Why You Should Water Your Landscape Before a Freeze (Yes, Really)

As Texans, we’ve all learned to expect the unexpected, including those surprise freeze warnings that seem to roll in right after a 78 degree afternoon. But here is a trick many people overlook: water your plants before a freeze.
It sounds backward, but science says otherwise. And your landscape will thank you.

Why Watering Helps (The Not-So-Obvious Science)

It releases heat when it freezes

When water turns to ice, it releases energy in the form of heat (crazy, right?). That tiny burst of warmth can mean the difference between “my plants made it!” and “well, guess we’re starting over this spring.”

Moist soil = a natural heat blanket

Dry soil is a terrible insulator.  Kind of like going outside in a T-shirt during a cold snap (don’t do that either).
Moist soil, however, absorbs heat during the day and releases it slowly at night, helping keep those roots cozy.

It hydrates and strengthens your plants

Drought-stressed plants are drama queens. When they are thirsty, they are far more vulnerable to cold damage. Giving them a deep drink a day or two before a freeze helps them tolerate the temperature drop and reduces dehydration, especially for tender species or anything living in a pot.

What About Native and Adaptive Plants?

Native and adaptive plants are the seasoned Texans of the plant world.  They have seen it all.
These plants evolved or acclimated to our wild weather swings, so they are naturally equipped to handle:

• Freezing temperatures

• Long, dry spells

• Blazing summer heat

• All the above in the same week

Their built-in resilience means they typically need less babying than exotic or tender species. Still, even the toughest natives appreciate a pre-freeze drink. Think of it like offering a sweater to someone who claims they are “never cold” they don’t need it, but they’ll definitely be more comfortable with it.

If you keep the water flowing, and rely on hardy native species, your landscape will stand a much better chance when the temperatures drop. And who knows, your plants might even come out feeling refreshed, like they just spent the night at a very cold spa.