December Landscaping Checklist for Texas: Your Complete Guide
December across Texas brings cooler temperatures and the perfect opportunity to care for your landscape while preparing for the months ahead. While Texas gardeners don't face harsh winters like northern states, there are still essential tasks that will keep your outdoor shrubs and plants healthy and beautiful through winter and set you up for a stunning spring. After 30+ years caring for Texas landscapes, I've learned that December maintenance makes all the difference between a thriving yard and one that struggles come spring.
What Makes December Special for Texas Landscaping
December is actually one of the BEST months for landscaping in Texas because:
• Cooler weather makes outdoor work comfortable
• Plants are entering dormancy (less transplant shock)
• Root growth continues even when tops are dormant
• Less watering needed (plants aren't actively growing)
• Perfect time to address issues before spring growth
• Ideal planting window for trees and shrubs
“ Texas Regional Note: South Texas (Zone 9a-9b) rarely faces freezes, while North Texas (Zone 8a) should be prepared for occasional hard freezes. Central Texas (Zone 8b) falls in between. Adjust your December tasks based on your specific zone.”
Let's walk through everything you need to do this month.
Week 1-2: Assessment & Planning
Walk Your Property
Take a comprehensive tour of your landscape with notepad in hand:
Look for:
• Dead or damaged branches on shrubs
• Plants that struggled this year
• Areas needing better drainage
• Bare spots that need filling
• Overgrown areas needing pruning
• Plants in wrong locations (too much shade/sun)
Document:
• Take photos of problem areas
• Note which plants thrived vs. struggled
• Sketch ideas for spring improvements
• Measure areas for new plantings
Why this matters:
December's cooler weather gives you clear perspective without summer's overwhelming heat. You'll notice problems you missed during busy summer months.
Evaluate Your Shrubs
Walk through and assess each shrub:
Healthy shrubs should have:
• Green, vibrant foliage (or appropriate fall color)
• Strong branch structure
• No signs of disease or pest damage
• Good overall shape
• Appropriate size for location Problem signs to note:
• Yellow or brown foliage (disease or stress)
• Dead branches throughout
• Thin, sparse growth
• Evidence of insect damage
• Outgrowing their space Action items:
• Tag shrubs needing replacement
• Identify shrubs needing heavy pruning
• Note areas with overcrowding
• Plan spacing improvements
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Planting in December
What to Plant Now in Texas December is PRIME planting time for:
Trees & Shrubs (Best Month!):
• All evergreen shrubs (hollies, loropetalum, wax myrtle)
• Deciduous shrubs (crape myrtles, vitex)
• Shade trees (oak, magnolia, maple)
• Fruit trees (bare-root season!)
• Roses (bare-root and container)
• Privacy screens (Eagleston holly, Nellie R Stevens) Why plant in December?
• Cooler temps = less transplant shock
• Roots establish before spring growth
• Less watering required
• Plants ready to explode with growth in spring
• Best selection at nurseries (stock up for season) Cool-Season Color:
• Pansies & violas (bloom through spring)
• Snapdragons (handle light freezes)
• Dianthus (fragrant flowers)
• Ornamental kale & cabbage (stunning foliage)
• Cyclamen (shade-loving blooms) • Dusty miller (silver foliage contrast)
December Planting Guidelines for Texas Shrubs
Planting Steps:
1. Dig proper hole: 2-3x wider than root ball, same depth
2. Amend Texas clay soils: Mix 30-40% compost with native soil
3. Check drainage: Water shouldn't stand in hole
4. Plant at correct depth: Top of root ball level with ground
5. Backfill carefully: No air pockets around roots
6. Create water basin: Helps direct water to roots
7. Mulch properly: 2-3 inches, keep away from trunk
8. Water deeply: Soak thoroughly after planting Watering New Plantings:
• Week 1-2: Every 2-3 days (deeply)
• Week 3-4: Twice weekly
• Month 2-3: Once weekly
• After 3 months: Transition to normal schedule
Pro Tip: Plant on overcast days or late afternoon to reduce stress. Avoid planting if heavy rain or freeze is forecasted within 48 hours.
Pruning Tasks for December
What to Prune Now:
December is perfect for pruning many shrubs, but timing matters:
PRUNE NOW (Dormant Season Pruning):
Crape Myrtles: • Wait until late December (after they're fully dormant)
• Remove crossing branches, thin center
• Avoid "crape murder" (topping) - never cut back to stubs!
• Remove thin, twiggy growth • Maintain natural vase shape
• Cut back to major branches, not randomly Deciduous Shrubs:
• Vitex (chaste tree) • Deciduous hollies (possumhaw)
• Flowering quince • Deciduous viburnums • Any shrub that's lost its leaves Roses:
• Late December is ideal for Texas roses • Cut back by 1/3 to 1/2
• Remove dead, diseased, or crossing canes • Shape for spring growth
• Clean up all debris around base General Cleanup Pruning: • Remove dead branches from ANY shrub
• Cut out diseased or damaged wood • Eliminate crossing branches • Take out branches rubbing against house
• Remove water sprouts (vigorous vertical shoots)
What NOT to Prune in December WAIT UNTIL AFTER BLOOM (Spring):
• Azaleas (bloom buds set in fall) • Camellias (currently blooming!) • Spirea • Flowering quince (if you want flowers)
• Loropetalum (can have winter blooms) • Indian hawthorn (spring bloomer) These shrubs set flower buds in fall.
