Let\u2019s walk through some of these factors so you are better equipped to protect your plants when Old man Winter dodders into your area. As always, though, seek out a professional gardener<\/a> if you need a little expert guidance.<\/p> Freezing temperatures can harm your plants, but what matters most is how quickly the temperature drops and how long the cold lasts. <\/p> Greg Grant, a horticulturist with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, says, \u201cPlants that don\u2019t have time to adjust to the cold are more likely to have water in their cells freeze and rupture them.\u201d That\u2019s why a sudden freeze is more damaging than a gradual cooling. <\/p> Many native plants can handle brief dips below 32 degrees Fahrenheit without much damage, as they are used to short freezes. However, when temperatures fall rapidly or stay below freezing for several days, the cold starts to cause more damage. <\/p> Prolonged freezing can cause the water inside plant cells to freeze, rupturing tissues and blocking the flow of nutrients. It can also freeze the water around the roots. <\/p> Depending on how cold it is and the type of your plant, freeze damage can become evident almost immediately after a freeze or take a few months to appear. Usually, though, you can see signs of damage about a week after the freeze.<\/p> Here\u2019s how each type of freeze affects plants:<\/p> Read related: <\/strong>Signs of Freeze Damage on Plants<\/a><\/p> Water keeps plants alive, but in freezing temperatures, it can quickly turn against them. When temperatures drop below freezing and stay there, the water inside plant cells turns into ice crystals and starts to puncture cell walls.<\/p> To protect themselves, plants try to move moisture out of their cells and into spaces between them so ice doesn\u2019t form inside. But the issue is that this causes the cells to lose water, leading to dehydration and cold damage. <\/p> Water around the roots also freezes, which makes it difficult for plants to absorb moisture from the soil. When there isn\u2019t enough water, plants struggle to move nutrients throughout their system. <\/p> Cold wind when it\u2019s freezing makes the situation worse for plants. \u201cIt accelerates heat loss around the plant and moisture loss from the plant and soil,\u201d says Grant. <\/p> This rapid moisture loss, called desiccation, dries out leaves and stems. When plants lose too much water, their tissues dry out and become more vulnerable to freezing damage. <\/p> Even if the temperature is around 40 degrees Fahrenheit, strong cold winds can still cause plants to freeze as moisture evaporates from their surfaces. <\/p> Plants in open areas suffer the most from cold winds. Those near walls or fences get some protection and retain moisture longer. <\/p> Read related:<\/strong><\/p> Even within your yard, temperatures can vary a few degrees from one spot to another. Cold air is heavier than warm air, so it naturally sinks into low-lying areas of your yard and forms frost pockets. Even bushes and hedges can act as barriers that trap cold air. That\u2019s why plants in these areas freeze first, while those just a few feet away don\u2019t. <\/p> Plants on flat surfaces near patios or fences take longer to freeze, as these structures absorb and radiate heat. <\/p> Plants don\u2019t all freeze the same. Herbaceous plants are more prone to water damage, as they contain more water in their leaves. Even if they can naturally move moisture away from plant cells in freezing temperatures, ice can form and rupture the cell walls if there\u2019s just too much water.<\/p> Woody plants resist cold better because their bark protects inner tissues from freezing. However, when the ground itself freezes, even these plants dehydrate as they can\u2019t draw water from the ground. <\/p> Tropical or subtropical woody plants aren\u2019t as hardy and can suffer more severe damage from the cold. <\/p> Younger plants usually die during a freeze because their cells contain a lot of water and their tissues are still tender. They also don\u2019t have a strong root system that can draw water from the ground to rehydrate them. <\/p> Read related:<\/strong><\/p> \u201cMoist soil retains heat better than dry soil and helps protect your plants from the cold,\u201d says Grant. If you didn\u2019t water your soil before a freeze, it cools down fast and doesn\u2019t insulate roots as well. <\/p> You also need to consider that the sandier your soil is, the more likely it\u2019ll lose moisture during cold weather, so the plants won\u2019t be able to store heat for long. <\/p> Native plants are better adapted to the conditions of your area, but they can still freeze if the temperature drops suddenly or stays below freezing for days.\u00a0<\/p> <\/div> Plants that are in low-lying areas usually freeze faster as cold gets trapped there.\u00a0<\/p> <\/div> Cold winds can make the plant lose moisture faster and lower the surface temperature to below freezing when the actual temperature is higher.\u00a0<\/p> <\/div> <\/div> If you know what causes your plants to freeze, it becomes easier to protect them from the cold. But protecting your garden during winter takes time and hard work. If you\u2019d rather leave it to the experts, get in touch with us. <\/p> Lawn Love pros can handle your gardening needs<\/a>, mow your lawn<\/a>, and aerate<\/a> it. Hire a pro through Lawn Love today to get the job done right at a price you\u2019ll love.<\/p> Prolonged cold<\/span><\/h2>
![\"Frost](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/frozen-leaves.jpg\")
Water <\/span><\/h2>
Wind<\/span><\/h2>
Location of plants<\/span><\/h2>
Plant type and age<\/span><\/h2>
![\"Frost](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/plants-covered-with-frost.jpg\")
Soil moisture<\/span><\/h2>
FAQs<\/span><\/h2>
Protect your plants from freeze damage<\/span><\/h2>