February Landscape Prep: Prevent Problems Before Spring
Late winter is a critical window for your landscaping. February is when professional landscapers get ahead of weeds, insects, and plant stress before they ever become visible problems. Taking preventative steps in February protects plants and prevents many of the issues homeowners battle during summer.
Dormant Pruning will ideally conclude by March.
Shape broadleaf evergreens such as Magnolias, Tea Olives, Hollies, and any Camellias (likely Camellia sasanquas) that have completed their bloom.
A light shearing of evergreen conifers can be performed at this time, if desired.
Continue cleaning beds of debris, leaves, etc.
Apply a plant safe pre-emergent to bed areas (ideally) before spreading mulch. This will help prevent many types of new weed seeds from germinating.
Preen® is a common brand, safe for planting beds.
Spray dormant oil, Neem oil, or Insecticidal soap to all insect-infested, or disease-ridden plants, shrubs or trees.
These are all environmentally friendly options that are of great advantage when used at the proper time.
Lace Bugs, Spider Mites, White Flies and Leaf-Miners are all common culprits in southern landscape plants.
Transplant or relocate any shrubs or trees before the spring flush.
Make sure to add Myccorhizae, starter fertilizer & soil amendments to give your plants the best chance at success!
Regular watering is essential as they begin their spring flush of new growth, and throughout the first 12-24 months.
Addressing weeds, pests, and transplanting now allows plants to enter the spring growing season healthy and established rather than stressed and reactive. A little prevention in February saves a great deal of work later— and keeps your landscape healthier all season long.
