February is a recovery month for landscapes across Acadiana. After the recent freezing temperatures, many properties need cleanup and careful plant assessment before spring growth begins.
Cold weather can cause visible damage right away, but some issues take weeks to show up. That’s why February is about evaluation, not rushing.
Post-Freeze Cleanup Matters
After a freeze, landscapes often have fallen leaves, damaged foliage, and debris trapped in beds and turf areas. Cleaning this up now helps:
-
Improve air flow around plants
-
Reduce disease and pest issues
-
Prepare beds for spring growth
-
Restore curb appeal
Removing freeze-damaged material also allows us to clearly see which plants are recovering and which may need attention later.
Assessing Plant Health After Cold Weather
Not all freeze damage is obvious. Some plants will look fine now but show stress as temperatures warm.
During February visits, we focus on:
-
Identifying cold-damaged foliage
-
Watching for delayed leaf-out
-
Evaluating shrubs and perennials before pruning
-
Monitoring trees for signs of stress
In many cases, it’s best to wait before cutting plants back. Premature pruning can remove healthy tissue and reduce spring recovery.
Why Patience Is Important Right Now
South Louisiana weather can still be unpredictable in February. Cutting plants back too early can expose them to additional cold damage.
Waiting allows:
-
Plants to naturally recover
-
Clear identification of live vs. damaged growth
-
Better pruning decisions later in spring
This approach leads to healthier plants and better long-term results.
Setting the Stage for Spring
February cleanup and assessment play a major role in how landscapes perform in spring. A clean, evaluated landscape responds better to fertilization, pruning, and new growth when warmer weather arrives.
Our goal this month is simple:
Protect what’s healthy, clean what’s needed, and prepare for spring.
If you have questions about how your landscape responded to the freeze, we’re happy to walk through it with you during your scheduled visit.
Hold Off on Major Pruning (With a Few Exceptions)
It’s tempting to start cutting everything back once the weather warms up for a few days, but patience matters.
-
Avoid heavy pruning on spring-flowering shrubs like azaleas and camellias until after they bloom.
-
Hold off on warm-season plants that could be damaged by a late cold snap.
-
Dead, broken, or damaged branches can be safely removed now.
-
Light cleanup is fine, but major shaping is best saved for early spring.
Clean Beds Without Overdoing It
February is a great time to tidy up landscape beds.
-
Remove fallen leaves and debris.
-
Pull visible winter weeds before they spread.
-
Define bed edges to sharpen curb appeal.
A clean bed going into spring makes ongoing maintenance easier and more effective.
Mulch Check and Touch-Ups
Mulch often breaks down or washes out over winter.
-
Check for thin spots around plants.
-
Maintain proper depth to protect roots and suppress weeds.
-
Avoid piling mulch against plant trunks.
Fresh mulch now helps regulate soil temperature and prepares beds for spring growth.
Inspect Irrigation Systems Early
Before spring watering ramps up, February is the perfect time to check irrigation.
-
Look for broken heads or leaks.
-
Make sure spray patterns are correct.
-
Confirm timers and zones are working properly
Catching issues now prevents water waste and plant stress later.
Hold Off on Fertilizing Warm-Season Lawns
Most warm-season grasses are still dormant in February.
-
Fertilizing too early can weaken turf.
-
Wait until consistent warm temperatures return.
-
Focus on weed prevention and planning instead
Timing fertilizer correctly leads to stronger, healthier lawns.
Plan Now for Spring Projects
February is one of the best months to plan improvements.
-
Landscape renovations
-
Drainage upgrades
-
Irrigation improvements
-
Artificial turf or lighting projects
Scheduling early helps ensure availability before the spring rush.
Consistent Maintenance Makes the Difference
February is not about major growth, but it is about preparation. Landscapes that are cleaned up, monitored, and properly maintained now transition into spring faster and look better all season long.
If you want your lawn and landscape ready for spring, now is the time to get ahead of it.