Post-Snowfall Landscaping Tips Houston

Post-Snowfall Landscaping Tips for Houston

By Todd Farber, Aggie Horticulturist + Expert Houston Landscaper

Snowfall in Houston is a rare event, but when it happens, it can leave many homeowners wondering how to care for their landscapes afterward. While the sight of snow may be beautiful, it can be hard on plants that aren’t accustomed to cold weather. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help your landscape recover after a snowfall.

1. Assess the Damage (Don’t Panic!)

• Wait Before Taking Action: Snow-covered plants in Houston may look worse than they are. Give them time to thaw naturally before jumping to conclusions.

• Check for Broken Branches: Look for limbs that are cracked or split under the weight of snow or ice. These should be addressed quickly to prevent further damage.

2. Remove Snow Gently

• Avoid Shaking Plants: While it’s tempting to shake snow off branches, this can cause brittle, frozen stems to snap. Instead, use a broom to gently sweep snow off plants in an upward motion.

• Let Ice Melt Naturally: Trying to remove ice can do more harm than good. Let it melt on its own to avoid stripping bark or damaging foliage.

3. Prune Damaged Branches

• Trim Cleanly: Use sharp pruning shears to cut back broken branches to a healthy node or the main trunk.

• Wait on Non-Critical Pruning: For branches that are bent but not broken, leave them alone for now. Plants often recover on their own.

4. Inspect Turf and Groundcover

• Leave Snow as an Insulator: Snow acts as a blanket, protecting grass and groundcover from extreme cold. Let it melt naturally.

• Monitor for Frost Damage: Once the snow melts, look for soggy or blackened patches in grass or groundcover. These areas may need aeration or reseeding in the spring.

5. Check Trees and Shrubs

• Support Leaning Shrubs: If heavy snow caused shrubs to lean, you can gently stake them upright. Avoid tying them too tightly, as this can damage their structure.

• Inspect for Root Exposure: Freezing and thawing can heave roots out of the ground. Cover exposed roots with soil and mulch to protect them.

6. Mulch and Water Properly

• Reapply Mulch: If mulch was disturbed or washed away, replenish it to a depth of 2–3 inches. This helps moderate soil temperature as the ground warms.

• Water Sparingly: After the snow melts, check soil moisture. If the ground is soggy, hold off on watering until it dries out to avoid root rot.

7. Protect Against Future Freezes

• Cover Sensitive Plants: If another freeze is possible, cover tender plants with frost cloth, blankets, or burlap to protect them from further damage.

• Wrap Tree Trunks: Young or thin-barked trees, like citrus, may benefit from trunk wraps to prevent frost cracks.

8. Evaluate Long-Term Plant Health

• Wait Before Replacing Plants: Some plants, like palms or tropical shrubs, may look dead after a freeze but can bounce back. Give them time to sprout new growth in spring. - Need me to look? I can do so online here 📌

• Consider Cold-Hardy Options: For areas prone to damage, consider planting more cold-tolerant species in the future.

Common Houston Plants to Monitor Post-Snowfall

• Palms: Trim off completely brown fronds, but leave any with green, as they may still provide energy to the plant.

• Citrus Trees: Wait until spring to prune; damaged areas may protect the plant from further cold.

• Succulents: If leaves are mushy, remove them, but avoid cutting into the core of the plant.

9. Be Patient

Snowfall in Houston is unusual, and your plants may not show signs of recovery right away. With proper care and patience, many will recover as the weather warms. Use this as an opportunity to reassess your landscape’s resilience and plan for future weather events.

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Written by Todd Farber, Aggie Horticulturist. Helping Texans grow resilient and beautiful landscapes, one season at a time.