Caring for Your Plants after the Winter Snowfall

Caring for Your Plants after the Winter Snowfall

The winter storm of 2025 definitely transformed New Orleans into a magical Winter wonderland most of us have never experienced before. Winter landscapes can be a sight to behold, but they can also be tough on your garden. Here’s a guide to help you care for your plants after the winter snowfall.

1. Assess the Damage

As the snow melt, the first step is to assess the damage. Look for signs like dark brown, blackened or wilted leaves and broken branches. Some damage may not be immediately visible, so keep an eye on your plants over the next few days and trim away!

2. Gently Remove Snow

Carefully brush off heavy snow from branches and leaves using a broom, shovel or your hands. Avoid shaking the plants, as this can cause more damage, especially if the branches are frozen.

3. Prune Damaged Branches

Cut away any broken or damaged branches once the weather warms up a bit. This helps prevent diseases and pests from entering the plant through the damaged areas. Use clean, sharp tools to make clean cuts.

4. Taking care of your ferns.

In New Orleans, many homeowners have the signature fern. After the last of the freezing temperatures, you should cut back your ferns. Trim the ferns to the ground once you are sure all the frost damage is visible. Make sure all brown or damaged old and/or new growth is trimmed off. In the spring new growth will occur. 

5. Monkey Grass Maintenance

Do not cut the monkey grass right after a freeze. The best time to trim it it late winter or early spring. After the coldest part of the season has passed.

6. Watering

Hydrate your plants if the ground isn’t frozen. This is especially important for newly planted trees and shrubs. Water helps the plants recover from the freeze and maintains essential hydration.

7. Insulate with Mulch or Pine Straw

Adding a layer of mulch or pine straw around the base of your plants can help insulate the roots from future freezes and temperature fluctuations. Mulch also retains soil moisture and reduces the risk of frost heave.

8. Avoid Fertilizing

Refrain from fertilizing immediately after a freeze. Fertilizers can stimulate new growth that is vulnerable to further cold damage. Wait until the danger of frost has passed before resuming fertilization.

9. Monitor and Adjust

Keep an eye on your plants as the weather changes, make sure they are protected if there is additional freezing temperatures. Some plants may need more care, while others could be surprisingly resilient. Adjust your care routine based on the condition of each plant.

Winter weather can challenge even the hardiest of gardens! What was beautiful during the snowfall will soon turn to Mud Season. But with the right care and attention, your plants can survive and thrive, ready to blossom again when the spring weather arrives. Remember, gardening is a learning experience—each season teaches us something new about our cherished plants. As the snow melts, we will be maintaining our gardens! 

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