Central Florida is not built for hard freezes. When temperatures dip into the 30s or below, tropical plants, ornamentals, palms, and even some trees can show serious damage. Brown leaves. Drooping branches. Soft, blackened stems. It can look alarming.

But here is the important question most homeowners ask:

Should I cut everything down right now or wait?

The answer depends on timing, plant type, and the extent of damage.

What Cold Damage Actually Looks Like

After a freeze, you may notice:

• Browning or yellowing leaves

• Mushy stems or collapsed foliage

• Drooping palm fronds

• Cracked bark on young trees

• Dead-looking shrubs

However, what looks dead is not always dead.

Many Central Florida plants store energy in their roots. The top growth may be damaged, but the root system can still be healthy and capable of regrowth.

The Biggest Mistake Homeowners Make

Cutting everything down immediately.

When you prune too early after a freeze:

• You remove tissue that is protecting the inner plant from future cold

• You stimulate new growth too soon

• That new growth becomes vulnerable if another cold front hits

In Central Florida, we often see multiple cold snaps between January and February. Pruning too early can make damage worse.

So When Should You Wait?

Here is a simple timeline for Central Florida properties:

Immediately After a Freeze

• Do not fertilize

• Do not heavily prune

• Lightly remove only completely broken limbs that pose a hazard

• Water normally once temperatures stabilize

7–14 Days After the Freeze

• Monitor plants for new green growth

• Scratch-test small branches on trees to check for green tissue under bark

• Remove clearly dead, brittle material

Late February to Early March

• Most Central Florida plants begin pushing new growth

• This is the safest time to shape, trim, and remove dead growth

• Replace plants that show zero signs of recovery

By early spring, you will know what survived and what did not.

When to Cut Trees Immediately

Some situations require faster action:

• Cracked or split trunks

• Large hanging limbs

• Trees leaning after root damage

• Branches over roofs or driveways

• Safety hazards near power lines

In these cases, safety comes first.

Signs a Plant Is Truly Dead

You can confidently replace a plant if:

• No new growth appears by early March

• The root ball is mushy or rotted

• The stem is hollow or brittle throughout

• Scratch test shows brown tissue inside

If the root system is dead, recovery is unlikely.

Should You Replace Right Away?

Not always.

Sometimes the best strategy is:

• Remove dead top growth

• Improve soil health

• Wait for spring growth cycles

• Replace selectively instead of fully re-landscaping

Replacing too soon can lead to installing new plants during unstable temperature swings.

Why This Matters for HOAs and Code Enforcement

Cold damage does not exempt homeowners from community standards.

HOAs and city code enforcement can issue notices for:

• Dead landscaping

• Unsafe trees

• Unmaintained yards

Taking action early helps avoid:

• Violation letters

• Fines

• Emergency removals at higher costs

A professional assessment ensures you only remove what truly needs replacing.

The Smart Approach in Central Florida

1. Inspect for safety hazards immediately

2. Wait through the final cold fronts

3. Evaluate regrowth in late winter

4. Trim and shape in early spring

5. Replace strategically

This approach protects your landscape investment.

Schedule a Cold Damage Assessment

If your yard looks stressed after the freeze, do not guess. A professional evaluation can determine what can be saved and what needs replacing.

Call Pelor Outdoor at 407-738-1164

Visit pelor.com to schedule your free landscape assessment

Protect your home, stay compliant, and restore your property the right way.