A Monthly Landscaping Checklist for Raleigh and Wake Forest, NC

January

In January, the focus is on preparing the landscape for the upcoming growing season.

• Pruning deciduous trees and shrubs is ideal during this month to promote spring growth, as the absence of leaves makes it easier to see and access the plant structure

• This is also a good time to plant bare-root trees and shrubs, as they can establish roots before the stress of the growing season

• Applying a fresh layer of mulch helps to protect plants by retaining soil moisture and regulating temperature

• It's also crucial to keep an eye on the lawn, removing any fallen leaves or debris to prevent mold or disease

• If temperatures are warm or there is a dry period, water your lawn every 14 days to protect your lawn’s root system

• Consider new landscaping projects and goals for the year during this quieter period

February

In February, homeowners should focus on pre-emergent weed control and pruning to set up for success during the growing season.

• Apply pre-emergent weed control in turf and garden beds to prevent spring weeds

• February is the ideal time for pruning to encourage healthy spring growth, including ornamental plants like liriope, trees like Crepe Myrtles, and other perennials

• Take a soil sample and test its pH balance to determine specific fertilization requirements

• February is also a good time for mulch installation for moisture retention, temperature regulation, and a splash of color

• Additionally, it’s a good time to clean up any winter debris

• Prepare planting beds for early spring planting by hand pulling any weeds

March

March demands time and attention in preparation for the upcoming growing season to ensure a healthy and lush lawn.

• Complete a spring cleanup to remove any remaining leaves, twigs, and debris that have accumulated over the winter

• Inspect the lawn, shrubs, and plants for any winter damage, diseases, or pests to ensure a healthy start to the growing season

• It's also a good time to apply a second round of pre-emergent herbicides to prevent summer annual weeds

• To ensure vigorous growth and blooming in the coming months, prune roses and summer-flowering shrubs

April and May

During these months, focus shifts to planting and nurturing the growth of the landscape.

• Increase your lawn mowing schedule to weekly to maintain a healthy and aesthetically pleasing yard

• Ensure working nozzles and correct zone timing during irrigation system startup

• Water about one inch per week to provide adequate moisture as the temperatures begin to rise

• To prevent larger issues later in the season, monitor for pests and diseases in your lawn and shrubs 

• Apply grub control treatments to prevent root damage from grub infestations, ensuring your lawn stays healthy and strong throughout the growing season

• Once the flowering period is over, carefully prune azaleas, hydrangeas, and camellias to shape the plants and remove any dead or diseased branches

• This is a great time for seasonal plant installations to add color and variety to your landscape

June and July

The summer months can be challenging due to higher temperatures and potential drought conditions.

• Effective watering is essential; water deeply but infrequently to encourage root growth and reduce stress on the plants

• Increase your irrigation system use to provide longer watering periods, ensuring that plants receive sufficient moisture during hot, dry conditions

• Continue to monitor lawn and plant health (discoloration), as the high temperatures and humidity can stress your grass and plants

• Mulching continues to play a vital role in moisture retention and temperature regulation

• Prevent weeds from competing with your turf for water and nutrients by applying post-emergent herbicides to control actively growing weeds

• For warm season lawns, this is the ideal time to aerate your lawn to alleviate soil compaction, improve water and nutrient absorption, and promote healthy root growth

• Prune shrubs and trees to remove dead or damaged branches, improve air circulation, and shape the plants

• Apply grub control treatments to prevent damage from grub infestations, which can weaken or kill grass and plants

• Maintain the dark green color of your grass by applying a balanced fertilizer to keep your turf vibrant and healthy

• Add a fresh layer of pine straw to garden beds to enhance appearance, retain moisture, and insulate soil

August

August can continue to challenge homeowners with intense heat that can stress lawns and landscapes.

• Promote strong root development by increasing irrigation times to maintain a healthy lawn during hot weather

• Adjust the height of your lawn mower blade to a higher setting to shade the soil and reduce moisture loss

• Support strong root growth and help plants recover from heat stress by applying a balanced fertilizer to your lawn and plants to provide essential nutrients

• Continue regular pruning to maintain plant health and enhance the overall appearance of your landscape

September

As the season shifts, September offers the perfect moment to gear up for fall planting.

• Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to support root development

• Reduce the frequency of watering as temperatures cool and rainfall increases

• Give perennials time to establish roots by dividing and transplanting overcrowded perennials

• Remove spent annuals to reduce the risk of pests and diseases. Cleaning up garden beds in the fall prevents the overwintering of harmful organisms and promotes a healthier garden environment.

• Encourage healthy growth and improve plant structure by pruning dead, damaged, or diseased branches from shrubs and trees

• It is also the perfect time to plant new trees and shrubs to expand and enhance your outdoor spaces

October

October's mild temperatures and increased rainfall create ideal conditions for seeding lawns and fertilizing before winter.

• For cool season lawn, this is the ideal time to aerate and overseed your lawn to promotes strong root growth and establish new grass before winter

• For recently aerated and seeded lawns, apply starter fertilizer to encourage strong root growth in newly seeded areas

• Stop mowing and allow newly seeded areas to establish before resuming to ensure the growth of root systems that will survive the winter

• Apply pre-emergent to warm-season lawns to prevent the growth of winter weeds

• October is a great time to plant fall and winter annuals, such as pansies and ornamental kale, to add color to your landscape

November

In November, homeowners should focus their landscape maintenance on preparing for the winter and keeping their outdoor spaces free of leaves and debris.

• Give your lawn a final mowing to a slightly shorter height than usual

• Prepare your lawn for the cold months by applying a winter fertilizer

• Regularly rake and remove fallen leaves from your lawn and garden beds to prevent smothering the grass and the risk of disease

• Maintain plant health and structure with a final pruning to remove dead, damaged, or diseased branches from shrubs and trees

• Drain and winterize your irrigation system to prevent pipes from freezing and bursting

• November is an ideal time to plant bulbs for spring blooms, like tulips, daffodils, and crocuses 

• Move any temperature sensitive flowers or plants indoors to protect them from the dropping temperatures

December

As the year winds down, December is a time for final landscape cleanups and protection measures to ensure your outdoor spaces are ready for winter and well-prepared for spring.

• Continue to rake and remove fallen leaves and debris from your lawn and garden beds

• Help vulnerable plants and trees to manage the cold weather by adding an extra layer of mulch around perennials, shrubs, and young trees to insulate the soil and protect roots

• Wrap vulnerable plants with burlap or protective covers to reduce the risk of winter damage

• Be mindful of avoiding walking on frozen grass, as this can damage the grass blades and hinder lawn recovery in the spring

• Check all fences, gates, and trees for any signs of damage and make necessary repairs to prevent problems during winter storms