January Yard Updates: 3 Tips for East Valley Homeowners

January may be a quieter month in the yard, but it is one of the most important times of the year to set your landscape up for success. In this month’s East Valley Yard Updates, we covered three key topics every homeowner should be thinking about right now: tree trimming, winter lawn irrigation, and proper watering for trees and plants.

Here is a breakdown of what you need to know as we head deeper into winter.

1. January Is the Best Time to Trim Your Trees

January is the ideal month for tree trimming! During the winter, tree growth slows significantly, which allows trees to recover more effectively from pruning cuts. This results in cleaner cuts, better structure, and healthier growth when spring arrives.

A proper winter trim helps:

• Promote balanced, controlled growth

• Improve overall tree health

• Reduce stress before spring growth begins

At The Yard Experts, we recommend trimming trees every six months, typically in January and July. This schedule keeps trees looking clean and well-maintained year-round while supporting long-term health.

2. Winter Irrigation Tips for Lawns

With cooler temperatures officially here, irrigation schedules should be adjusted accordingly. Lawn watering in January depends on whether or not your lawn was overseeded.

Dormant Bermuda Grass (Not Overseeded)

If your lawn was not overseeded and your Bermuda grass is dormant, it only needs to be watered once per week. Overwatering during dormancy can lead to unnecessary issues without providing any benefit.

For our maintenance clients, irrigation is handled for you. Dormant lawns are typically scheduled to water once weekly on Sunday mornings.

Overseeded Winter Lawns

If you overseeded your lawn this winter, your grass has already established roots. At this stage, watering frequency should be reduced to avoid overwatering.

One common sign of overwatering an overseeded lawn is yellowing grass. If you notice this, it is a good indicator that your irrigation schedule should be scaled back.

3. Proper Winter Watering for Trees and Bushes

When it comes to trees and shrubs, the goal is always to encourage deep, healthy root systems.

During winter:

• Water less frequently

• Keep longer run times

• Reduce watering days rather than watering duration

Instead of shortening how long you water, maintain the same run times and simply cut back the number of days per week. This approach promotes deeper roots while accounting for cooler temperatures and reduced evaporation.

Every Yard Is Different

It is important to remember that every yard is unique. Soil type, plant material, sun exposure, and irrigation systems all play a role in determining the ideal schedule. While these guidelines work well for most East Valley homes, your specific yard may require adjustments.

As always, thank you for following along with our monthly yard updates. If you need assistance with tree trimming, irrigation services or ongoing yard maintenance, reach out to us anytime.