In many places across the U.S., winter is a time to take a break from landscape maintenance. In Tucson, however, January is prime time to get your yard ready for spring planting, assess and repair any damage caused by monsoons and winter rains, and give yourself a head start for the busier maintenance season ahead. Here’s a look at our recommendations from the team here at Complete Landscaping to keep your yard in good shape as we kick off 2026.
Cleanup Leaves and Debris
Fallen leaves, blown down branches, and other debris can pose tripping hazards and be a welcome home for unwanted pests in your backyard. You can use leaves as natural mulch for trees, but you should clear them from walking paths, gravel areas, garden beds, and poolside areas. Some simple cleanup now can spare you from major landscape maintenance in the springtime.
Pull Weeds
Now is the time to start managing weeds. Aggressive invaders like buffelgrass, thistle, and dandelions don’t grow as rapidly in the winter, so they are much easier to pull before they establish big roots and take over large sections of your backyard. January is also a great time to begin applying pre-emergent herbicides that will prevent growth as the weather warms up. Other weed prevention strategies include laying down thick layers of mulch, gravel, or native groundcover plants in bare spots, which can allow you to repel weeds while reducing chemical use for a pet- and kid-safe backyard.
Inspect and Repair Irrigation Lines
After winter storms, your irrigation lines may shift or sustain damage, so you should take the time to routinely inspect them throughout the month of January. Check for any leaks, broken or displaced lines, broken or stuck emitters, and dry or brown patches in your landscaping. If you do notice damage, call your landscaping company to make the necessary repairs before you need to adjust your watering schedule in the spring. Proactive irrigation maintenance can save you from unexpected spikes in your water bills and irreversible damage to your plants.
Amend Soil Ahead of Spring Planting
Whether you want to plant a few vegetables or undergo a full landscape renovation this spring, you’ll want to make sure that your soil is ready to support new plants. Tucson has areas of sandy soil and clay soil, both of which need added nutrients. Soil amendments like compost and fertilizer also help to make sandy soil better able to hold moisture while making clay soil more porous for better drainage.
If you need professional guidance to get your yard in better shape this winter, Complete Landscaping can help. Our licensed and certified team can provide everything from landscape design and construction to routine landscape maintenance in Tucson and the surrounding areas. Contact us today to create a winter plan to get your outdoor space ready for a thriving spring and summer ahead.