Most Kansas City Residents have noticed the temperatures increasing and feeling more like spring.  The plants in our environment are also sensing the warm weather.  I was meeting with some current clients yesterday and noticed some ornamental trees and shrubs starting to produce flower and leaf buds.  The newly emerging buds are very susceptible to frost and freeze.  I would recommend covering any small ornamental trees or shrubs you may have that are starting to bud out.

A cold snap like the one we are currently in could freeze those newly emerging flower and leaf buds and cause them to drop off.  This will not kill the plant but it could affect the spring flowering trees and shrubs the most.  For example, spring blooming lilacs and azaleas are very susceptible to a late freeze because they are starting to produce flower buds.  If the flowers freeze the plants may not bloom this spring.  Usually the lilacs, tulips and azaleas are the sign that spring is finally here.  If the proper precautions are not taken they may not bloom this spring (similar to the effect the late freeze had on a number of plants in the spring of 2007).  A clear or semi transparent garbage bag works well to cover smaller plants or a light weight sheet will also work to help insulate your plants from the cold weather.

If you have any questions, please contact the office at 913.782.3700 or reach me via email.