Whether you\u2019re a homeowner, renter, or property manager, you probably take pride in the health of your lawn. Why wouldn\u2019t you? While it shouldn\u2019t come as a surprise, as a landscaping company, we can\u2019t express how much we relate to the rush of \u201cyou did good, kiddo\u201d when we look at a top lawn that\u2019s as healthy and beautiful as possible.<\/p>\n
Florida, with its palm trees, warm beaches, and subtropical climate, might not be the first place you think of when considering cold weather preparations. However, the state does experience its fair share of chilly nights and occasional frosts, especially in its northern regions. Preparing your Florida landscape for these colder moments can make all the difference in preserving the beauty and health of your garden for Florida.<\/p>\n
While Florida is generally warm, it can have cool to cold spells, especially from December to February. The state can be divided into three main zones:<\/p>\n
North Florida:<\/strong> Experiences the most significant cold and can have several frosty nights. Here are a few Lopez Landscaping & Design tips<\/strong> you should consider to protect your plants when decorating the outdoors of your business:<\/p>\n 1. Pruning and maintaining trees is often left off the list when it comes to winter planning. It\u2019s a great time of year to selectively remove branches to provide clearance, reduce the risk of breakage, or reduce size. If you are unsure about proper pruning techniques, consider hiring an arborist specialist in the care of trees- to prune your trees.<\/p>\n 2. Mulch moderates soil temperatures, and keeps roots warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. It also helps sustain soil moisture, reducing the water needs of trees. Mulch inhibits weeds, helps reduce soil erosion, and can improve soil, which improves or maintains tree health. Mulch with coarse materials such as pine nuggets or pine straw applied to a depth of 3-4 inches, but do not allow mulch to accumulate to a greater depth. Mulch will insulate the plant absorbing the sun\u2019s radiation using it at night to keep your plants, flowers, and trees warm, just like a blanket uses our body heat to keep us warm at night.<\/p>\n 3. Continue to water newly planted plants, trees, and shrubs since it doesn\u2019t rain often in Florida during the winter. Most of the above-ground plant is dormant however the roots can continue to grow if adequate moisture is present.<\/p>\n 4. Cover tender plants by using cloth, such as old sheets or quilts, burlap, or special covering from local nurseries that are made for plants, and always avoid using plastic. Plastic will cause condensation to form on the leaves from freezing temperatures, which results in the leaves burning in the sunlight.<\/p>\n 5. When using outdoor lighting and\/or decorations that require electricity, be careful when running extension cords and other power sources on the ground or through your landscaping<\/p>\n 6. Make sure to discuss any electrical power sources that are outdoors with your landscaper or maintenance personnel. You wouldn\u2019t want your holiday lights run over by the lawnmower, would you?<\/p>\n 7. This is a great time of year to put poinsettias outdoors to show off their beautiful, bright red color. A few places you might want to consider are your community clubhouse, guardhouse, or even pool area.<\/p>\n 8. Even though a Florida fall isn\u2019t very cold, it\u2019s still a good time to start preparing your lawn for the cold weather. Shorter days, lower light intensity, and cooler temperatures result in slower-growing lawns. Timing is important, the last recommended time to fertilize your lawn in North and Central Florida is October \/ November. A high-potassium fertilizer would be best for this time of year.<\/p>\n Though Florida may be the Sunshine State, cold spells do make their appearance, and they can catch many off-guard. By following the steps outlined above, you can ensure your Florida landscape remains lush, vibrant, and healthy, even when temperatures dip below what\u2019s typically expected.<\/p>\n
\nCentral Florida:<\/strong> Occasional frosts and cooler temperatures.
\nSouth Florida:<\/strong> Rare frosts but cooler nights.<\/p>\n