February Is Prime Time for Shrub and Tree Care in Houston, TX
by:
GreenGate Turf, Pest, & Irrigation
Most homeowners believe spring is when plant care really begins. Warmer days arrive, trees leaf out, shrubs start pushing new growth, and suddenly everything needs attention.
But for trees and shrubs in Houston landscapes, the most important month of the year happens before spring ever shows up.
February is when root systems are doing the quiet work that determines how well your plants will perform for the next eight months. What happens underground right now has a direct impact on how your landscape handles heat, drought, pests, and stress later in the year.
This is why February is such a critical time for shrub and tree care Houston TX.
Trees and shrubs may appear to be resting, but below the soil, roots are still active. In fact, cool soil temperatures create ideal conditions for root development. There is no pressure to support leaves, blooms, or new growth, so the plant’s energy is directed into strengthening the root system.
This is a key part of winter tree care and winter care for shrubs that most homeowners never see happening.
Houston’s clay-heavy soil makes this even more important. Compaction, poor oxygen flow, and limited nutrient movement make it difficult for roots to grow properly without assistance. February is when those limitations can be corrected before the growing season begins.
Why Houston Soil Works Against Shrub Health
If you’ve ever wondered why shrubs thin out, yellow, or never quite look as full as they should, the issue is rarely watering or sunlight. It’s almost always a root zone issue.
Houston soil tends to be dense and compacted. Over time, this limits the ability of shrubs and trees to access nutrients and oxygen. Roots stay shallow, plants struggle during summer stress, and overall shrub health declines year after year.
Surface fertilization does very little to correct this problem because nutrients rarely reach the depth where feeder roots live.
This is where deep root tree fertilization and professional root-zone treatments make the difference.
What Deep Root Tree Fertilization Does for All Trees
Deep root tree fertilization is designed for all trees, including large shade trees, palms, and mature landscape trees that need nutrients delivered directly into the soil at the proper depth.
Instead of spreading fertilizer on top of the ground, nutrients are injected into the root zone using specialized equipment. This method allows trees to access what they need immediately while also improving the soil structure around the roots.
This treatment not only feeds the tree but also improves soil aeration and microbial activity, which leads to better nutrient absorption and stronger root development over time.
When homeowners ask when to fertilize trees, the most effective answer in Houston is February. This is when roots can absorb and store nutrients before spring growth begins.
The Difference Between Tree Care and Shrub Care
While deep root fertilization is ideal for all trees, ornamental trees and foundation shrubs benefit from a different approach.
This is where the Tree & Shrub Maintainer program comes in. Designed specifically for ornamental trees and shrubs, this year-round program focuses on both nutrient support and pest protection.
February is the ideal time to begin this program because it allows shrubs to start the year with strong root support before spring growth begins.
When to Fertilize Trees and Shrubs in Houston
Many homeowners assume fertilization should happen when plants start greening up. By that point, trees and shrubs are already using their stored energy to push new growth.
Fertilizing at that stage is less efficient because the plant is focused on supporting leaves rather than developing roots.
When to fertilize trees and shrubs for the best results is before the growing season begins. February provides a window where:
Soil temperatures are cool
Roots are actively growing
Plants are not stressed
Nutrients can be absorbed gradually
This timing sets the stage for healthier growth through spring and greater resilience during summer.
How Winter Tree Care Prevents Summer Stress
If your trees struggled last summer, dropped leaves early, or appeared thin, the issue likely started months earlier with underdeveloped roots.
Winter tree care focuses on strengthening the root system so the tree can handle Houston’s intense heat later. A stronger root system improves water uptake, nutrient absorption, and overall plant stability.
What you do in February has a direct impact on how your trees perform in July and August.
Winter Care for Shrubs Most Homeowners Miss
Shrubs often show stress before trees do. Yellowing leaves, thin growth, or patchy appearance are signs that roots are not accessing the nutrients they need.
Winter care for shrubs focuses on correcting this before spring growth demands begin. Starting the Tree & Shrub Maintainer program in February allows shrubs to rebuild their root systems and improve shrub health before they begin pushing new growth.
This results in fuller shrubs, better color, and stronger performance throughout the year.
Signs Your Landscape Needs Root-Focused Care
You don’t have to guess whether this applies to your yard. Look for these signs from last year:
Thin or sparse shrubs
Yellowing leaves despite watering
Trees that appeared stressed in summer
Slow growth compared to previous years
Early leaf drop
These symptoms almost always point to limitations in the root zone.
Why February Beats Waiting Until Spring
By March and April, plants shift into rapid growth mode. Roots become secondary as the plant focuses on leaves and stems.
February is the calm period where roots can be strengthened without competition from top growth. This is why professionals in shrub and tree care in Houston, TX prioritize this month for root treatments.
Waiting until spring means missing the most effective window.
Choosing the Right Service for Your Landscape
If you have large trees, mature shade trees, or palms that need nutrient support, deep root tree fertilization is the right choice.
If you are focused on foundation shrubs and ornamental trees that need ongoing nutrient and insect support, the Tree & Shrub Maintainer program is the better fit.
Many properties benefit from both services working together to provide complete care from roots to canopy.
Preparing for Spring Starts Underground
Spring performance is determined by what happens underground in February. Strong roots now mean better growth, stronger plants, and fewer problems later.
This is the month that sets the tone for the entire year.
Schedule Your February Shrub and Tree Care in Houston, TX
If you want healthier shrubs, stronger trees, and a landscape that handles Houston’s summer with less stress, now is the time to act.
GreenGate Turf & Pest offers deep root tree fertilization for all trees and the Tree & Shrub Maintainer program for ornamental trees and shrubs. Both services are designed specifically for Houston soil conditions and are most effective when started in February.
