How to Revive Your Landscape After Severe Winter Weather in Louisiana

Extreme cold snaps in south Louisiana are rare, but they can leave a significant mark on your landscape. Heavy snowfall, freezing temperatures, and icy conditions can damage trees, shrubs, and plants and leave your yard looking like a mess. If you didn't heed the warnings before the winter weather arrived or just didn't have a chance to prepare, you may still be able to salvage your yard after a storm. With the right approach, you can prepare it to thrive when warmer weather returns.

Rehabbing Your Yard is a Multistage Process

Getting your yard back in top shape after severe winter weather should occur in several stages. Once the immediate threat of freezing temperatures, ice, and snow has subsided, you can perform a few key actions to prevent further damage during the remainder of the winter season. Once spring begins to set in, you can finalize your rehab plan and perform general maintenance to get your landscape back in order.

What Action Should I Take Immediately After a Freeze?

A harsh winter can leave your yard looking barren and uninviting while putting significant stress on your trees and plants. Although it’s tempting to clean up damaged foliage right away, patience is key. Leaving dead plant material in place can offer insulation against potential late-season freezes, giving your plants a better chance to recover. Instead of rushing to prune, focus on creating an environment that supports their survival and long-term health by following these steps:

1. Clear landscape beds of fallen leaves, branches, and other debris that may have been the result of heavy wind or ice accumulation as the cold front moved in. Doing this improves air circulation, allows sunlight to reach the soil, and creates a healthier environment for plant recovery.

2. Provide hydration to your landscape plants, if needed. Aim to keep the soil moist, not soggy. If your area received snow or ice along with freezing temperatures, your plants may not need any extra water.

3. Proper drainage is also crucial in preventing further damage. Check the surrounding area to make sure water is flowing away from the plants. Poor drainage can lead to standing water, which increases the risk of root rot, a common problem for stressed plants.

4. Add mulch to help stabilize soil temperature and prevent rapid fluctuations that can harm recovering plants. Mulch will also retain soil moisture, reduce evaporation, and suppress weeds that might compete for nutrients.

Complete Winter Storm Landscape Recovery as You Head Into Spring

Once winter in the south ends and the temperatures begin to warm up, you can turn your focus to assessing the damage left by freezing winter temperatures. Don’t assume plants are beyond repair just because they show signs of discoloration or wilting. Check your plant’s stem for a more accurate gauge of its condition. Cracked, mushy, or brittle stems may not be able to be saved. Stems that are bright green in color and have flexible tissue typically bounce back as we continue into spring. Once you’ve assessed the condition of your landscape, you can take the following steps to further aid in your plant’s recovery:

1. When it's time to prune, focus on carefully removing dead and broken branches, cutting just above the branch collar, and trimming frost-damaged foliage to encourage new growth.

2. Remove dead annuals or severely damaged plants to clear space for new plantings and prevent the buildup of decaying material that can attract pests or diseases.

3. Incorporate organic matter like compost, well-rotted manure, or leaf mulch into the soil around your plants. These materials will improve soil structure, enhance water retention, and supply a steady release of nutrients.

Reviving your landscape plants after winter weather requires patience and care, but the results are worth the effort. If the task feels overwhelming or you're unsure where to begin, don't hesitate to seek professional help. The experts at Kyle's Lawn and Landscape can provide tailored advice and services to tackle even the most challenging post-winter restoration tasks, helping you achieve a beautiful and thriving outdoor space with ease. Contact us today for a free estimate.