Winter is a quieter season, but it’s still a great time to protect what you have and set yourself up for a strong spring. Focus on simple upkeep, seasonal pruning, and spring planning.
After freezes and wind
- Walk beds, borders, and tree lines after cold snaps or storms. Remove broken limbs and re-stake anything that shifted.
- Keep off frosty turf when you can. Foot traffic can bruise dormant grass and leave lasting tracks.
- If snow or ice weighs down evergreens, gently brush or shake it off.
Beds and planting areas
- Top off mulch where it has thinned. Keep mulch a few inches away from trunks and stems to prevent rot and pests.
- Pull winter weeds when the soil is damp but not saturated. It’s easier now than in March.
- Skip digging and cultivating when soil is wet. If it sticks to your shovel, it’s too wet to work.
Pruning and tree care
- Prune to improve structure, safety, and plant health: remove dead wood, rubbing branches, and low limbs where clearance is needed.
- Hold off on pruning spring bloomers such as azalea, camellia, forsythia, and many hydrangeas until after they flower.
- Avoid “topping” crape myrtles. If pruning is needed, use selective thinning and reduction cuts to keep the natural form.
Lawn care
- Stay off the lawn when it’s saturated to prevent compaction and ruts.
- Make a note of winter weeds so you can time pre-emergent and spot treatments correctly as temperatures warm.
Planting and watering
- Winter is a good time to plant trees and shrubs as long as the ground isn’t frozen and conditions are workable.
- Water new plantings during dry spells. Winter winds and sunny days can dry things out even when it’s cold.
Irrigation and drainage
- If your system has been winterized, keep it off. After hard freezes, check exposed components for damage.
- Watch how water moves during winter rains. Note any pooling near foundations, low spots, or downspouts that need attention.
- If you’re considering upgrades, January is a great time to schedule repairs, efficiency improvements, or a controller upgrade before the spring rush.
Hardscape and outdoor lighting
- Keep walkways and steps clear of leaves and grit to reduce slip hazards and staining.
- Check landscape lighting for burned-out lamps, shifting fixtures, and glare into windows. Clean lenses and re-aim as needed.
Plan ahead
- Take a quick set of photos of problem areas: thin turf, bare beds, drainage issues, dark walkways.
- If you’re considering spring pruning, planting, or landscape improvements, get on the schedule early.
