See December's calendar for maintenance activities and freeze damage prevention.

See Winter Flower Ideas
 

M O W
As needed. Clean, sharpen and oil mowers, edgers, sprayers and other garden tools.
 

M U L C H
All bare soil – it’s vital for moisture retention. It also keeps down weeds and also makes your landscape look balanced. We use shredded Cypress, Texas Hardwood and Pine Bark mulch at depths of 3 to 4 inches. We don’t recommend Cedar mulch because of its toxicity. It also keeps weeds down, provides soil nutrients and provides an aesthetically pleasing look.

P R U N E
We recommend consulting a professional. Don't cut off the tops of craype mrytles. Use tree pruning paint on Oaks and then disinfect the blade after you’ve pruned them to prevent the spread of the fatal disease called Oak Wilt. We don’t suggest pruning perennials and most shrubs now as the tender new growth is freeze sensitive. Roses may be pruned later in the month.
 

Pruning Guide
January and February (When Dormant)
Shade Trees: Ash, Elm, Maple, Oak, Pecan, Pistachio and Sycamore.

Summer Flowering Trees: Crape Myrtles, Desert Willows, and Vitex.

Summer Flowering Shrubs: Abelia, Butterfly Bush, Holly, Kidney wood, Mexican Oregano, Possum Haw Holly, and Texas Sage.

Broadleaf and Needle Leaf Evergreens- Shear or trim anytime to maintain form and size: Cherry Laurel, Euonymus, Evergreen Sumac, Holly, Juniper, Ligustrum, Photinia, Pittosporum, Southern Wax Myrtle, and Yaupon.

S P R A Y
For insect and disease problems.

W E E D S
Use the correct herbicide for your particular grass. If you over seed with winter grass, don’t apply herbicides.

W A T E R
At least every week unless it rains. Water before temperatures go below freezing and don’t water while it’s freezing. Walking on frozen grass stresses the roots. Check with your water provider for current restrictions.

See Winter Flower Ideas
See Winter Vegetable Garden Suggestions