After a record-hot beginning of the month, Tuesday’s cold front and snow are wreaking havoc on Colorado plants.

According to Dan Hopper, owner of Rick’s Garden Center in Colorado Springs, the biggest mistake plant owners make is assuming that trees and shrubs don’t need intervention to survive sudden, unseasonable cold.

In preparation for cold fronts, Hopper said plant owners should water plants and trees while temperatures are still high to maintain moisture, but not to water the night before a freeze.

Then, cover plants to protect the roots, trunk and canopy. Hopper suggests protecting roots with three inches of mulch, the trunk with a bark wrap and the canopy with a frost cloth.

“Mulch is absolutely crucial and additional protection such as bark wrap and frost cover can make a difference, especially for young or newly planted trees,” Hopper said.

Be cautious about using plastic to cover plants, as plastic that touches leaves during a frost can freeze the leaves. If using plastic, drape it over a structure that is larger than the tree or shrub.

Aside from plants themselves, according to the Associated Landscape Contractors of Colorado (ALCC), protecting sprinkler systems from early storms is essential heading into cold weather.

As a result of previous high temperatures, it’s not necessary to blow out sprinkler systems as the ground keeps irrigation pipes warm. Instead, the backflow prevention device next to the home’s foundation needs protection.

The ALCC recommends wrapping the device with a towel, covering it with a plastic bag and taping it in place before turning the valve handle at a 45-degree angle.

ALCC also suggests harvesting summer vegetables like tomatoes, peppers and herbs before early storms hit and covering cool-season vegetables and fall flowers with towels, sheets or tarps.

For those who didn’t take preventative measures for Tuesday’s storm, Hopper said all that’s left to do is wait and continue care.

He recommends adding mulch around plants to protect roots from further cold and help with moisture retention. Continue watering when the weather warms and avoid fertilizing the plant.

“When plants are stressed, fertilization can make things worse,” Hopper said.

If the storm caused frost kill on trees and shrubs, do not prune the plants now, but wait until next spring after the last frost.