Celebrating 'Best of The Woodlands' & Gardening Tips for March

By: Lawn Ranger Company, Inc. | Published 03/04/2025

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To our valued customers and friends, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for your votes in this year’s “Best of The Woodlands” selections. Being named “Best of The Woodlands” reassures us that we are achieving our mission and gives you confidence in receiving the best service possible. We appreciate your business and your continued support!

As March unfolds, gardeners in Zone 9a can feel the promise of spring in the air. While a late winter freeze remains a possibility, historical trends suggest a diminishing threat of frost after February. This transitional period is the perfect time to revive and prepare our outdoor spaces for the vibrant season ahead. In this guide, we'll explore essential tasks for tropical plants, lawn care, tree care, and flowering shrubs during this pivotal month.

Tropical Plants: Encouraging Recovery

March is the time to assess and address any winter damage to tropical plants. Rather than hastily removing them, be patient and wait for signs of new growth over the next month. If no resurgence occurs, consider replacements. Taking the time now ensures healthy plants will thrive and add beauty to your garden.

Lawn Care: Preparing for a Lush Green Season

With spring approaching, it's time to gear up for regular lawn maintenance. Tune up your mowers, sharpen blades, and address any necessary repairs. Monitor grass growth closely—allowing it to grow too tall before mowing can impact its health. Consider applying a professional fertilizer suited for southern lawns. If cool-weather weeds are present, handle them cautiously, and apply a pre-emergent treatment to prevent warm-season weeds from taking hold.

Tree Care: Choosing the Right Time for Planting

As the window for tree and shrub planting closes, be cautious when selecting bare-root options, especially from late-season sales. Opt for container-grown or "ball and burlap" plants for better survival rates. Ensuring the right planting conditions now will contribute to the long-term health and vitality of your trees and shrubs.

Flowering Shrubs: Post-Bloom Care

As azaleas and camellias complete their blooming cycles, provide them with a boost of azalea-camellia fertilizer, fresh mulch, and adequate watering. Shape and trim azaleas immediately after blooming, as next year’s blooms depend on “old wood.” Delaying this process could compromise next year's blossoms.

Trimming and Cutting Back: Roses and Beyond

Now is the perfect time to prune roses and start a fertilization routine every 4 to 6 weeks through summer. For plants such as Verbena, Liriope, Louisiana Iris, and Agapanthus, cutting back promotes healthy regrowth. If freeze damage has affected philodendrons or gingers, trimming is essential for their recovery. For plants growing beyond their allotted space, trim the longest stems to maintain a balanced and attractive garden.

Live Oak Trees: Managing March Leaf Drop

March often brings the shedding of Live Oak leaves. Rake them up promptly to avoid hindering new turf growth. These leaves can be composted or mulched to enrich the soil and promote a thriving garden.

Conclusion

March presents the perfect opportunity to embrace the changing season with proactive and thoughtful gardening practices. By tending to tropical plants, lawns, trees, and flowering shrubs, we set the stage for a vibrant and flourishing outdoor space in the months ahead. Happy gardening!