Let’s be real for a second: February in West Texas is one of those months where you wake up to frost one morning and 75 degrees by lunchtime. If you’re looking for Lawn Care tips Midland Texas homeowners can use, it’s important to consider how variable the weather can be. It’s confusing for us, and it’s really confusing for your lawn and landscape. But here’s the good news—this unpredictable month is actually one of the best times to set your property up for success before the brutal summer heat arrives.
After 30+ years of landscaping in Midland, Odessa, and all of West Texas, we’ve learned that what you do (or don’t do) in February makes all the difference come June. So let’s talk about what your yard needs right now to thrive in our desert climate.
1. Get Your Irrigation System Ready Before You Need It
We know—your sprinklers probably haven’t run much since October. But trust us, you don’t want to wait until May to discover broken lines, clogged emitters, or a backflow that decided to retire over the winter.
What to do now:
- Walk your property and check all spray heads and drip lines for damage
- Turn on each zone briefly to spot leaks or dry spots
- If you’ve got well water (and let’s face it, most of us do), check for mineral buildup in drip emitters
- Inspect your timer and replace the battery if needed
Our Licensed Irrigator, Don Herman, always says: “An ounce of prevention in February saves a thousand gallons—and a few hundred dollars—in July.” If you’re not sure what you’re looking for, our team can knock out a full irrigation inspection in about an hour.
2. Prune Trees and Shrubs While They’re Still Dormant
February is prime time for tree trimming and pruning in West Texas. Your trees are still dormant (or mostly dormant), which means:
- Less stress on the tree
- Easier to see the structure without leaves
- Wounds heal faster when spring growth kicks in
Focus on:
- Removing dead, damaged, or crossing branches
- Thinning out dense canopies to improve airflow (crucial for our windy springs)
- Shaping ornamental shrubs before new growth starts
Just remember: if you’ve got Live Oaks, avoid heavy pruning during oak wilt season (typically February through June). Light maintenance is fine, but save major work for later in the year. Our ISA Certified Arborist can help you make the right call for your specific trees.
3. Pre-Emergent Weed Control: Your Secret Weapon Against Goatheads
If there’s one thing that unites all West Texans, it’s our mutual hatred of goatheads. And here’s the thing: by the time you see those spiky little nightmares, it’s too late for easy control.
February is your window to apply pre-emergent herbicide that stops weed seeds (including goatheads, crabgrass, and other warm-season weeds) from germinating when soil temperatures rise in March and April.
For best results:
- Apply when daytime temps consistently hit 65-70°F
- Water it in lightly after application
- Reapply in 8-12 weeks for season-long control
Our lawn care program includes professionally timed weed control applications, so you never have to guess when or what to apply. We’ve been doing this for over three decades—we know exactly when those weeds are planning their invasion.
4. Fertilize Cool-Season Grasses (If You Have Them)
Most West Texas lawns are Bermuda grass, which is still snoozing in February. But if you’ve got fescue or ryegrass (common in shaded areas or overseeded lawns), now’s the time for a light feeding.
Use a balanced fertilizer and don’t overdo it—our caliche soil and hard water already make nutrient management tricky. Too much fertilizer now can burn roots or encourage disease.
5. Mulch Your Flowerbeds and Tree Rings
Fresh mulch in February does double duty:
- Insulates roots against those surprise freezes we always get in March
- Helps retain moisture once things heat up
Aim for 2-3 inches of mulch around trees and in flowerbeds. Just keep it a few inches away from tree trunks to prevent rot.
6. Plan Your Spring Landscape Projects
February is the perfect time to dream a little. Want to add xeriscaping? Install a new patio? Redesign your front yard with drought-tolerant natives?
Spring installation season kicks off in March, and the best contractors (like us—voted Best of the Basin Landscape Company in 2024 and 2025) book up fast. Getting your landscape design consultation scheduled now means you’ll be ready to break ground as soon as conditions are right.
Let’s Get Your Yard Ready Together
Look, we get it—February is busy, and crawling around checking sprinkler heads in 40-degree weather isn’t exactly fun. That’s where we come in.
Ready to get started? Give us a call or visit us at www.etlmidland.com to schedule your free consultation. Let’s make sure your lawn and landscape are ready to handle whatever West Texas throws at them this year.
Eternal Tree & Landscape | Midland’s Best of the Basin Landscape Company 2024 & 2025 | 30+ Years of Desert Climate Expertise
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