There is no doubt about it - we are lucky to get to live in the Southwest and enjoy such different and remarkable weather year-round. California is especially awesome in the winter season for its amazingly pleasant temperatures. While the east coast is busy shoveling snow and scraping ice off their windshields every morning, we get to enjoy the sun and all the great outdoor activities that southern California has to offer, like Joshua Tree National Park and Disneyland.
We also get to enjoy the beautiful landscapes right around us and plant some new trees and shrubs - maybe do some more gardening! Because of our warm weather we get most of the year, this cooler time is a great opportunity for updating parts of your yard, or even the whole thing! We spoke with nursery experts and designers to bring you some tips, suggestions, and ideas below to keep you busy and keep your landscape healthy this winter.
We suggest that you continue watering your plants, but you will want to change the watering schedule to accommodate the changes in temperatures and potential rainfall that comes this month. Since the temperatures are cooler and there is less sunlight, the soil stays moist for a longer 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 the weather is exceptionally dry feel free to water your lawn, shrubs, and small trees occasionally. Monitor your lawn during the month. If you see any issues, call your local Moon Valley Nursery for assistance with your specific watering needs.
Click here to read more about our Watering Guide Schedule.
Using the proper fertilizer during this crucial time ensures that your landscape is regaining all necessary nutrients. Your landscape is getting a nice break from the heat now and it needs a bit of extra attention. Our Moon Juice is a great addition to your yard care routine. It can be used on all your trees, flowers, vegetables and any other plants all year long in California.
Click here for all our fertilizer products and see which ones best fit your lawn care needs!
Avoid any major pruning during this time. Do not do any more major pruning to freeze sensitive varieties. Hacking or cutting away large portions will leave the tree exposed and susceptible to any potential frost damage.
December is a good time to plant new roses, flowers, and other annuals into your garden. We suggest not watering roses this month, unless the temperatures are a bit warmer than usual.
We love helping people add citrus and fruit trees to their yard and this time of the year is when we suggest planting them! Our hot summer season has its pros and cons but one of the pros is how warm it heats up the soil and that warmth lasts long after the hot days are gone. Between that and the cooler temps overall, new citrus and stone fruit trees have the best chance for optimal root development while it establishes itself in the soil. You will be rewarded for this in the spring when you can start enjoying the tasty and healthy fruit right off the branch.
Grow an edible landscape and enjoy more healthy eating! Our Fruit and Citrus trees are grown specifically in our local climate, so they are guaranteed to produce. With Moon Valley Nurseries, you can purchase specimen fruit and citrus trees at fruit producing age, so plant them now, so they are ready for next spring!
At Moon Valley Nurseries we know how time-consuming and stressful designing your own yard can be when you try to tackle it all on your own. From the moment you walk into our nursery to the moment we drive away from your freshly planted new yard, we can handle every step of the design process for you. You can find our expert designers available at every nursery location for in-store consultations or 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 planning to free planting on all specimen-sized trees, we make sure we have everything covered for you!
Because of its amazingly fast growth rate, the Tipu tree is a fantastic option for winter planting as the tree will establish its root system quicker and grow quickly in time to offer shade to your landscape. In the spring, the Tipu tree will show off a fabulous display of golden blooms mixed in with its layered canopy shape. These trees absolutely thrive in the warmer Southern Cali heat, most soils, and requires little upkeep throughout the year.
The Majestic Ash is an evergreen seedless variety that stays greener than other ash trees. Because these trees are low-maintenance and virtually pest-free, it makes them ideal for any yard or street plantings. This is the ultimate shade tree and Southern California can never get enough shade! If you're looking for a tree with a large canopy of shade to provide a play area for your children or for a way to escape the afternoon sun, you will not be disappointed in the Majestic Ash.
One of our favorite evergreen trees for winter planting is the Brazilian Pepper. The Brazilian Pepper thrives in the desert and requires little care or maintenance, once established. Its red colored peppers (that are sometimes mistaken for berries) and dark green umbrella shaped foliage makes this a must have for any landscape. This beauty will even attract some birds and butterflies into your yard every once in a while!
These are one of the best trees you can plant for privacy from unwanted views, a sound barrier from your surroundings, and a great weather barrier. It’s easy to see why these are one of our best-selling trees! When properly placed around your home, these Hollywood Hedges can provide enough shade to cool hot rooms and make an outdoor area more enjoyable for entertaining guests.
These trees are one of the best flowering trees and offer incredible fall color that last into the winter. The Crape Myrtle tree flowers into shades of white, red, purple, and pink that will help decorate your yard in a pop of colors. These trees are not only drought-tolerant, but they love the heat so when the high temps arrive, get ready for your yard to be showing off the beautiful shades of color.