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How to save your Florida plants after a winter freeze: A guide

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How to save your Florida plants after a winter freeze: A guide


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  • If your yard was damaged by the freezing temperatures, don’t panic. Some plants may look worse before they get better.
  • Scratch the bark of a plant lightly with a fingernail or a coin. If the revealed area is green, the plant is still alive.
  • Water your plants. Moist soil holds more heat than dry soil and releases it slowly overnight.

Recent freezing weather may have damaged plants in your yard, but not all damage is permanent.

Some plants may look worse before they get better, according to Sara MacDonald at the St. Lucie County Extension office of the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences.

We compiled a list of things residents should do with their plants after freezing temperatures to help them recover and avoid causing more damage, along with some tips for preventing damage before the next freeze. Here’s what to do to tell if your plant has been killed, and how to save it if it still has a chance.

How to tell if a plant is killed by freezing temperatures, or just damaged

Scratch the bark of a plant lightly with a fingernail or a coin. If the revealed area is green, the plant is still alive. If it is brown or black, the plant is likely dead.

Guidelines for watering Florida plants before and after a freeze

Here are some things to remember when watering plants:

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  • Moist soil holds more heat than dry soil and releases it slowly overnight
  • Cold, windy weather can dry plants out
  • Water plants to help thaw soil and rehydrate roots
  • Container plants may need extra attention
  • Suspend irrigation during freezing conditions

What NOT to do after plants are frozen

Here are some things to avoid if your plants suffered during low temperatures.

  • Avoid heavy pruning right after a freeze. Cutting too early can remove living tissue and stimulate vulnerable new growth.
  • Don’t fertilize right after a freeze. Wait until warmer weather and active growth return
  • Don’t over-water. Watering is important to help plants that dried out in the cold, dry air, but drowning the plants will cause more harm than good.

How to protect Florida plants from the next freeze

Another cold front is moving through Florida on Thursday, Feb. 5., so here are some tips to protect your plants.

Cover your plants to trap heat from the soil, and make sure the cover reaches the ground, said Maria Quirico Bautista, a UF/IFAS Lake County residential horticulture agent via email Jan. 29. Secure the cover with bricks or pins, especially this weekend since very gusty winds are expected.

Recommended covers include:

  • frost cloth
  • burlap
  • old bed sheets

Additionally, apply 2 to 3 inches of mulch to insulate roots, but avoid piling mulch against the trunk.

You can get all of Florida’s best content directly in your inbox each weekday day by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY, at https://tcpalm.com/newsletters.

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This Week in South Florida Full Episode: March 1, 2026

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This Week in South Florida Full Episode: March 1, 2026


This Week in South Florida Full Episode: March 1, 2026

PEMBROKE PARK, Fla. — On the latest episode of “This Week in South Florida” host Janine Stanwood welcomes President and CEO of the Jewish Federation of Broward County Audra Berg, Secretary General of the Assembly of the Cuban Resistance Orlando Gutierrez-Boronat, Division Director of Flood Control and Water Supply Planning for the South Florida Water Management District Carolina Maran, State Rep. Juan Carlos Porras and State Rep. Kevin Chambliss.

The full episode can be seen at the top of this page.

Copyright 2026 by WPLG Local10.com – All rights reserved.

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Janine Stanwood

Janine Stanwood is a Emmy award-winning reporter and anchor. She joined Local 10 News in February 2004 as an assignment editor.



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Florida man rescued after being stuck in shoulder-deep mud for days

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Florida man rescued after being stuck in shoulder-deep mud for days




Florida man rescued after being stuck in shoulder-deep mud for days – CBS Chicago

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Police say the 36-year-old man was missing for six days before he was found in quicksand-like muck at a sand plant.

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South Florida leaders take preventative safety measures after the U.S. and Israel’s attack on Iran

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South Florida leaders take preventative safety measures after the U.S. and Israel’s attack on Iran


South Florida leaders are taking preventative measures to keep residents safe after the U.S. and Israel launched major strikes on Iran early Saturday morning.

Miami-Dade County mayor Daniella-Levine Cava issued a statement reacting to the military operation that President Trump dubbed on Truth Social as “Operation Epic Fury.”

The statement reads: “The escalating conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran poses serious risks to regional stability and international safety.”

She goes on to say that her thoughts are “with the people of Israel and the Jewish community here in South Florida who are watching these events with worry and uncertainty.” She also says the Iranian people “deserve peace, safety, dignity, and the freedom to live without repression.”

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Of the Trump administration’s decision to launch the military operation, Levine-Cava writes: “Any military action taken without congressional authorization is a dangerous precedent, and we must learn from our nation’s past challenges. What must come next is a serious effort to restore stability and pursue diplomacy, not further violence.”

As for measures she will be taking, she says she asked her Chief of Public Safety to “ensure public safety agencies are aware and ready to activate plans in case of any disruption.”

The Miami-Dade Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz also issued a statement saying that MDSO is “taking immediate security measures by increasing patrols to ensure the safety of our residents.” She said that they have increased security presence around places of worship, cultural centers, and schools. 

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the servicemen and women protecting our national security interests around the globe,” Cordero-Stutz wrote. 

Aventura Police have also responded to the current situation on X, saying that they are monitoring the “current situation in the Middle East with our local, state, and federal partners.”

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@aventurapoliceis monitoring the current situation in the Middle East with our local, state and federal partners. At this time there are no known or credible threats to the US or Miami-Dade County. In an abundance of caution, we have implemented a heightened security posture with directed patrols at our religious facilities and other sensitive locations throughout @cityofaventuraWe will continue to monitor and report any suspicious behavior.https://x.com/aventurapolice/status/2027787245164335222/photo/1

X/Aventura Police


They go on to say: “At this time, there are no known or credible threats to the U.S. or Miami-Dade County.” However, they note that in “an abundance of caution,” they will be increasing security in religious facilities and other locations they deem as “sensitive” throughout the city.

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The City of Miami Beach also posted its statement to X, saying it is also “closely monitoring the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.” They also note that at this time, there are no known credible threats to the city.

They write: “Out of an abundance of caution, we have increased our uniformed presence at synagogues, schools, and other key locations citywide. We remain in close coordination with our law enforcement partners and leaders within the faith-based community.”

screenshot-2026-02-28-at-2-07-36-pm.png

Miami Beach Police Department Increases Patrols Ahead of Purim Amid Ongoing Middle East Conflicthttps://x.com/MiamiBeachPD/status/2027752171173773807/photo/1

X/Miami Beach Police


They also urge residents to report any “suspicious or unlawful activity” to call their non-emergency number at 305-673-7901 or, if it is an emergency, call 911. 

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Other cities’ police departments, such as Bal Harbour, Sunny Isles Beach, and Hallendale Beach, posted on their social media that they will also increase security measures after the U.S.-Israel strikes on Iran. 



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