January

This is the best time of the year for pruning of Oak trees to prevent possible spread of Oak wilt . Remove deadwood, crossing branches, and raise canopies as needed. Use pruning paint on all cuts greater than 1” in diameter.

January is also the best time to transplant trees and shrubs to new locations. New trees planted in January will have time to develop feeder roots before the Summer starts.

Cut back perennials to about 2”- 4” above the ground after the second hard freeze of the year.

Fertilize shrubs with balanced slow release fertilizer. Look for a Nitrogen/Phosphorus/Potassium ratio of 1-1-1.

Fertilize smaller installed trees with fertilizer stakes. Consider deep root feeding of large native trees (Have this done by a professional!!!)

Apply dormant oil to fruit trees, Oaks, Camellias, Hollies, Photinias and other scale prone plants
Kill or hand pull broadleaf weeds such as Dandelion and Clover.

February pre-emergent herbicides applied in February will be more effective if the turf areas are free of weeds
Deadhead (Pinch blooms off) winter annuals such as Snapdragons, Pansies, Dianthus, and Cyclamen
Fertilize Winter annuals with a high Phosphorus fertilizer ( a 10 – 54 – 10 or similar ratio) to maintain heavy bloom set.

Begin cleaning up leaves and debris in shrub beds in preparation for February pre-emergent herbicide applications
If you are planning on having a landscape contractor doing springtime renovations, call them now to get estimates before Spring rush starts in late February.

If you do not have a preferred contractor, get two or three bids and look at their completed projects to verify competence.