Normal
winter time conditions in and around our lower
desert areas include a few nights where the
temperatures may reach below freezing (32°F)
at official weather reporting stations. In
outlying and lower lying areas, actual temperatures
may be even lower. In an abnormally cold period,
temperatures can reach the lower twenties
or even colder. Temperatures below freezing
can cause damage to certain varieties of trees
and shrubs that are commonly grown in the
area. These include, but are not limited to:
Ficus Species, Jacaranda, Palo Brea, Pygmy
Date Palms, Sissoo, Young Citrus, Bougainvillea,
Lantana, Hibiscus, Thevitia and other varieties.
If you have questions on the hardiness of
your plants or how cold your particular area
gets, please cal your closest Moon Valley
Nursery. Smaller an newly planted trees and
shrubs tend to be the most susceptible to
damage from cold weather. All trees and plants
can benefit from the following measures to
help prevent damage from frost & freezing
conditions:
1. WATER
As weird as it may sound, the laws of thermodynamics
prove that it is more difficult to cool humid
air than dry air, so be sure to thoroughly
water all of your trees and plants during
periods of forecast frost or freeze. In addition,
get your entire yard wet in the evening before
forecast/ freeze. This boosts humidity in
the immediate microclimate and will help minimize
the effects of frost/ freeze on your trees
and plants.
1. COVER
Where feasible, cover plants with a frost
cloth or old blankets during nights of forecast/
freeze. DO NOT USE PLASTIC. Plastic actually
increases the danger. For larger trees and
plants, you can apply Frost Proof insulating
spray. This applies a thin lay of wax-like
substance that minimizes evaporation from
the leaves, thus minimizing frost/ freeze
damage. Frost Cloth & Frost Proof spray are
available at all Moon Valley Nurseries.
1. HEAT
People have had success in preventing frost/
freeze damage by stringing up Christmas lights
in their trees. The older style lights (incandescent)
provide the best warming effect. Sometimes
it's only a few degrees that will make a huge
difference. Although there methods are proven
to minimize the effects of abnormally clod
weather on trees & plants, due to the uncontrollable
nature of weather, there are no guarantees
of success.
