If you’re new to gardening in Charleston, winter planting might sound counterintuitive. In many parts of the country, planting trees and shrubs during the colder months is risky - or simply impossible. But here in the Lowcountry, winter is not only safe for planting … it’s one of the best times of year to get trees and shrubs in the ground.

Thanks to our mild climate and soils that rarely (if ever) freeze, winter planting offers unique advantages that set your landscape up for success long before spring arrives.

In colder regions, frozen ground prevents root growth and can damage newly planted material. Charleston’s winters are different. While we may experience occasional cold snaps, our soil temperatures remain workable, allowing roots to continue growing even when top growth slows.

This means that when you plant trees and shrubs in winter:
​

• Roots begin establishing immediately
• Plants experience less stress than during hot months
• ​Growth energy is directed below ground, where it matters most

By the time spring arrives, winter-planted trees and shrubs are already settled in and ready to grow.

​Summer is the most challenging season for plants in coastal South Carolina. Heat, humidity, and drought stress can take a toll - ​especially on newly planted material. Planting during the cooler months gives trees and shrubs a critical head start.

Benefits include:
​

• Deeper, stronger root systems before summer
• Reduced watering needs once temperatures rise
• Improved long-term plant health and survival

For DIY gardeners, this means fewer struggles in July and August. For larger landscape projects, it means healthier plants and more predictable results.

Winter is also an ideal season for landscape planning. Without the rush of spring schedules or summer heat, homeowners can take the time to think through how they truly want their outdoor space to function and feel.

Planting in winter allows you to:
​

• Establish trees and shrubs that define the structure of your landscape
• ​Get ahead of spring demand for installation schedules
• Watch your landscape come alive naturally as temperatures warm

​Many of the most successful spring landscapes begin quietly in winter.

In Charleston, winter is ideal for planting:
​

• Shade and ornamental trees
• Evergreen and flowering shrubs
• Hedges and screening plants
• Foundation plantings

​The hardy trees and shrubs available at our Nursery are well-suited for winter planting, especially when properly watered and mulched.

This is one of the most common concerns we hear - ​especially from newcomers to the area. The short answer: no, when plants are properly selected and planted.

Because our ground does not freeze solid, roots remain protected. A simple layer of mulch and attentive watering during dry periods are usually all that’s needed. Even if foliage appears dormant or slow to respond, root development is still happening below the surface.

Whether you’re installing a single tree or planning a complete landscape transformation, winter planting is an investment in long-term success. It’s a season of quiet progress - ​when the real work happens underground.
​
By planting now, you’re not rushing growth. You’re giving your landscape time to do what it does best: establish, strengthen, and prepare for what’s next.

Our team at Brownswood Nursery & Landscape is here to help - ​whether you’re tackling a DIY project or considering a professionally designed and installed landscape. Visit the Garden Center to explore winter-planting options or book an in-yard consultation to start planning for spring.

While winters in Charleston are typically mild, sudden cold snaps and hard freezes can still take a toll on our landscapes. Knowing how to prepare your garden before freezing temperatures arrive - and how to respond once the cold has passed - ​can help prevent long-term damage and encourage healthy recovery. With a few proactive steps and the right aftercare, most Charleston gardens can weather a freeze and rebound beautifully come spring.

​Below are our best tips for protecting your plants and helping them recover when cold weather strikes.

The first - and most effective - ​line of defense against freeze damage is plant selection. Choosing trees, shrubs, and perennials well-suited to the Charleston area (USDA Zones 8b–9a) gives your landscape a strong foundation. The vast majority of plants we grow and stock at Brownswood are selected specifically for our coastal climate.

That said, even hardy plants can benefit from extra protection when temperatures are expected to reach freezing for several hours or more, particularly during sudden cold snaps.

Mulch to Protect Roots
Apply 2–3 inches of mulch around the base of plants to help insulate roots and regulate soil temperature. Mulch is especially important for newly planted trees, shrubs, and perennials that haven’t yet established deep root systems.

Water Ahead of the Cold
If rainfall has been limited, water plants thoroughly 24 hours before a freeze. Focus on watering the root zone, not the foliage. Moist soil retains heat better than dry soil, offering extra protection overnight.

Cover Plants Properly
Use frost cloth, burlap, or even an old bed sheet to cover plants when freezing temperatures are forecast. Covers should:
​

• Extend all the way to the ground
• Be secured to trap warmer air
• Be removed once temperatures rise above freezing

Avoid using plastic directly on plants, as it can trap moisture and worsen damage.

Charleston gardeners love tropical flair, but plants like tropical hibiscus, cordylines, and other tender varieties are especially vulnerable to cold. These plants are often treated as seasonal additions with the expectation that they may not survive winter outdoors.
However, some protection is possible:
​

• Move container plants into garages, porches, or other sheltered spaces during freezes.
• If containers are too large to move, water them well and cover them carefully.
• Keep in mind that containerized plants are more susceptible to cold damage and may not survive prolonged freezing temperatures - ​even when covered.

Once temperatures rise, patience is essential. Allow ice and frost to melt naturally - ​frozen plant tissue is brittle and can be easily damaged if handled too soon.

Cold injury doesn’t always appear immediately. In fact, symptoms may take several days or even weeks to show.

Common Signs of Freeze Damage

• Wilted, blackened, or brown leaves
• Mushy or collapsed foliage
• Dropped or browned flower buds
• Cracks or splits in bark on shrubs and trees

Clean Up Soft Perennials
For hardy perennials, remove mushy or collapsed foliage once temperatures stabilize to prevent rot and disease.

Hold Off on Pruning Woody Plants
Resist the urge to immediately prune damaged shrubs and trees. Dead or injured wood often protects living tissue underneath. Wait until warmer weather returns and new growth begins to clearly show what is alive.

Prune Later - Not Sooner
Once spring arrives and the risk of additional freezes has passed, prune away dead branches. Pruning too early can stimulate new growth that may be damaged by another cold snap.

Cold snaps can be stressful for both gardeners and landscapes, but with the right preparation and a little patience afterward, most Charleston gardens recover beautifully. Every yard responds differently depending on plant type, age, and exposure, so personalized guidance can make a big difference.

Questions about freeze damage or cold-weather care?
The Nursery Professionals at our Garden Center are here to help. Email us at [email protected], and please include photos if possible so we can provide the most accurate advice for your landscape.