February Landscape Maintenance & Spring Prep Guide for Property Managers
Get Your Property Ready for Spring – Now is the Time!
February is a critical month for Lowcountry property managers to prepare landscapes for the upcoming spring season. While winter temperatures linger, the early groundwork you lay now prevents costly damage, encourages healthy plant growth, and ensures your landscape is primed for warmer months.
By tackling preventative maintenance tasks this month, you can reduce weed issues, optimize irrigation, and ensure plant health before peak growth begins.
Use this comprehensive guide to stay ahead of the season and keep your property’s landscaping in top shape.
Key February Maintenance Tasks
Pruning & Tree Care
Deciduous Trees & Shrubs: Prune dormant trees like crape myrtles and ornamental shrubs to shape and promote strong spring growth.
Evergreens: Lightly trim any winter-damaged branches.
Palms & Cold-Damaged Plants: Remove dead fronds but wait until the risk of frost fully passes before major pruning.
Lawn & Turfgrass Prep
Pre-Emergent Herbicide: Apply to prevent early spring weeds like crabgrass before soil temperatures reach 55°F.
Soil Testing: Check soil pH and nutrient levels; apply lime or sulfur as needed.
Dethatching: Remove excess thatch to improve oxygen flow to turfgrass.
Aeration: Light aeration can improve root development before active spring growth.
Irrigation System Inspection & Adjustments
Check for Leaks & Repairs: Inspect all sprinkler heads, drip lines, and valves for winter damage.
Adjust Watering Schedules: Start adjusting irrigation settings as temperatures begin rising. Avoid overwateringdormant turf.
Backflow Preventer Check: Ensure it’s functioning properly before resuming full irrigation schedules.
Mulching & Soil Health
Replenish Mulch: Apply 2-3 inches of fresh mulch around trees, shrubs, and beds to regulate soil temperature and moisture.
Compost & Fertilizer: Begin light composting or organic fertilization for beds and gardens to build soil nutrients before active growth.
Seasonal Flower Bed & Planting Prep
Remove Dead Annuals: Clear out any dead or withered plants from winter.
Install Cool-Season Color: Plant pansies, snapdragons, and violas for early spring blooms.
Plan for Warm-Season Planting: Start selecting plant materials for March/April installation of warm-weather perennials and shrubs.
Pest & Disease Prevention
Inspect for Pests: Look for overwintering pests like scale insects or early signs of fungal diseases.
Dormant Oil Application: Use horticultural oils on shrubs and trees to smother overwintering insect eggs.
Preventative Fungicide: Apply in high-risk areas where spring fungal issues like brown patch are common.
February Landscape Maintenance Checklist for Property Managers
✔️ Prune dormant trees & remove damaged branches
✔️ Apply pre-emergent herbicide to prevent weeds
✔️ Inspect and prepare irrigation systems for spring use
✔️ Replenish mulch & assess soil health
✔️ Remove winter annuals and prepare for warm-season plantings
✔️ Check for pests, apply dormant oils & prevent fungal diseases
Don’t Wait—Spring is Around the Corner!
At Pleasant Places, we specialize in seasonal landscape maintenance that ensures your property is healthy, thriving, and ready for the growing season. Our expert team handles everything from pruning and turf prep to irrigation inspections and pest prevention.
Schedule your February landscape maintenance today!
