Expert Advises Against Cutting Back Freeze-Damaged Plants Too Soon

Landscape expert says waiting until mid-February is key to helping plants recover from cold damage.

Jan. 27, 2026 at 5:15pm

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With freezing temperatures hitting Florida, many homeowners are seeing damage to their plants and are tempted to cut back the affected areas. However, a landscape expert in Jacksonville warns that cutting back plants too soon can actually make the damage worse. The expert advises waiting until at least February 15th before trimming back freeze-damaged plants, as cutting them immediately can cause new growth that is vulnerable to additional frost.

Why it matters

Knowing the right time to prune freeze-damaged plants is crucial for their long-term health and recovery. Cutting them back too soon can stress the plants and make them more susceptible to further cold weather, while waiting until mid-February allows the plants the best chance to bounce back.

The details

Landscape and plant expert Garron Hemrick with Liberty Landscaping in Jacksonville says she's seeing freeze damage across many yards, even in homes where people tried to cover plants overnight. While the damaged plants may look unsightly, Hemrick advises against cutting them back right away. Trimming them immediately after a freeze can cause the plant to start new growth prematurely, making it more vulnerable if temperatures drop again. Hemrick recommends continuing to cover damaged plants during cold nights this week and waiting until at least February 15th before considering any pruning.

  • Freezing temperatures are hitting Florida this week.
  • Hemrick recommends waiting until at least February 15th before cutting back freeze-damaged plants.

The players

Garron Hemrick

A landscape and plant expert with Liberty Landscaping in Jacksonville.

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What they’re saying

“Because that tells the plant to start shooting out new growth, and you don't want new growth until there's no frost. So wait until at least February 15th.”

— Garron Hemrick, Landscape and plant expert

What’s next

Homeowners should continue to protect their freeze-damaged plants by covering them during cold nights this week, and then wait until at least February 15th before considering any pruning or cutting back.

The takeaway

Knowing the right timing for pruning freeze-damaged plants is crucial for their recovery. While the damaged plants may look unsightly, cutting them back too soon can actually make the problem worse by triggering new growth that is vulnerable to additional frost. By waiting until mid-February, homeowners can give their plants the best chance to bounce back from the cold weather.