Frosts, freeze can kill plants, damage pipes, hurt livestock

Frosts and freeze can damage or kill exposed plants, especially those in containers. Damage can vary greatly among plant varieties, so cold-sensitive plants will require more protection than hardier plants.

Plants in containers are more susceptible to freezing temperatures because they lack the insulation the soil provides. They should be moved inside the home or garage — any space where temperatures will stay above freezing.

If container plants cannot be moved indoors, put them on the south side of the house, water them well and pile on mulch, leaves or hay to protect the roots and/or cover them with a frost blanket. Cold-sensitive landscape plants can also be covered with similar protection.

When covering plants, drape them with cardboard or cloth material to the ground and secure it. The idea is to trap enough warmer air escaping from the soil to protect plants from a killing freeze. Stringing holiday lights around sensitive plants and covering them with a tarp can provide protection from light freezes. Watering plants and making sure they are not droughtstressed before freezing temperatures arrive can help. Watering just before the freeze can also help because water creates warmth and loses heat slowly.

Drought-stressed plants are more susceptible to the cold and if you can’t bring a plant inside, the best option is to cover them and remember to place them in a location that gets ample sunlight and to water them.

Protecting pipes

When it comes to freeze damage to homes, protecting exposed pipes is critical when temperatures dip below freezing. Outdoor faucets and pipes need extra protection when temperatures drop below freezing. It’s best to act early, rather than when the storm is coming in, prepare now because supplies of insulation and parts might be limited during a rush for items needed to protect pipes just before freezing temperatures arrive.

Water pipes can freeze and burst when the outside temperature reaches 20 degrees or below, take precautions anytime temperatures dip below freezing. Pipes with northern exposure face increased risk of freeze.

Exposed pipes, including outdoor faucets, water sprinklers, water pipes in basements, crawl spaces, attics or garages, pipes that run along exterior walls, swimming pool supply lines and well houses are especially susceptible to freezing temperatures.

Outdoor water systems should be drained and covered or allowed to drip slowly to help protect from damage. Products made to insulate water pipes like sleeves, insulation or heat tape should be applied to exposed water pipes. Many products are available at local plumbing supply retailers.

Newspaper can also provide some protection to exposed pipes as long as exposure is not prolonged. Foam faucet covers also add protection to an area susceptible to freezing.

Leaving water running slightly does help during prolonged events, and heat lamps to raise temperatures in lesser-insulated spaces with pipes like well houses or basements can help prevent breaks. Insulating exposed pipes goes a long way to protect for a few hours of freezing temperatures but draining pipes inside the home is easy and draining pipes to any well head is a good idea when freezes are prolonged.

Protect livestock and pets

Farm animals and pets require extra attention when it is cold outside. Most livestock species are adaptable, however, it’s important to provide animals shelter to protect them from cold, blustery and wet conditions.

Once a shelter is in place, maintaining the area can ensure animals stay healthy. Keeping outdoor animals bedding replaced will ensure they have an excellent place to escape the winter elements.

Along those same lines, make sure that clean, adequate water supplies are available and will be easy to maintain during freezing conditions. Energy and protein are important levels to evaluate during a cold winter, which includes high calorie food for companion animals as well as quality forage for livestock. Evaluate forage before offering it to livestock.

For more information on this or any other agricultural topic please contact the Hopkins County Extension Office at 903-885-3443 or email me at m-villarino@