Hey there! Now that the holiday decorations are coming down, let’s talk about getting your yard in shape for the new year. Don’t worry – these tasks are easier than your New Year’s resolutions, and they’ll set your landscape up for success in 2025.
1. Give Your Trees and Shrubs a Haircut
Think of January as spa month for your trees and shrubs. They’re sleeping right now, which makes it the perfect time for a trim. Just grab your pruners and look for any dead branches or ones that are crossing over each other. But hold off on trimming those spring-flowering bushes like azaleas – they’ve already got their flower buds ready to go, and you don’t want to accidentally snip off this year’s show!
2. Show Your Tools Some Love
You know how you deep-clean your house after the holidays? Your garden tools need the same TLC. Wipe them down, sharpen anything that’s dull, and give them a light coat of oil to prevent rust. Trust me, your future self will thank you when spring rolls around and everything’s ready to go.
3. Dream Big and Plan Ahead
While it’s cold outside, curl up with a cup of hot cocoa and start planning what you want your yard to look like this year. Order your seeds and plants now when prices are better and everything’s still in stock. Think about what worked great last year and what plants threw a temper tantrum in your yard – maybe it’s time to try some tough, local plants that can handle your weather without constant babysitting.
4. Tuck Your Plants in for Winter
Your plants need a cozy blanket just like you do! Spread some fresh mulch around your trees and flower beds – about 2-3 inches deep should do it. Just keep it away from the trunks and stems (think turtleneck, not scarf). This helps keep the soil temperature steady and protects those precious roots.
5. Check Your Soil’s Health
Think of this as a check-up for your yard. Grab a soil test kit from your local garden center or extension office. Is your soil too acidic or basic? Now’s the time to fix it with some lime or sulfur. Adding compost is always a good idea too – it’s like a multivitamin for your soil.
6. Fix Those Soggy Spots
You know that annoying puddle that forms every time it rains? Winter is the perfect time to tackle drainage issues. Keep an eye on where water collects after storms. You might need to add a drain or create a rain garden. It’s way easier to fix these problems now than to deal with dead plants in the spring.
7. Give Your Hardscaping a Once-Over
Take a walk around your yard and check out your patios, walkways, and retaining walls. Look for any wobbly stones or damaged areas. Clean off any ice-melting chemicals you might have used – they can be rough on your plants and hardscaping if they stick around too long.
Here’s a pro tip: spread these jobs out over January and February, and only work when the weather’s decent. There’s no need to freeze your fingers off! And if you’re not sure about something (especially when it comes to big trees), don’t be shy about calling in a professional.
Remember, you don’t have to tackle everything at once. Even checking off just a few of these tasks will put you ahead of the game. Your yard will bounce back better than ever when spring arrives, and you’ll be ready to enjoy it instead of playing catch-up.
The best part? While everyone else is rushing around in spring trying to get their yards in shape, you’ll be sitting back and watching your landscape thrive. Now that’s a great way to start the new year!
If you have any questions contact us at Fallas Landscape.