Winter pruning eliminates spring blooms! Evergreen Shrubs: • Hollies (wait until late winter/early spring)
• Wax myrtle (prune in spring if needed) • Boxwood (spring shaping is better) • Pittosporum (spring)
Exception: Always remove dead, diseased, or damaged branches immediately, regardless of season.
Pruning Best Practices Tools:
• Sharp bypass pruners (clean cuts) • Loppers for branches 1/2" to 1.5" • Pruning saw for larger branches
• Hedge shears for formal hedges only Technique: • Cut at 45-degree angle • Cut just above outward-facing bud
• Don't leave stubs (disease entry point) • Don't cut flush to trunk (damages collar)
• Sterilize tools between plants (prevent disease spread)
The 3 D's Rule: Always remove: 1. Dead branches 2. Diseased wood 3. Damaged limbs
Mulching Your Landscape
December is perfect for refreshing mulch throughout your Texas landscape.
Why Mulch Matters in December
• Insulates roots during cold snaps • Retains moisture (even in winter) • Suppresses winter weeds
• Improves soil as it decomposes • Gives landscape fresh, neat appearance • Moderates soil temperature fluctuations
Best Mulch for Texas Landscapes Shredded Hardwood Mulch (Top Choice):
• Decomposes slowly • Stays in place better than pine bark • Rich, natural color • Improves soil over time • Good moisture retention
Pine Bark Mulch: • Slightly acidic (good for azaleas, camellias) • Attractive reddish-brown color • Widely available • Affordable Cedar Mulch: • Natural pest deterrent • Pleasant aroma • Long-lasting • More expensive but worth it for some areas
AVOID: • Dyed mulches (chemicals leach into soil)
• Cypress mulch (environmentally unsustainable) • Rock/gravel around plants (heats up too much in Texas sun)
• Rubber mulch (doesn't improve soil) Proper Mulching Technique Depth: 2-3 inches throughout beds Around Trees & Shrubs: •
Keep mulch 3-4 inches AWAY from trunks/stems • Never pile mulch against bark ("mulch volcano")
• Extend to drip line if possible • Create shallow dish shape (not volcano) Coverage: • Cover all bare soil in beds
• Edge beds cleanly first • Mulch after planting new shrubs • Refresh thin areas How Much to Buy:
• Measure bed square footage • At 2" depth: 1 cubic yard covers ~160 sq ft • At 3" depth: 1 cubic yard covers ~110 sq ft
Watering in December
Texas December weather is unpredictable—we might get rain or go weeks without it.
Proper watering matters even in winter.
General Watering Guidelines Established Shrubs & Trees:
• Water every 7-14 days if no rain
• Deep soak (to 12" depth)
• Monitor soil moisture before watering
• Less is more in winter (overwatering kills more plants than underwatering)
Newly Planted Shrubs (This Fall):
• Water 2x per week if no rain
• Don't let root ball dry out
• Check moisture regularly
Cool-Season Flowers:
• Water when top inch of soil is dry
• Usually once per week adequate
• Avoid overhead watering (promotes disease)
• Morning watering best
How to Check Soil Moisture Don't water by calendar—water by need:
1. Push finger or screwdriver into soil 3-4 inches
2. If moist, skip watering
3. If dry, water deeply
4. Clay soil in Texas holds water longer than sandy soil Signs of Overwatering:
• Yellow leaves (most common symptom)
• Mushrooms growing around base
• Fungus on leaves or stems
• Soggy, waterlogged soil
• Root rot (plant declining despite care)
Solution: Reduce watering immediately, improve drainage if chronic issue.
Pre-Freeze Watering
If temps will drop below 32°F: • Water landscape 24-48 hours BEFORE freeze
• Moist soil retains heat better than dry
• Helps protect roots during cold snap • Don't water frozen ground
🤔 Confused About When to Water? Watering is one of the most common questions we get!
Send us a photo of your plants and we'll tell you exactly what they need. Free Expert Advice
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Fertilizing (Or NOT) in December
What NOT to Fertilize
Do NOT fertilize in December:
• Established shrubs (dormant, can't use nutrients) • Trees • Lawns (St. Augustine is dormant)
• Roses (after late December pruning, wait until February)
• Any plant showing signs of dormancy
Why?
• Encourages tender new growth • New growth vulnerable to freeze damage
• Wastes money (plants can't absorb nutrients)
• Can actually harm plants
What You CAN Fertilize Cool-Season Flowers: • Pansies, violas, snapdragons • Light application of balanced fertilizer
• Every 3-4 weeks • Stop if freezing temps forecasted
Newly Planted Shrubs:
• Wait 6-8 weeks after planting • Then apply slow-release at 1/2 strength • Or wait until February for full application Soil Amendments (Good Timing!)
