How to perform landscape maintenance in February

Climate Information for February in Phoenix, Arizona

Rainfall:

Temperature (degrees F):

Note: Rainfall and temperatures vary widely within the valley depending upon elevation and microclimate.

Winter lawns may require once to twice per week watering depending on the weather
After the first mowing, fertilize winter lawns with a high phosphate fertilizer like superphosphate, triple superphosphate, or a complete fertilizer that is 20% phosphorous or more by weight. Ammonium phosphate (16-20-0) is another option. Follow the application rates and directions on the label.
Identify and correct problems with winter lawns quickly

Finish pruning roses by the middle of the month
Transplant bare root roses
Begin fertilizing establishes roses with granular fertilizers about the middle of the month. Remember to water the day before application and the day after.

Protect plants from frost damage if the temperature is projected to drop down in the 20’s for more than an hour
Finish pruning nonnative deciduous shade tress, and grapes by the middle of the month
Transplant bare root plants
Water at least once a month unless rains provide adequate moisture
Control weeds while they are young, tender, and their roots are manageable, or before they sprout. Be sure to remove before they set seed. Remove London Rocket and other weeds in the mustard family now to prevent large populations of False Chinch bugs in April
Winter watering schedules should be adjusted to about 1/3 of the summer frequency for deciduous and dormant plants, but water deeply each time. Growing flowers may require once to twice per week watering depending on the weather.
Prune frost sensitive plants like bougainvillea after they begin to leaf out with new spring growth
- DO NOT prune frost sensitive plants, especially if they have been damaged by frost
- DO NOT fertilize frost sensitive plants
- DO NOT over water or over fertilize winter lawns as this will encourage rapid succulent growth which is vulnerable to fungal diseases
- DO NOT mow when turf is wet. By wounding the plant (mowing) while it is wet you increase the likelihood of fungal infection. In addition, you increase the likelihood of spreading the fungus on the tires of the mower and on your shoes.