Homeowners in East Texas are evaluating plant damage after a recent freeze, with experts advising patience as most plants may recover naturally.
TYLER, Texas — After a winter freeze moved through East Texas, many homeowners are stepping outside to assess the condition of their plants.
According to Belinda Kromer, past president of the Smith County Master Gardeners, this recent cold snap was noticeable but not devastating.
“This freeze was a longer freeze than we’ve had the last year or so, but it wasn’t anything like ‘snow-mageddon’ and the past really harsh freezes,” Kromer said.
In many areas, plants appear to have fared better than expected. While some blooms and buds were damaged, widespread destruction has not been common. Kromer says what many gardeners are seeing right now may simply be stress, but not permanent damage.
“When you see damage on your plants, the first thing you want to do is wipe them down or dig them up, and don’t do that,” she said.
Instead, she encourages patience. As temperatures warm, damaged leaves may fall off, but many plants are capable of recovering on their own.
East Texas weather can be unpredictable, and another cold snap is still possible. Kromer recommends watering plants thoroughly before a freeze, as moist soil helps insulate roots. She also suggests covering plants all the way to the ground with frost cloth or tarps to trap warmth from the soil.
However, not all plants handle freezing temperatures the same way.
At Breedlove Nursery in Tyler, owner Paul Breedlove says preparation played a big role in protecting inventory.
“The inventory was not severely impacted because we did some measures to protect it,” Breedlove said.
Breedlove explains that dormant plants typically fare better in freezes. The most vulnerable are plants that have already started actively growing, especially those in above-ground pots where roots are more exposed.
Now that temperatures are warming up, both experts say patience is critical.
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