January

• Apply mulch to landscape beds as needed.
• 2 inches of mulch can reduce evaporation from soil as much as 70%. 3 inches of mulch can reduce soil temperature by 10 degrees.
• 5 inches will eliminate weed growth (too much around plants can cause root rot).

February

• Deciduous trees are to be pruned. (When temperature is above 40 degrees Fahrenheit)
• Shrubs, including those non-flowering and those flowering in the summer (after June 30) and fall are to be pruned. For best results in pruning consult a pruning guide or a professional landscape/nurseryman.

March

• Overseed thin areas in turf at a rate of 1Lb/1000 square feet.
• Apply dormant oil spray pesticide to non-sensitive plants. Dormant oil should be applied before leaf and flower buds start to expand and when temperatures are above 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Fertilize shrub beds with 2:1:1 ratio at a rate of 2-3 pounds per acre of actual nitrogen per 1000 square feet.
• Complete pruning of trees and shrubs that flower after June 30, and all evergreens except pines.
• Apply pre-emergence herbicide to shrub beds and lawn areas.
• Fertilize turf areas with high nitrogen fertilizer at the approximate ration of 3:1:2. When fertilizing shrubs, keep the fertilizer away from the trunk of the plants and avoid leaving the fertilizer in piles. High concentration of fertilizer can kill a plant. Also, wash your hands afterwards.