While South Florida is known for its warm, tropical climate, occasional cold snaps can pose a threat to trees, shrubs, and other delicate plants. Homeowners in Sunrise, Weston, Davie, Coral Springs, and Fort Lauderdale may not experience freezing temperatures often, but when they do, it’s important to take the right precautions to prevent damage to landscapes.
In this guide, we’ll cover the best ways to protect your plants from unexpected cold weather while maintaining a healthy, thriving landscape all year long.
How Cold Weather Affects Trees and Shrubs
Although freezing temperatures are rare in Broward County, sudden drops in temperature can cause:
- Leaf and flower damage – Some tropical and subtropical plants are highly sensitive to cold.
- Root stress – Soil temperature drops can slow root function, affecting overall plant health.
- Bark splitting – Rapid temperature changes can cause cracks in tree bark, leaving them vulnerable to disease.
- Wilting and discoloration – Cold weather can weaken plants, making them susceptible to pests and diseases.
Proactively protecting your landscape with proper landscape maintenance and irrigation techniques can help prevent these issues.
Best Practices for Protecting Trees and Shrubs in South Florida
- Choose Cold-Tolerant Plants
The best way to minimize weather-related stress is to incorporate cold-hardy trees and shrubs into your landscape design. Some options well-suited for South Florida include:
- Live Oak (Quercus virginiana) – A sturdy native tree that withstands temperature fluctuations.
- Coontie Palm (Zamia integrifolia) – A low-maintenance shrub resistant to cold and drought.
- Simpson’s Stopper (Myrcianthes fragrans) – A native shrub that thrives in varying conditions.
If your landscape already includes tropical plants, taking additional protective measures will be necessary during colder months.
- Water Before a Cold Front
Proper irrigation is key to protecting plants from cold stress. Moist soil retains heat better than dry soil, helping regulate root temperatures. Watering the ground around trees and shrubs a day before a cold front arrives can help insulate plant roots.
- Use Mulch for Insulation
Applying a 2 to 3-inch layer of mulch around the base of trees and shrubs provides an extra barrier against temperature fluctuations. Mulch helps:
- Maintain soil moisture
- Regulate root temperatures
- Prevent cold damage to tender roots
- Cover Vulnerable Plants
For more delicate plants, using protective covers such as:
- Burlap or frost cloth – Provides insulation while allowing air circulation.
- Old bed sheets or blankets – A simple way to shield plants from the cold.
- Plastic covers (with caution) – Only if removed in the morning to prevent overheating.
Secure coverings down to the ground to trap heat from the soil and remove them once temperatures rise.
- Provide Temporary Heat
If temperatures drop significantly in Fort Lauderdale, Coral Springs, or Weston, you can:
- Use string lights (not LED) to generate warmth.
- Place buckets of warm water near plants overnight.
- Move potted plants indoors or under shelter.
These small adjustments can prevent cold damage and keep your landscape design intact.
- Prune and Fertilize at the Right Time
Avoid pruning trees and shrubs right before winter, as new growth is more vulnerable to cold damage. Instead:
- Prune after winter to remove damaged branches.
- Apply fertilizer in early spring to support healthy regrowth.
Partnering with expert professionals in landscape maintenance ensures that trees and shrubs remain strong throughout the year.
Why Professional Landscape Services Matter
Caring for trees and shrubs during cold weather requires expert knowledge and proper techniques. At Cutter’s Edge Pro, we specialize in:
- Customized landscape maintenance for South Florida’s unique climate.
- Cold-weather protection strategies for trees, shrubs, and tropical plants.
- Efficient irrigation solutions to support plant health.
- Expert landscape design tailored to homeowners in Broward County.
Whether you need preventative care or recovery solutions after a cold spell, our team is here to help.
Schedule Your Landscape Consultation Today
Unexpected cold snaps don’t have to damage your landscape. Contact Cutter’s Edge Pro, the best landscape company in South Florida, for professional landscape maintenance, irrigation, and design services in Sunrise, Weston, Davie, Coral Springs, and Fort Lauderdale.
Let our expert professionals help you keep your trees and shrubs healthy, no matter the season.
