Texas Ice Storm Prep: Do I Need To Bring My Plants Inside?

Trees and brush don’t get a pass from winter weather any more than people or pets do. Just look at the 2023 storm: In Central Texas alone, one estimate found that as many as 10.5 million trees were damaged—roughly 25% of the tree canopy in the city of Austin.

Experts say the key is knowing which plants can ride out a freeze and which ones need a little extra help. According to specialists with the Texas A&M Forest Service, native plants are generally built to handle cold snaps and frost. But others, especially species not adapted to colder climates, are far more vulnerable and may need to come inside.

“Typically, it’s going to be things like citrus trees [and] avocados; a lot of cactus and succulents; house plants, in general, can’t withstand freezing temperatures for very long,” Karl Flocke, a woodland ecologist with the Texas A&M Forest Service, told KXAN.

How do I take care of my plants? Do I need to bring them inside or cover them?

If you’re not sure where your plants fall, it’s worth using the days before the storm to do some quick homework, namely looking up the plant’s region of origin to see whether it can tolerate the temperatures in the forecast. While rain is expected Friday, according to the National Weather Service, freezing rain and sleet aren’t expected until Saturday.

Once the freeze hits, local landscapers say a few practical steps can make a big difference. JC’s Landscaping recommends watering plants ahead of the freeze (just avoid soaking leaves right before temperatures drop). Adding extra insulation, such as two to three inches of mulch around the base of the plants, can also help protect roots from the cold.

Meanwhile, potted plants should be moved indoors—think a garage or shed—and kept off cold concrete. For plants rooted in the ground, covering them can help trap heat and shield them from the elements. JC’s Landscaping suggests using frost cloths, plant blankets, or even old sheets, while avoiding plastic directly on the plants, which can trap moisture and cause more harm than good.