February may start cold, but we’ll start to see warmer temperatures by the end of the month. That means it’s the perfect time to clear out dead and damaged plants and start planting cool-season veggies and flowers as well as spring plants. In fact, mid- to late-February is one of the most active times to garden or landscape due to mild temperatures, reduced insect activity, and occasional rain. Complete Landscaping can help you get your landscaped areas ready for spring. Read through our Tucson landscape maintenance checklist and then call us to make an appointment. 

Pruning, Weeding, and Pest and Disease Management

Start the month off by handling dead and frost-damaged plants. Prune any deciduous trees and roses and remove dead and damaged flowers and branches. Deadhead annuals and cut back native grasses. Trim native trees and remove all lawn and landscaping debris. Weed all landscaped areas and apply pre-emergent herbicides or weed prevention methods to prevent spring weeds. Treat fruit trees and shrubs for pests and disease and look for signs of damage.

Mulching and Fertilizing

Apply mulch to delicate or frost-sensitive plants or ones that need added nutrients and moisture. Fertilize citrus trees, shrubs, and early blooming plants. If you’re planning on planting anything new, evaluate the soil composition to see if it needs to be amended or supplemented. 

Frost Protection and Irrigation System Maintenance

Check the weather and determine if we’ll get any overnight frosts in February. If so, make sure delicate plants are still protected with towels or frost cloth. Check your irrigation system as well, and look for signs of leaks, loose connections, or other damage. Adjust your watering schedule or irrigation system to account for warmer days. 

Plant Selection and Landscaping

There are many cool-season plants and early spring plants and vegetables that can add color and beauty to your landscaped areas. Start planning the layout for your spring or summer garden and determine where and when each plant should go in the ground. Prepare soil for planting and adjust your irrigation system as needed. Some of the best things to plant in February are:

• Veggies and herbs like beets, carrots, kale, lettuce, peas, spinach, chard, mustard greens, tomatoes, peppers, corn, cucumbers, squash, melons, potatoes, dill, cilantro, parsley, mint, oregano, and thyme
• Flowers like snapdragons, pansies, violas, petunias, desert marigold, lavender, and wildflowers
• Trees and shrubs like bare-root fruit trees and native trees 

Call Now to Schedule Spring Landscape Maintenance

Complete Landscaping can help you get your landscaped areas ready for spring. We’re proud to be the most trusted landscaping company in Southern Arizona, and we offer landscape installation and construction, maintenance, and tree services to HOAs, utility companies, hotels and resorts, and other commercial customers. If you have been Googling, “landscape designers near me in Tucson, AZ,” call us today at (520) 675-1754 or contact us online to set up an initial consultation or request a quote for landscape maintenance.