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Last second freeze protection
Posted: 03.19.2010 at 5:15 PM
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Protect your fruit trees, flowers, and other plants from the freezing temperatures

Read more: Local, Community, Weather, Outdoors, Consumer, News, Amarillo, How to Protect your Plants from the Freeze, Protecting Flowers from Frost, How to Protect your Fruit Trees from Freeze, Freeze Protection, Protecting Plants from Frost, How to Cover Flowers for a Snow, Protect your Trees from Snow

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AMARILLO, TEXAS -- As the snow moves closer, the time to get out and protect your flower beds and fruit trees is just about over. We spoke to a local expert to see what last second precautions you can take to save your plants.

With this weekend's storm approaching here is what you need to know to save those fruit trees.

"On fruit trees, unfortunately the bloom is what we have to protect, so the only way to protect that is to completely wrap it in a cloth or spray it with a frost protector," said Warren Reid, Owner of Reid's Coulter Gardens.

For those with flower beds in danger; never wrap them with plastic, but another item you may have around the house may be perfect.

"As far as snow goes, there is going to be some compaction, but as best you can, cover them up. Cardboard boxes work well with taller flowers, that cardboard will add some extra insulation for them," said Reid.

The main advice; act now! This evening is about the last chance you'll have to protect them. Fruit trees that have buds, roses that have leafed out already, and flowers like daffodils that have bloomed, are the most likely to get burned by the freeze.

"We want to try to protect them before it gets down to that freezing mark, once we hit that 32 degree mark, it's too late to help them. Try to protect them now, getting ready for tomorrow," said Reid.

Reid added that indoor plants may need to be moved away from windows since they drop in temperature during cold spells, and anything in a pot that can be moved; should be brought inside to a warm area.