February weather can be a nightmare in the Midwest. Bitterly cold temperatures, ice storms, inches of snow, and more. Other times, Mother Nature decides to grace us with a more mild month, where working outdoors is more doable. 

Regardless of conditions, February is an important time to start preparing for the spring months and ensuring that your yard, flowerbeds, and equipment are ready for the growing season. There are several actions homeowners can take to best set themselves up for success when the warmer weather rolls in. 

Here is a to-do list for the month of February:

Pruning! 

This is the perfect time to prune trees and shrubs before they come out of their dormant state. Pruning helps eliminate dead or diseased parts of a plant and promote healthy symmetrical growth in the spring. 

Replacing Mulch 

Mulching around your plants helps insulate and protect their wellbeing. By fighting off weeds, erosion, and keeping root systems warm, having a solid mulch layer surround the crown of your plants is an investment in their longevity and health. 

Check Houseplants and Bulbs 

It is essential to keep a pulse on the health of plants that you brought inside before winter temperatures arrived. These temporary house plants need to be kept warm, regularly watered and exposed to a light source. It is also important to not let house plants touch cold windows, as this can prove harmful to their systems. In addition, check stored tender bulbs every two weeks, discarding any rotten ones. If they look withered, lightly mist the packing medium with water. 

Avoid Using Rock Salt & Other Harmful Chemicals 

As the month of February presents the threat of ice and snow, it is necessary to know how to handle these situations. The use of rock salt and other harmful melting agents can damage your driveway and sidewalks. In addition, once these chemicals have melted, they run the risk of absorbing into your lawn or flowerbeds — poisoning the soil. It is best to use items like sawdust, kitty litter, sand, or ash to clear walkways. Another option is hiring a trained snow removal company to take care of your property. 

Tune-Up Lawncare Equipment 

As spring and warmer weather approach, it’s only a matter of time before you will need to run your lawnmower or chainsaw. For the wellbeing of your landscaping equipment, it is necessary to occasionally run them so that motors stay fresh and fluids do not become hardened. Even if you do not use power equipment, now is a good time to take stock of your gardening tools and knowing what equipment needs repair or replacement. 

The Best Snow Removal Service in Columbia, MO 

In the winter months, having a trained team do your snow removal for you eliminates the risk and worry for the safety of your friends, family, and/or customers. Our experts will keep a watch on your property and snowfall totals to automatically show up and perform the removal without you having to call us every time for assistance. 

To inquire about our snow removal process, pricing, or general questions about our services — contact us here or at: (573) 268-3947