Plant experts warn of frost damage as Borderland region experiences cold snap
EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- As the Borderland region is experiencing a significant cold snap, several plant experts are encouraging residents to protect their plants during this time. Some plants are at risk of potentially freezing, or frost burn.
Ross Hall, the nursery manager at Sunset Gardens, told ABC-7 they were forced to move some plants into a greenhouse Sunday to protect them from these harsh conditions.
He said Monday night's temperatures could lead to some potential damage.
"It's a continuous three, four, or five-day deal, that's more damage than if it's just a one-night deal and the temperature bounces back up. So you're not going to get much damage tonight," he said.
Hall said vulnerable plants should be moved inside or covered to ensure plants stay warm.
Hall recommends using frost cloths to help insulate plants. He said they allow the air to move through, and plants will still be able to breathe.
He said plastic covers won't allow plants to breathe, and could also create colder temperatures for the plant.
Plants that are most at risk are those that are delicate and non-native.
Rubyann Gaglio with High Desert Native Plants said native plants usually don't receive significant damage when exposed to these current conditions. She said this is because native plants are used to these types of temperatures.
Non-native plants could experience damage, especially when exposed to conditions like these.
"Just because they're not made to withstand the weather here. So definitely non-natives will suffer," she said.
She said there are some obvious signs that indicate your plants are at risk of freezing.
"If it's the leafy plant, they'll drop their leaves. They'll start to experience a dormancy, right? So because they're experiencing winter, they want to protect their energy source," she said.
