Winter Tips in The Woodlands

As the holiday season approaches, the entire team at Lawn Ranger Company would like to wish you and your loved ones a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS and a prosperous New Year! This festive season is a time to cherish moments with family and friends, creating memories that last a lifetime.

Tropical Plants and Winter Protection

Many of us love incorporating tropical plants into our landscapes, bringing a splash of vibrant green and color. While Southeast Texas winters are typically mild, we sometimes face frosty nights that can harm these warm-weather plants.

Here’s the silver lining: even if the tops of your tropical plants get frostbitten, the roots and bulbs often remain safe because the ground rarely freezes in our region. Cannas, gingers, caladiums, and amaryllis are good examples of plants that can survive and return, provided they’re in well-drained soil. For those planted in wetter areas, consider taking extra precautions or relocating them temporarily.

Tips for Protecting Your Plants This Winter

1. Use Mulch as Insulation

Mulching is one of the best ways to shield plants from winter temperatures. A layer of mulch not only helps regulate soil temperature but also protects the lower stems, crowns, and roots of plants.

• Recommended mulch depth:
  • 2"-3" for flower beds
  • 3"-6" around shrubs
• Best mulch types: Fine shredded pine mulch, shredded hardwood, and pine straw

2. Cover Your Plants

When temperatures drop into the 20s, protecting the above-ground portions of your plants is crucial.

• Use canvas or fabric covers instead of plastic.
• Build a frame to support the cover to avoid crushing the plant.
• Add a heat source, such as a light bulb or heat lamp, under the cover.

For smaller landscapes, wrapping plants with miniature Christmas lights can provide enough warmth to make a difference.

3. Focus on High-Value Plants

If it’s impractical to cover all your plants, prioritize those that you value the most. This selective approach can save you time and effort while protecting your favorites.

Winter Sprinkler Tips

Should you turn off your sprinkler system now?
Yes—unless you’ve over-seeded your lawn with ryegrass, your turf is likely in its dormant phase and requires less water. Cooler weather and occasional rainfall generally suffice for lawn maintenance.

However, keep an eye on soil moisture levels to ensure plants and flowers in your landscape are neither too dry nor too wet. Remember, their watering needs may differ from your turf grass.

Thank you for trusting Lawn Ranger Company to help keep your landscapes thriving throughout the year. We look forward to serving you in 2022 and beyond.

Happy Holidays from all of us at Lawn Ranger Company!