What to Do With Landscaping Plants When Temperatures Drop in Daytona Beach by Cole's Landscaping and Property Maintenance LLC

While Daytona Beach is known for its warm, coastal climate, winter cold snaps can still catch homeowners off guard. Even a brief drop into the 30s or 40s can stress or damage tropical and ornamental landscaping plants if they aren’t properly prepared. Knowing what to do before, during, and after colder weather can help protect your landscape and keep it looking great year-round.

Understand Cold Weather in Coastal Florida

In the Daytona Beach area, cold weather usually arrives in short bursts rather than long freezes. These temperature drops can still affect:

• Tropical plants

• Newly installed landscaping

• Container plants

• Flowering plants and shrubs

Because Florida plants aren’t acclimated to prolonged cold, preparation is key.

Water Plants Before the Cold Arrives

One of the simplest and most effective steps is watering your plants the day before temperatures drop. Moist soil holds heat better than dry soil, helping protect plant roots from cold damage.

Avoid overwatering, but make sure the soil is evenly moist—especially around sensitive plants and newly planted landscaping.

Cover Sensitive Plants

When temperatures are expected to dip into the 30s or lower, covering plants can make a big difference.

Best materials to use:

• Frost cloth or plant blankets

• Old sheets or lightweight blankets

• Burlap

Avoid plastic directly on plants, as it can trap cold and cause leaf burn. Always remove coverings once temperatures rise the next day.

Protect Potted Plants

Container plants are more vulnerable to cold because their roots are exposed.

What to do:

• Move pots closer to the house or under a covered area

• Group containers together for added warmth

• Place pots on mulch or soil instead of concrete

If possible, move tropical potted plants indoors or into a garage overnight.

Mulch for Insulation

Adding a fresh layer of mulch before winter helps insulate plant roots and retain soil warmth.

Mulch benefits include:

• Temperature regulation

• Moisture retention

• Root protection during cold snaps

Apply mulch around the base of plants, but keep it a few inches away from the trunk to prevent rot.

Hold Off on Pruning After Cold Damage

If plants show signs of cold damage, resist the urge to prune immediately. Damaged foliage can actually protect the plant from further cold exposure.

Wait until temperatures stabilize and new growth begins in spring before trimming back cold-damaged areas.

Watch for Frost Damage After the Cold Passes

Cold damage may not be visible right away. Over the next few days, look for:

• Blackened or wilted leaves

• Soft or mushy stems

• Yellowing foliage

Some plants will recover naturally once warmer weather returns, so give them time before replacing them.

Focus on Prevention for Future Cold Snaps

In Daytona Beach and surrounding areas, preparation is more effective than reaction. Keeping frost cloths on hand, maintaining healthy plants, and using proper mulch can prevent most cold-related damage.

A well-maintained landscape is more resilient to temperature changes and seasonal stress.

Final Thoughts

Cold weather doesn’t happen often in Daytona Beach, but when it does, it’s important to act quickly. A few simple steps—watering, covering plants, and protecting roots—can make a major difference in keeping your landscaping healthy through the winter months.