February Landscaping Checklist: Get Your Property Ready for a Beautiful Spring

February may still bring chilly temperatures, but it’s the perfect time to start preparing your landscape for the vibrant growth of spring. With a little effort now, you’ll set the stage for lush lawns, blooming garden beds, and thriving trees and shrubs.

Whether you’re an estate owner looking to maintain a pristine property or a commercial property manager aiming to enhance curb appeal, following this February landscaping checklist will help ensure a smooth transition from winter to spring.

Why February Landscaping Matters

Winter can be tough on your landscape. Snow, ice, and fluctuating temperatures take a toll on grass, trees, and garden beds, leaving behind compacted soil, damaged plants, and lingering debris. Waiting until spring to tackle landscape maintenance can put you behind schedule and lead to unnecessary struggles with weeds, pests, and poor plant health.

By acting in late winter, you’ll:

✅ Give your lawn a head start before the growing season begins.
✅ Encourage strong, healthy trees and shrubs by pruning at the right time.
✅ Prepare garden beds for vibrant flowers, fresh vegetables, and thriving plants.
✅ Tackle winter damage early so your landscape rebounds quickly.

Now, let’s dive into the essential tasks you should focus on this February.

1. Early Spring Lawn Care: Prepping for Green, Lush Grass

While your lawn may look dormant now, it’s far from lifeless. The grass is just waiting for the right conditions to start growing again, and the steps you take in February can make all the difference in how it looks this spring.

Assess Lawn Health

Take a walk around your property and check for common winter lawn issues:

Bare or thin patches – Indicate stress from snow, ice, or heavy foot traffic.
Matted, discolored areas – Could be a sign of snow mold, a fungal issue caused by prolonged snow cover.
Compacted soil – Common after winter and can prevent roots from accessing air and nutrients.

Clear Debris and Winter Buildup

Rake up leaves, twigs, and any remaining thatch to improve air circulation and prevent mold or disease from taking hold. If you notice a thick layer of thatch, consider dethatching early in the season.

Start Lawn Aeration Planning

Late February is a great time to schedule aeration for early spring. Aeration helps relieve soil compaction and allows water, oxygen, and nutrients to reach the grass roots more effectively.

Plan for Overseeding and Fertilization

If your lawn has bare spots, plan to overseed in early spring to encourage new growth. Additionally, a light application of pre-emergent weed control can help prevent early weed germination while still allowing your grass to thrive.

Pro Tip: If you plan to overseed, avoid applying pre-emergent herbicides in the same areas, as they can prevent grass seed from sprouting.

2. Pruning Trees and Shrubs: The Key to Healthy Growth

February is an excellent time to prune trees and shrubs because many plants are still dormant. Pruning now helps encourage stronger growth, better shape, and improved flowering or fruiting later in the year.

Which Trees and Shrubs to Prune in February?

Deciduous Trees: Prune dead, diseased, or weak branches before new buds form.
Fruit Trees: Proper pruning encourages better fruit production and prevents overcrowded branches.
Flowering Shrubs: Only prune summer-blooming shrubs now (like hydrangeas and butterfly bushes). Avoid pruning spring-flowering shrubs (like lilacs and azaleas), as they already have buds that will bloom in the coming months.

How to Prune Correctly

Remove dead, diseased, or crossing branches to improve structure.
Make clean cuts just above a bud or branch junction to encourage healthy regrowth.
Avoid over-pruning, which can stress the plant and delay growth.

Pro Tip: Pruning large trees can be dangerous. If you’re unsure about tackling big branches, consult a professional landscaping team like Princeton Scapes to ensure the job is done safely and effectively.

3. Garden Bed Preparation: Getting Ready for Blooms and Growth

February is the perfect time to start preparing garden beds so they’re ready for planting as soon as the weather warms up.

Clean Up Beds and Remove Debris

Remove any dead plant material, weeds, and leftover mulch from last season.
Rake the soil gently to break up clumps and improve aeration.
Check for signs of pests or fungal growth and address issues early.

Refresh and Improve Soil Health

Winter weather can deplete soil nutrients, so now is the time to revitalize garden beds with organic matter.

Add compost, aged manure, or organic fertilizer to enrich the soil.
Test the soil’s pH levels and amend if necessary (lime for acidic soil, sulfur for alkaline soil).

Plan Your Spring Planting

Take advantage of February’s slower pace to map out your garden:

Decide on new plants, flowers, or vegetables you want to introduce.
Consider companion planting for healthier, pest-resistant gardens.
If you grow perennials, divide and replant where needed to promote fuller growth.

Pro Tip: If the ground isn’t frozen, you can plant cool-season vegetables like spinach, kale, and lettuce in late February for an early harvest.

4. Winter-to-Spring Landscape Transition Tips

As winter gives way to spring, your landscape will need extra attention to ensure a smooth transition. Here are some essential tips to help your property wake up beautifully from winter dormancy.

Monitor for Winter Damage

Check your landscape for damage from ice, snow, or salt—especially near walkways, driveways, and heavily shaded areas.

Grass near sidewalks or driveways may need extra attention due to salt exposure.
Evergreens may show signs of winter burn (brown or scorched-looking needles), which may need light pruning.

Start Mulching Early (But Not Too Early!)

Mulching helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. However, applying too early in the season can trap cold moisture and delay soil warming.

Wait until mid to late March for fresh mulch applications.
Use a 2-3 inch layer to protect roots without suffocating them.

Inspect Irrigation and Drainage Systems

Check for leaky hoses, clogged drains, or frozen irrigation lines.
Clear any debris from downspouts and drainage areas to prevent spring flooding.
Plan for early-season irrigation adjustments as temperatures warm up.

Final Thoughts: Get Ahead Now for a Gorgeous Spring

By tackling these essential February landscaping tasks, you’ll set your property up for a stunning, healthy landscape this spring. From early lawn care and tree pruning to garden bed prep and winter recovery, each step ensures a seamless transition into the growing season.

Not sure where to start or need expert help? Princeton Scapes specializes in year-round landscape care, ensuring your property looks its best in every season.

Let’s get your landscape spring-ready! Contact Princeton Scapes today for professional lawn and garden care services.

Call us now or visit our website to schedule your February landscaping service!