Houston Freeze 2026: How to Protect Your Trees, Pipes, and Landscape Before Temperatures Drop

Houston is staring down another hard freeze this weekend, and that can be tough on our trees, lawns, and irrigation systems. As a local tree service and landscaping company, we want homeowners, HOAs, and businesses to have a simple checklist so you can prevent damage before the temperatures drop.

Why Freezes Are Hard on Houston Landscapes

Most Houston landscapes are built with warm‑climate trees and plants that are not used to prolonged freezing temperatures. A sudden cold snap can stress roots, split bark, damage palms, and crack exposed pipes. A little preparation now can save you from costly repairs and removals later.

Last‑Minute Steps to Protect Your Trees

Water Before the Freeze (But Not During)

If the soil is dry, give your young and newly planted trees a deep watering 24 hours before the freeze. Moist soil holds heat better than dry soil and helps protect the root zone. Do not run sprinklers or hoses while temperatures are at or below freezing.

Mulch and Cover Young Trees

• Add a fresh layer of mulch (2–4 inches) around the base of young trees, keeping it a few inches away from the trunk.

• For small or newly planted trees, you can wrap the trunk with burlap or frost cloth and secure it loosely with string or tape.

• If possible, drape frost cloth over small trees and shrubs so it reaches the ground, trapping warmth from the soil.

Special Care for Palms and Sensitive Species

• Gently tie up palm fronds to protect the center (growing point) of the palm.

• Wrap the trunk and crown area of cold‑sensitive palms with frost cloth or blankets; remove them once temperatures warm.

• Avoid using plastic directly against foliage; if you must use plastic as a top layer, keep cloth or blankets underneath.

Protecting Your Pipes and Irrigation System

Insulate Exposed Outdoor Pipes and Hose Bibs

• Cover outside hose bibs with foam covers or wrap them with towels and tape or plastic to keep moisture out.

• Insulate any exposed pipes on exterior walls or near outdoor water heaters.

• Disconnect garden hoses from spigots so water doesn’t back up and freeze inside.

Winterize Your Irrigation System

• Turn off your irrigation timer so sprinklers don’t run during freezing temperatures.

• If you have a backflow preventer or vacuum breaker above ground, wrap it with insulation or towels and plastic to protect it from freezing.

• For more complex systems, consider having a professional drain and winterize the lines if you expect extended hard freezes.

What NOT to Do During and After the Freeze

Don’t Knock Ice Off Branches

Seeing ice on branches can be stressful, but banging or shaking limbs can cause them to snap. It’s safer to let the ice melt naturally rather than forcing it off.

Don’t Rush to Prune Freeze‑Damaged Plants

Many plants and trees will look worse immediately after a freeze than they do a few weeks later. Avoid heavy pruning right away. Wait until temperatures warm and new growth starts, so you can see what parts of the plant are truly dead.

Don’t Run Sprinklers in Freezing Temperatures

Running sprinklers during a freeze can create sheets of ice on sidewalks, driveways, and streets, which is dangerous and can damage plants and turf. Keep irrigation off until the freeze event passes.

When to Call a Certified Arborist After the Freeze

After the freeze, walk your property and look for:

• Large limbs hanging or broken over driveways, roofs, or play areas

• Trees that are suddenly leaning or lifting at the base

• Cracks in major limbs or the trunk

• Trees near power lines that show damage or broken branches

In these situations, it’s safer to bring in a certified arborist to evaluate the tree and recommend pruning, cabling, or removal if necessary. Working on large or storm‑damaged trees without the right equipment and training can be dangerous.

Need Help After the Freeze?

If you’re unsure whether your trees are safe or you see damage after the cold passes, Sap Arborcare & Landscaping can help. We provide inspections, pruning, and emergency tree removal for homes, HOAs, and businesses throughout Greater Houston.

Click “Schedule a Free Consultation” or call us to set up a visit so we can take a look at your trees and help you plan the best next steps after this freeze.