Which plants should be protected from frost?

Tender annuals and young perennials are particularly susceptible to frost damage because they have not yet developed the hardiness that enables them to withstand cold temperatures. These plants tend to have softer, more delicate tissues that can be easily damaged by frost. When exposed to freezing temperatures, the water inside their cells can freeze, leading to cellular rupture and, consequently, plant death or significant setback.

In contrast, established trees and shrubs generally possess a greater resilience to cold weather due to their developed root systems and thicker bark. They often enter a state of dormancy in the winter, making them less vulnerable to frost. Dormant perennials are already in a stage where they have naturally reduced their metabolism and are less affected by frost. The assertion that all plants should be protected doesn't take into account the natural adaptations of many species to cold weather, as well as the varying degrees of frost sensitivity among different types of plants. Protection should primarily focus on those that are most vulnerable, like tender annuals and young perennials.