December Landscape & Garden Tips for California in 2023

December Tips From The Experts
The winter season has arrived, and that means it’s time to change up how we care for the trees and shrubs in our landscapes. We always say how lucky we are to be living in the Southwest during the winter. It may be cold, but we’re not like most of the country who have essentially “shut down” their landscapes and prepared them for the impending snow, blizzards, and frost.

Residents in Arizona are still able to go outside and work on improving their landscapes. To help homeowners prepare for the colder temperatures, our nursery professionals have compiled a to-do list as well as their recommendations for planting this month. You can also check out our other articles for tips each month on caring for your landscape as well as tons of other helpful guides and advice!

Winter Watering Tips
We suggest that you continue watering your plants but change the watering schedule to accommodate the changes in temperature, potential rainfall, and cooler weather that comes this month.

Since the temperatures are cooler and there is less sunlight, the soil stays moist for a more extended period so that you do not have to water as frequently. Make sure you are always watering deeply and allowing time between sessions so that the soil can have enough time to dry up. 

If you have any issues, call your local Moon Valley Nurseries, and we can help you with your specific landscape.

Winter Fertilizing Tips
Using the proper fertilizer and nutrients during this crucial time ensures that your landscape is getting all the necessary nutrients it needs through the winter. Your landscape is getting a nice break from the heat now, so it’s a good time to give it some extra attention.

Our Super Charged Moon Juice is a great addition to your yard care routine and can be used every month, in every season. It can be used on all your trees, hedges, flowers, and any other plants in the yard. We recommend using supplemental nutrients rather than nitrogen-based fertilizers during the winter months as they allow your trees and plants to focus on strengthening their root and vascular systems while they are dormant. Click here to learn more about our fertilizer products and see which ones best fit your lawn care needs!

December Planting Tips
In the colder months, trees and shrubs convert their energy to root growth. Planting in the winter allows for a few months of root development. Once spring arrives, the tree or shrub that was planted in the winter will already have a very established root system and be ready to take full advantage of the spring growing season.


With the root system established, the tree or shrub will focus its energy on top growth. Planting trees and shrubs now provides ample time for them to grow a shade canopy before the summer heat arrives. 

What Can You Plant Right Now?
Southern Live Oak: When you want to add a lot of shade and beauty to your yard, you cannot go wrong with a Live Oak tree! They have dark green foliage and a wide-spreading canopy that can provide a refreshing and large shady spot in the landscape.

Specimen-sized trees are ideal for families. This tree produces limbs that are perfect for climbing and exploring! Live Oaks can create plenty of shade as well as an excellent natural privacy screen when planted in rows along a property border to block neighbors and busy roads. 

Carolina Cherry: The Carolina Cherry 'Compacta,' we offer at Moon Valley Nurseries, is far superior to what you will find at other nurseries. The variety we offer is denser, allowing homeowners to plant these for a privacy wall to block unwanted sights or sounds. 

Our Carolina Cherries are less woody and are non-invasive compared to varieties found at other nurseries. They love the heat, and as an evergreen, they require minimal maintenance clean-up. As an added bonus, these lovely fast-growing evergreens are both heat and drought-tolerant!

Japanese Blueberry: The Japanese Blueberry is a visually appealing evergreen due to its dense, lush foliage. Our Green Emerald Blueberries are one of the hardiest plants for privacy hedges you can find! Its striking leaf color throughout the year provides a fantastic backdrop for contrasting flowers and shrubs.

Japanese Blueberries can also be used as an impressive privacy wall and to add additional shade. It thrives in full sun and handles the cold extremely well. It has become one of the region's most planted hedge varieties and is an excellent choice for any landscape.

 

Work With The Experts On Your Project
At Moon Valley Nurseries, we know how time-consuming and stressful designing your yard can be when you try to tackle it all on your own. From the moment you walk into our nursery to the moment your freshly planted new yard is complete - we can handle every step of the process for you.

Our expert designers are available at every nursery location for in-store consultations or to schedule an at-home consultation. Our designers can get your whole yard done from shrubs to trees, we do it all, and we do it right! From designing to free planting on all specimen-sized trees, we are a one-stop-shop for your perfect yard.