|
Frost Freeze in the Landscape JANUARY 24, 2007—One of the hardest freezes to hit San Diego County occurred within this past week. As a result, there has been extensive damage to ornamental plants throughout the county, from the coast to the inland valleys. Some of the common plant varieties seen in San Diego landscapes, such as Bougainvilleas, Ficus trees and annual color plants were affected by the frost immediately. Now, more than a few days after the initial frost freeze, there is yet more noticeably extensive damage to plant materials, as many have never experienced frost damage before this time. The impact has hit plant nurseries as well. Not only is Southern California experiencing this problem, but also throughout the state there has been substantial damage to much of the plant material stock. Due to this, lack of plant availability for landscapers throughout the next year or two may result. There are a couple of points we would like to make regarding the handling of frost damaged plant material. First, and of most importance, is to address the issue of trimming plants that have fallen victim of the frost. It is critical to note that frost damaged plants must not be trimmed. It is best to leave the frost-damaged foliage on the plants. The frost damaged foliage helps to reduce the possibility of sun damage to the interior of the plant. Also, by not trimming the plant, it reduces the likelihood of plant regeneration being subjected to new frost damage. The general rule of thumb is not to trim any of the frost damaged plant material until the danger of new frost has passed; this would fall around the beginning to middle of March. We understand that much of the plant material throughout your properties is very unsightly due to the frost freeze occurrence. Pacific Green Landscape encourages you to discuss this with your Account Manager on a case-by-case basis. In certain situations, such as annuals and other plant materials that may be deemed completely dead, removal would certainly be warranted. On established ornamentals, it is best to leave the damaged matter alone until the danger of the cold front has passed. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to ask your Account Manager, or contact any member on the Pacific Green staff—we are happy to help. PACIFIC GREEN LANDSCAPE, INC. To view more articles provided by Pacific Green Landscape, Inc. visit our online Resource Center on www.pacificgreenlandscape.com
|
 |
green@pacificgreenlandscape.com PHONE: 619.390.9962 FAX: 619.390.0865 TOLL FREE: 800.439.9962 MAIN HEADQUARTERS 8834 Winter Gardens Boulevard Lakeside, California 92040-5419 NORTH COUNTY YARD 1690 Via Cancion San Marcos, California 92078 |
|||||||||
| ©2008 Pacific Green | ||||||||||||
