Remember these tips so you can prepare your landscape for the first frost.
As the weather cools, it’s time to start thinking about how to prepare your landscape for the first frost. The first frost typically occurs in Maryland between mid-October and early November, depending on your location. Properly preparing your lawn, plants, and potted plants before this frost hits will ensure they survive the winter and return healthier in the spring. Scientific Plant Service recommends the following tips for preparing your landscape for the season’s first frost.
When to Expect the First Frost in Maryland
The “first frost” occurs when night-time temperatures drop to 32 degrees Fahrenheit for the first time. The first frost in Maryland can vary depending on your location within the state. In the higher elevations of western Maryland, frost typically occurs in mid-October. In central Maryland, including areas like Baltimore and Annapolis, the first frost is usually expected by late October. Coastal regions and southern Maryland may not see frost until early November. Keeping an eye on your local weather forecast will help you time your frost-prep efforts effectively.
Protecting Your Lawn
Your lawn will naturally start slowing its growth as temperatures drop, but that doesn’t mean you can stop caring for it. Preparing your grass for the first frost is essential to help it enter dormancy in a strong, healthy state.
- Mow One Last Time: Before the first frost, mow your lawn one last time.
- Fertilize Cool-Season Grasses: Apply a fall fertilizer that is rich in nitrogen. This will encourage robust root growth and help your grass recover quickly when spring arrives.
- Aerate the Soil: If you haven’t already aerated your lawn, now is the time. Aeration lets nutrients, air, and water to reach the roots more easily and prepares your lawn for the winter months ahead.
Caring for Your Garden Plants
Frost can cause damage to many garden plants, especially annuals, perennials, and young shrubs. Take these steps to protect them from the cold:
- Cover Delicate Plants: When frost is expected, use blankets, burlap, or frost cloths to cover delicate plants. Be sure to remove the coverings during the day to allow sunlight to reach the plants.
- Water Plants: Watering your plants before the frost hits can help protect them. Moist soil retains more heat than dry soil, which can prevent the roots from freezing.
- Add Mulch: Applying mulch around the base of your plants can help insulate the soil and protect the roots from freezing. This is especially important for perennials and young shrubs, which are more vulnerable to frost.
Protecting Your Potted Plants
Potted plants are more susceptible to frost damage because their roots are more exposed to the cold. Here’s how to protect them:
- Move Pots Indoors: If possible, move your potted plants indoors or into a garage or shed before the first frost. Even bringing them inside overnight can help prevent frost damage.
- Insulate the Pots: If you can’t move your potted plants indoors, wrap the pots in bubble wrap, burlap, or blankets to provide extra insulation..
- Group Pots Together: Grouping potted plants close together can help them retain heat and provide some protection from the cold.
By taking these steps to prepare your landscape for the first frost, you’ll protect your lawn, plants, and potted plants from damage and set the stage for a healthier landscape when spring rolls around. If you need help preparing your landscape, contact Scientific Plant Service for expert advice and assistance!
Scientific Plant Service Is Your Go-To Source In Landscape Healthcare
Scientific Plant Service, located in Baltimore, is a privately owned corporation, chartered in Maryland in 1957 by Frank J. Burke. We started as a full-service Arborists specializing in the care of shade trees and ornamental shrubs, but today we are a Lawn Care company that is a huge part of the community. From aquatic environments and snow management to deer and mole control, SPS has services tailored specifically for your lawn and landscape.
We offer services in Maryland, Washington, DC, and Virginia, including: Harford, Baltimore, Carroll, Frederick, Howard, Anne Arundel, Montgomery, Prince Georges, Talbot, Queen Anne’s, Calvert counties in MD, as well as Loudoun County, Fairfax County, Arlington, Alexandria, and Falls Church in VA. For more information, contact us online, or call us at 877-581-1899. Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Pinterest.