Protecting Plants from Snow, Ice & Winter Wind: Emergency Prep Kit

Like a medicine cabinet for kids, assemble a plant first-aid kit now for January–February emergencies. Three injury types, three defenses:

1. Cold Injury (Tender Plants: Gardenia, Aucuba, Lantana)

Kit: Black sheet plastic, tall stakes, bricks/logs. Tent plant, seal edges to ground. Black plastic won't overheat like clear on sunny days.

2. Ice & Snow Load (Evergreens: Pine, Leyland Cypress, Arborvitae)

Kit: Twine or duct tape (sticky side out). Wrap plants top-to-bottom like a maypole before storm. Can leave on weeks. For leaning trees, plan rope tie to sturdy neighbor with trunk padding.

3. Drying Winds (New Evergreens, Broadleaf Evergreens)

Kit: Stakes + burlap/plastic wind screen on prevailing wind side. Water regularly all winter—even frozen soil loses moisture via leaves.

After the Storm

Wait and see. Prop drooping limbs, upright fallen trees if possible. Don't rush to prune or remove—plants often rejuvenate amazingly in one season.