When Do You REALLY Need to Cover Your Plants During a Fresno Freeze?

Living in Fresno and the surrounding Central Valley area, you know that winters can bring occasional freezing temperatures, but typically for only a few hours at a time. While these brief freezes are not as prolonged or severe as in other regions, they can still wreak havoc on sensitive plants. In this guide, we’ll explain when you need to protect your plants, how to do it, and which plants need your attention the most. Plus, we’ll share some expert tips to keep your landscape thriving—even during the colder months.

When to Cover Your Plants

The key to protecting your plants from frost damage is timing. Keep an eye on the weather forecast for temperatures dipping below 32°F. In Fresno, this usually happens overnight and doesn’t last long, but even a few hours of frost can harm tender plants. Here are the critical steps to take:

  • Cover plants when freezing weather is forecasted: Prepare to act quickly when temperatures approach freezing.
  • Remove covers during the day: When temperatures rise above freezing, uncover your plants to allow sunlight and air circulation.

What to Use to Cover Your Plants

Choosing the right materials to protect your plants can make all the difference. Avoid plastic materials, as they can trap cold air and cause more harm. Instead, use:

  • Frost cloth or horticultural blankets
  • Burlap, old blankets, or bed sheets
  • Polymer sleeves
  • Mini-greenhouses or ventilated plastic covers for smaller plants
  • Make sure the covers extend to the ground and are secured to trap warmth radiating from the soil.

How to Protect Roots

Cold weather doesn’t just damage leaves and stems; roots are vulnerable too. Protecting the root zone is crucial for the long-term health of your plants.

Apply mulch: A 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base of your plants helps insulate roots from freezing temperatures.

Water before a freeze: Moist soil retains heat better than dry soil. Give your plants a good soak the day before freezing weather to help insulate their roots.

Which Plants Need Protection?

Not all plants are equally vulnerable to freezing temperatures. Here’s a list of plants that need extra care:

Tender Perennials

  • Dahlias, verbena, and begonias are especially sensitive to frost. Cover or move them indoors if possible.

Newly Planted Trees and Shrubs

  • Young plants haven’t developed deep root systems yet, making them susceptible to damage.

Evergreens

  • Plants like holly, pine, and boxwood can be affected by frost, especially in prolonged exposure.

Vegetables

  • Tomatoes, peppers, and basil are tender annuals that can’t handle freezing temperatures.
  • Spinach, leaf lettuce, and radishes can survive light frosts but still benefit from covers during harder freezes.

Tropical Plants

  • Protect plants like hibiscus, banana trees, and citrus trees, as they are highly susceptible to frost. Adding outdoor string lights to your citrus trees can help prevent frost damage by generating a small amount of heat.

Potted Plants

Move houseplants and potted plants to a protected structure like a garage or porch. These plants are particularly vulnerable because their roots lack insulation.

How to Tell If Your Plants Are Damaged

After a cold snap, inspect your plants for signs of frost damage:

  • Drooping or blackened leaves: This is often the first visible sign of damage.
  • Brittle stems: Stems that snap easily may be severely damaged.

If your plants show signs of frostbite, prune away damaged areas after the danger of frost has passed.

Pro Tips for Preventing Frost Damage

To give your plants the best chance of surviving winter in Fresno’s Zone 9 climate:

  1. Use outdoor heaters or string lights for additional warmth around delicate plants.
  2. Keep the ground weed-free: This allows soil to absorb and release more heat.
  3. Invest in drought-resistant or xeriscape-friendly plants: Many Zone 9 plants are more tolerant of temperature swings. Consider landscaping with hardy options like lavender, rosemary, and succulents.
  4. Plan for long-term protection: Mike’s Evergreen offers expert landscaping solutions, including custom designs that incorporate frost-resistant plants and features to keep your garden beautiful year-round.

Why Choose Mike’s Evergreen for Your Landscaping Needs?

Since 1987, Mike’s Evergreen has been Fresno and Clovis’s trusted partner for landscape design, construction, and sprinkler systems. Whether you need help selecting hardy Zone 9 plants, installing protective features, or transforming your yard into a stunning outdoor retreat, we’ve got you covered.

Contact us today to learn more about our services, from drought-resistant landscaping to custom water features and outdoor living spaces. Let’s work together to create a landscape that thrives in every season—and exceeds your dreams.