Even in February, when bulbs are still sleeping and trees stand bare, your landscape needs attention. The beauty you enjoy in spring doesn’t happen by accident. It’s the result of steady care during the colder months.
Late winter is one of the most important times of year for Pacific Northwest gardens. A few smart steps now will protect your plants, prevent problems, and set the stage for a healthy, vibrant landscape when warmer weather arrives.
For homeowners in Clark County, WA, late winter is an ideal time to protect plants, prepare garden beds, and think ahead about future improvements. Whether you’re planning a new patio, refreshed plantings, or a complete landscape redesign, the steps you take now will make all the difference.
As a local design-build landscaper, we want to help you understand what your yard needs this time of year – and how to prepare it for the season ahead.
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What Does “Winterizing” Your Vancouver Landscape Mean?
Winterizing your landscape means helping plants, soil, and outdoor features make it safely through the cold, wet Pacific Northwest winter.
In Clark County, our winters are more rainy than snowy, but that brings unique challenges like saturated soil, moss growth, and occasional freezing temperatures. Smart winter care helps prevent damage and sets your yard up for success in spring.
Key February landscaping tasks include:
- Cleaning up leaves and storm debris
- Protecting plants from animals and insects
- Pruning trees and shrubs at the proper time
- Adding fresh mulch to protect roots
- Wrapping vulnerable plants during cold snaps
- Preparing irrigation systems and water features
February is also a great month to evaluate your property and begin planning design-build projects for the coming year.
Clean Up Now for a Healthier Spring
By late winter, most Vancouver yards have collected months of fallen leaves, broken branches, and tired plant material. Cleaning this up is one of the most important things you can do for your landscape.
Decaying vegetation can carry:
- Plant diseases
- Mold and fungus
- Insect pests
- Weed seeds
Removing debris gives your soil a chance to breathe and helps prevent problems from carrying over into the next growing season.
Weeds are especially important to address now. Pulling winter weeds before they set seed will save you significant time and frustration later in the year.
A clean, tidy yard in February creates the perfect foundation for new plantings and landscape improvements in spring.
The Importance of Mulch in Clark County Gardens
Mulch is one of the simplest and most effective tools for protecting your landscape during winter.
Adding a fresh layer of mulch in February helps:
- Insulate plant roots from temperature swings
- Stabilize soil conditions
- Retain moisture
- Reduce early spring weeds
- Improve soil health as it breaks down
Organic mulches such as bark chips or shredded bark work especially well in our Pacific Northwest climate.
When applying mulch, keep it a few inches away from tree trunks and plant stems to prevent moisture damage. A proper layer of mulch not only protects plants but also gives your landscape a neat, finished appearance.
Caring for Perennials in Late Winter
Perennials benefit from a little attention this time of year.
February is the right time to:
- Remove dead leaves and spent stems
- Tidy up around the base of plants
- Add compost to garden beds
- Prepare space for new spring growth
Avoid fertilizing perennials now. Fertilizer encourages new growth too early in the season. Compost is a better option because it slowly enriches the soil without forcing plants to wake up before they’re ready.
Different perennials have different pruning needs. If you’re unsure how to care for specific plants, it’s worth consulting a landscape professional before making major cuts.
Winter Pruning for Trees and Shrubs
Because trees and shrubs are dormant in February, it’s one of the best months for thoughtful pruning.
Strategic pruning can:
- Improve plant health
- Remove damaged branches
- Shape overgrown shrubs
- Encourage better spring growth
Young trees and smaller shrubs may need extra protection from rabbits, mice, or voles during winter. Tree wraps or protective netting can prevent serious damage.
While Vancouver rarely experiences extreme cold, occasional ice storms and freezing winds can harm sensitive plants. Wrapping vulnerable shrubs in burlap during severe weather can help them come through winter safely.
Special Care for Roses
Roses are a classic part of Vancouver and Portland-area landscapes, and they benefit from proper winter preparation.
In February:
- Avoid heavy pruning
- Hold off on fertilizing
- Add a protective layer of mulch around the base
- Tie tall canes together in windy locations
A little care now will lead to stronger plants and better blooms when rose season arrives.
Yes—You Can Still Plant in Winter
Many homeowners assume planting must wait until spring, but that isn’t always true in the Pacific Northwest.
February can be an excellent time to:
- Transplant dormant trees and shrubs
- Plan new garden beds
- Install hardscape projects
- Plant cold-hardy vegetables
Working on your landscape now allows you to get ahead of the spring rush and enjoy improvements sooner.
Thinking About Improving Your Landscape This Year?
February is more than just a cleanup month—it’s a planning month.
If you’ve been dreaming about a new outdoor living space, updated front yard, or a complete landscape transformation, now is the perfect time to start the design process.
At Greenhaven Landscape, we are a dedicated Vancouver WA design-build landscaping company. We specialize in creating beautiful, functional outdoor spaces from the ground up.
Our team works with homeowners throughout Clark County to design and build:
- Custom landscape renovations
- Patios and walkways
- Water features
- Outdoor lighting
- Irrigation systems
- Drainage solutions
- Outdoor living spaces
- Complete landscape transformations
We don’t provide ongoing maintenance – though we have great local partners we recommend. Instead, we focus on what we do best – designing and building landscapes that homeowners truly love.
Ready for a Landscape You’ll Love?
If you want more than a basic yard – if you want a thoughtfully designed outdoor space that fits your home and lifestyle – Greenhaven Landscape can help.
As a trusted Vancouver WA design-build landscaper, we guide you through every step, from creative design to expert construction.
Contact Greenhaven Landscape today to start planning your project and create a landscape you’ll enjoy for years to come.