Enter the polar vortex. Besides adding a new term to our collective lexicon, it brought bone-chilling temperatures, wild weather conditions and no shortage of cold-injured trees, shrubs and perennial plants. Here's what you might see in and around your landscape-and what to do about it.

Cold Damage

The Cause:

Because plants are living things, they have cells just like we do. When temperatures drop rapidly, tiny ice crystals form inside tender plant cells, causing them to rupture anywhere from root to leaf tip. The damage to the plant may be MINOR or MAJOR.

The Signs - MINOR damage to the portion of the plant:

• Dead branches or shoots - lack of new leaves or new growth in spring on branches or shoots
• Die-Back - new leaves and new shoots only sprouting from the bottom of plant or near the ground
• Scorched-looking leaves and needles on evergreens

The Fix - Feed to Encourage Replacement Growth:

• Once spring arrives and plants begin to "green-up" with new leaves, cut away any dead limbs or branches that are not leafing-out.
• Encourage vigorous new growth by replenishing much-needed nutrients with quality plant food.

Here's what to use:

Individual Trees & Shrubs

• Miracle-Gro® Shake 'N Feed Flowering Trees & Shrubs Plant Food
• Miracle-Gro® Tree & Shrub Fertilizer Spikes

Shrubs & perennials in mulched areas

• Miracle-Gro® Shake 'n Feed® Plant Food

Major damage to large portion of plant

Sometimes the damage is so severe (usually more than 50% of the plant is not leafing out at all) that it's better to replace the plant than wait years for it to fill-in, especially if the plant is a "slow grower."

The Fix:

• Replant deciduous, evergreen and flowering trees and shrubs, if necessary.
• Before planting, improve soil conditions and give plants a boost of nutrients by mixing Miracle-Gro® All Purpose Garden Soil into existing soil at a 50:50 ratio.

Frost Heaving

Many plants can handle a little expected frost - but not the continuous frost-thaw cycle.

The Cause:

Just like when pavement thrusts up and buckles from the frost-thaw cycle, so does soil. These alternating periods of freezing and thawing force some perennial plants and grass seedlings out of the ground, exposing their roots and crowns.

The Signs:

• Blackened, spotted or scorched-looking leaves
• Brown patches between leaf vein
• Dark-green or water-soaked-looking foliage

The Fix:

• Cover exposed roots and crowns to an appropriate depth by working Miracle-Gro® All Purpose Garden Soil into the existing soil to build up the soil level
• Insulate plants and keep soil from drying out by mulching with Scotts® Nature Scapes® Mulch

Dead Plants - Sometimes replacement is the only option

The Cause:

Extreme temperatures can cause irreparable cell damage, making it impossible to save the plant. Other times, frozen soil prevents plants from taking up enough water or nutrients to survive.

The Signs:

• Dead wood or smooth areas without new bark
• Prolonged leaflessness
• Dry buds or lack of budding

The Fix:

• Replant deciduous, evergreen and flowering trees and shrubs, if necessary
• Before planting, improve soil conditions and give plants a boost of nutrients by mixing Miracle-Gro® All Purpose Garden Soil into existing soil at a 50:50 ratio