Drastic changes in Houston weather can bring all four seasons in one day

HOUSTON, Texas – Houstonians have become used to changes in the weather, from sweltering summers to unpredictable winters. Landscaping experts such as Mark Seavers know that it takes a special type of green thumb to ensure your landscape can handle weather that can literally change in a minute.

“Our Houston area climate is almost impossible to fathom; we can have four seasons in less than 24 hours,” he said. He cites this Christmas as a prime example. “Think back to Christmas weekend; we had high humidity and a temperature of 84 degrees on Christmas Day, followed by a low temperature of 39 the next day. Sweeping fluctuations in temperature can have profound effects on outdoor plants. Seavers, President of Seavers Landscape in Houston, has some advice for keeping plants safe whatever the forecast may bring.

One common mistake during the winter months is over-watering. “Irrigation systems save a lot of time; for instance, you don’t have to move hoses,” he said. “But keep in mind that you do need to adjust the amount of water as well as the times per week that you’re watering.” Seavers stresses the importance of keeping aware of the rain patterns in conjunction with the temperatures. “There are way too many people causing damage to their plants in winter by continuing to water as if it were 90 degrees outside,” he said. “Your best defense is to give your plants the right amount of moisture so they will be healthier and develop strong roots.” Having enough moisture also helps plants survive extreme variances in temperature.

Conversely, Seavers cautions, don’t let your plants become too dry. Many homeowners make the mistake of neglecting their yards during the winter months and stop watering altogether. “You need to add moisture during our dry times. Dry soil and dry plants suffer the worst damage in sub-freezing temperatures.”

Seavers also advises against over-fertilizing at this time. “Over-fertilization would encourage new growth, which is the most susceptible to freeze damage,” he said. “You want to let everything sit as neutral as possible through the next couple of months.”

Lastly, Seavers recommends paying special attention to deciduous trees, non-evergreen shrubs and perennials. These will need more moisture during the Houston winters. “If you neglect them because they don’t look like they’re growing above ground, you could be doing damage underground. This damage will be evident when spring growth is supposed to start.” He suggests you keep the pruning of perennials and shrubs to a minimum until mid-February.“ A warm spell in conjunction with heavy pruning can encourage a flush of new growth, which is most susceptible to potential freeze damage.”

The experts at Seavers Landscape are available year-round for landscape design. For tips, ideas and inspiration, visit www.seaverslandscape.com.