saturate the plants while the temperatures are extremely low, as this will result in frost heave and ultimately injure the plants. Light watering in the evening hours, before temperatures drop, will help raise humidity levels and reduce frost damage. Do not fertilize with quick-release nitrogen in the winter months. Have a landscaping tip to share with others? Send your tip to LaurenHeartsill@ randallreilly.com. If published, you will win a Husqvarna 560BTS 65.6 cc Commercial Grade Backpack Blower. Actively growing plants are more susceptible to frost damage. When possible, cover tender plants. Frost blankets can be pur- chased and, depending on thick- ness, can add 3 to 7 degrees of warmth for plants. You can also create tents over plants with space between the pro- tection barrier and the plants. Passive solar protection can help. Place jugs of water or dark plas- tic objects near plants to absorb warmth in the day and then let off that heat at night. Mulch will protect some frost- sensitive plants. When mulching, try to keep it at a depth of 2 to 3 inches. If severe cold is imminent, drench trees, shrubs and flowers like cycla- men, sago palms or citrus trees, letting the water freeze directly on the leaves. If plants are damaged by the frost, wait to prune them until spring. They need to remain dor- mant, rather than expend energy to heal pruning wounds. READER TIP OF THE MONTH REWARD Helping Landscapers save money, no matter what they drive. No matter what kind of vehicle you use for your business, you could save with Progressive Insurance. To learn more about Progressive, and see why we are the #1 Truck Insurer in America, please visit ProgressiveCommercial.com. Call for a Free Quote 1-888-375-7908 12 TOTAL LANDSCAPE CARE / February 2012 Find an Agent ProgressiveCommercial.com United Financial Casualty Company and its affiliates, Mayfield Village, Ohio. Available in most states. No. 1 truck from Highline Data's 2007 written premium data. 09P00560.BA (12/09) Write 365 on Reader Service Card or visit TotalLandscapeCare.net/info