Yes, the abnormally cold weather did take its toll on our yards, and steps will be required to get your landscaping back in shape.  The two most common problems experienced in the Kingwood area are 1) sprinkler system damage and 2) freeze damage to shrubbery.  Yard Birds suggests the following steps to deal with these issues:

SPRINKLER SYSTEM
Homeowners with sprinkler systems are encouraged to inspect the entire system, with a particular focus on checking for water leaks.  While a number of problems could have occurred, the prevalent issue being encountered is a water leak(s) in exposed components.  Most sprinkler system pipes and components are below ground level and probably suffered no damaged.  However, systems that were installed in accordance with local codes include an anti-siphon backflow device that is typically above ground.  While pipes entering and exiting the backflow device are usually insulated, the device itself is exposed.  If that unit was not wrapped with a sheet, towel or other insulating material prior to the cold weather, it likely suffered damage and will need to be repaired or replaced.

In most instances, a property owner can determine whether damage occurred simply by visually inspecting the backflow device or any other exposed components with water to the system turned on.  Alternatively, a licensed irrigation company can be hired to perform the inspection.  After any obvious leaks have been repaired, the remainder of the system should be checked by running all zones.  Any problems observed, even small leaks, should be repaired immediately as they can become worse in time.

SHRUBBERY
One of the real advantages to living in this area is that our typically moderate winters allow attractive tropical plants to survive year after year.  However, due to this years’ extreme cold, Yard Birds has observed severe freeze damage to shrubbery that tolerates our normal winters with no problem whatsoever.  There is no doubt that many homeowners who have watched their landscape thrive year-after-year are shocked to see the dead foliage that now exists.

Unlike dealing with sprinkler system issues, Yard Birds recommends that residents take a “wait and see” approach in dealing with shrubbery.  While some plants no doubt were killed by the freeze, many others that appear dead will recover in the spring if left alone.  Those that survive will likely need some heavy pruning once warm weather arrives in order to remove the unsightly leaves and branches.  In some cases, a resident might decide to replace a plant that actually survived, simply because the existing plant will need to be cut back so severely that the plant becomes unsightly.

It is certainly acceptable to go ahead and remove dead foliage at this time.  However, care should be exercised in doing so, as many branches supporting the dead leaves may actually be alive.  Likewise, dead or severely damaged plants can be replaced immediately, but with the unusual weather we are having, who knows whether we will get yet another cold blast that could take a toll on any newly installed plants.  It is due to these uncertainties that a homeowner might be better served by taking a wait and see approach.

Yard Birds, Inc. is based in the area and has been serving Northeast Houston, as well as other areas, for over 20 years.  We are a full-service landscaping and outdoor solutions company, as well as a licensed irrigator.  For more information, you can contact Yard Birds at (281)577-9094, or visit our website www.yardbirdslandscaping.com.