# Frozen Citrus Trees
Citrus are tropical fruit that thrive in warm temperatures and generally have a low affinity for cold temperatures. Citrus trees are subject to frost damage and freezing when exposed to temperatures of 29 degrees F or lower for longer than 30 minutes.
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Cause
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Citrus trees freeze with the formation of ice crystals in the plant and fruit cells. This hinders the flow of fluids in the tree and water is not available for plant tissues.
Symptoms
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Frozen trees take on a water soaked look and start to wither and gradually turn brown and black. The fruit rind looks corroded and has brown colored specks or pits referred to as icemarks. The pulp beneath the pits is dried.
Damage
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Fruit on frozen trees disintegrates rapidly and starts to decay by the action of various fungi and bacteria. The speed of deterioration depends on temperature and other environmental causes.
Management
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Avoid planting trees in open, windy areas to minimize freeze damage. Low lying landscape areas also accumulate cold air that can cause frost and freeze damage. Cover trees with floating row covers for protection.
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