Protecting Plants In Sleet/Ice

 

 

1. Cover BEFORE precipitation starts

Once ice forms, you cannot safely cover plants.

• Use frost cloth, sheets, or blankets.

• Anchor edges to the ground to trap warmth.

• Double layers for tender shrubs.
 

2. Create a “tent” structure

If ice is expected:

• Use stakes, tomato cages, or hoops.

• Keep the cover off the foliage to prevent ice weight from crushing plants.

• Water the soil well beforehand Moist soil holds heat and slows freezing.
 

 

3. Mulch deeply

A 3–4 inch layer protects crowns and roots from prolonged cold.
 

 

4. For shrubs prone to breakage

• Tie branches loosely with soft twine to reduce splaying.

• Wrap trunks of young trees.
 
 

Protecting Container Plants

Containers are the first casualties in an ice event.
 

1. Bring them inside or into a garage

This is the safest option.
 

2. If they must stay outside

• Move them under a porch, carport, or eave to avoid direct icing.

• Wrap pots with towels, blankets, or bubble wrap.

• Cluster pots together for shared warmth.

• Cover foliage with frost cloth before sleet begins.
 

3. Prevent water from pooling in the pot

If sleet fills the pot and freezes, roots can be destroyed.
 

4. Avoid watering right before sleet

• Water before a dry freeze is good.

• Water before sleet can create ice blocks in the pot