POSTED: Friday, February 10, 2012 - 5:55pm
UPDATED: Friday, February 10, 2012 - 7:21pm
TYLER — We are almost two months into winter, but it hasn't really felt like it much here in east Texas.
It will this weekend though, and if you have already done some spring planting, there are a few steps you should take to prepare for the big freeze headed our way.
James Wilhite of Wilhite Landscape & Lawn Care says there are three things to consider when prepping for the freezing temps: water, pipes, and plants.
"Make sure you cover that hose bibs," Wilhite said. "That's something that we haven't had to do yet (this season)."
Then, turn off your water system.
"We do not need any water on any of our landscapes right now," he said. "We've got plenty of moisture. There is no truth whatsoever to the fact that an ice covered plant will survive the cold better. That's a misnomer."
With the abnormally warm weather lately, a lot of plants have already started to bud, so if you have any tender ones, those will need a little extra care.
"Take a look at all your tropical plants," Wilhite said. "Any plant you've got outside that's tender ... get it inside."
Anything else that looks like it has started to grow, cover it up too.
A bed sheet or blanket will do the trick; something that will breathe, even leaves.
"Anything that will help protect it through the night and keep it from going down to 24 degrees," Wilhite said. "If we can just hold it at 32 degrees it will be perfectly fine."
Come Sunday morning, uncover them as soon as you can.
Another thing: Make sure your pets have a warm place to stay.
Check and refill those water bowls, too, because they will freeze over the weekend.