Protecting your plants & pets during freezing temperatures

The National Weather Service has issued a freeze warning that will remain in effect until 8 a.m. Thursday. With temperatures getting to near freezing levels in the next few days. Experts are warning people to take extra care when it comes to your pets and plants.

“Any plant you have that is frost sensitive, you can move it under cover, under a patio cover if it’s out in exposed air. If it’s under a tree it will probably be alright, but if it’s in an exposed area, take a little towel or bed sheet and throw it over the top of it,” said Clark Moorten, the owner of Moorten Botanical Gardens in Palm Springs.

Moorten has been taking care of desert plant life for over 60 years.

“Some years we get a lot of frost, usually it hovers right around 30 degrees,” Moorten said.

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When asked if people with plants should cover them with a sheet in these conditions, Moorten said, “That will protect it because the moisture absorbs heat it doesn’t generate its own heat so you just cover it up.”

The frost and cold temperatures could damage or kill sensitive plant life.

“These are all very soft succulents all the aloes. This is an aloe from Namibia. they’re very frost tender you have to be careful of those, talk to them nicely, tuck them in,” Moorten said.

Succulents, other moisture-filled plants, and delicate blossoms are all particularly at risk.

“Succulents are full of moisture-storing tissue so if it drops long enough and freezes long enough it freezes the moisture that is in the tissue which kills the plant,” Moorten said.

Pets should also be brought inside or given shelter to stay comfy despite the chilly temperatures.

“Make sure that they have a warm place to sleep, you know like your couch or snuggled next to your pillow,” Moorten said.