December IS a good time for: Compost:
• Add 1-2" layer to beds
• Work into top few inches
• Improves clay soil structure
• Ready for spring planting Sulfur (if needed):
• Lowers pH in alkaline Texas soil
• Takes months to work (apply now for spring benefit)
• Soil test first to determine need
• Azaleas, camellias, blueberries benefit.
Pest & Disease Management
December brings relief from most pests, but stay vigilant:
Scale Insects
What to look for:
• Small bumps on stems and leaves
• Sticky honeydew on foliage
• Sooty mold (black coating)
• Common on hollies, camellias, crape myrtles Treatment:
• Horticultural oil spray (dormant season application)
• Covers and smothers insects
• Apply on dry day above 45°F
• Most effective in December-January
• Repeat in 2-3 weeks
Fungal Diseases Watch for:
• Leaf spots on camellias
• Powdery mildew remnants
• Root rot (yellow, declining plants)
Prevention:
• Remove fallen diseased leaves
• Improve air circulation
• Avoid overhead watering
• Don't overwater in winter
Winter Weeds Common December weeds in Texas:
• Henbit (purple flowers)
• Chickweed
• Annual bluegrass
• Clover Control:
• Hand-pull when small
• Apply pre-emergent in late December
• Thick mulch suppresses most weeds
• Post-emergent for existing weeds
Protecting Plants from Freezes
While much of Texas doesn't get frequent hard freezes, preparation matters—especially after the 2021 winter storm.
Know Your Plant Cold Hardiness
Very Cold Hardy (No Protection Needed):
• Yaupon holly, wax myrtle, possumhaw
• Loropetalum (established)
• Indian hawthorn
• Dwarf Burford holly
• All native Texas shrubs
• Marginally hardy perennials Tender (Protect If Below 32°F):
Loropetalum (young plants)
• Roses
• Newly planted shrubs (first year)
• Marginally hardy perennials
Tender (Protect If Below 32°F):
• Tropical hibiscus
• Bougainvillea
• Ixora
• Plumeria
• Crotons
• Any tropical plant
Freeze Protection Methods 48 Hours Before
• Water landscape deeply (moist soil retains heat)
• Move potted plants to protected areas
• Gather covering materials
Day Before:
• Cover tender plants with frost cloth or old sheets
• Use stakes to keep covers off foliage
• Secure covers so they don't blow away
• Don't use plastic (conducts cold)
Morning After:
• Remove covers once temps rise above 40°F
• Check for damage
• Don't prune damaged areas yet (wait until spring)
For Extended Freezes (multiple days below freezing):
• Leave covers on 24/7
• Check underneath periodically
• May need to add extra layers
• Consider adding Christmas lights under covers (incandescent only, not LED)
Post-Freeze Care
Don't Panic Immediately:
• Wait until spring to assess damage
• What looks dead may recover from roots
• Many plants recover from top damage
Do NOT:
• Prune damaged areas immediately
• Fertilize damaged plants
DO:
• Water normally
• Wait and watch
• Provide shade if plant is crispy
• Prune in late February once new growth appears
Lawn Care in December
While this checklist focuses on shrubs and plants, quick lawn notes: St. Augustine (Most Common in Texas):
• Reduce watering to every 10-14 days
• NO fertilization (dormant)
• Mow only if growing (rare)
• Prepare for spring pre-emergent application
December Project Ideas
Use cooler weather to tackle bigger projects:
Landscape Bed Expansion
December is perfect for:
• Creating new beds
• Enlarging existing beds
• Improving bed edges
• Preparing beds for spring planting
Process:
1. Mark new bed outline
2. Remove grass (sod cutter or shovel)
3. Till soil 6-8 inches deep
4. Add 3-4" compost, work in
5. Edge beds cleanly
6. Mulch and ready for planting Hardscape Improvements
• Install landscape lighting
• Add stepping stones
• Build raised beds
• Improve drainage
• Add decorative borders
Transplanting
December is ideal for moving shrubs:
• Shrubs in wrong location
• Overcrowded plantings
• Shrubs outgrowing space
Best success when:
• Plant is dormant
• Root ball kept intact
• Moved to prepared location
• Watered well after transplanting
Tools & Supplies to Have Ready
Essential December Tools:
• Sharp pruning shears
• Loppers
• Pruning saw
• Garden rake
• Shovel/spade
• Wheelbarrow
• Hose with spray nozzle
• Garden gloves Supplies to Stock:
• Mulch (shredded hardwood)
• Compost • Frost cloth or old sheets
• Stakes for covers
• Horticultural oil
• Hand-pulling weed tool
Your December Weekly Breakdown
Week 1 (Early December):
• Walk property and assess
• Note plants needing replacement
• Order any bare-root plants
• Begin cleanup of fallen leaves
• Check irrigation system
Week 2:
• Plant cool-season color
• Refresh mulch in beds
• Prune dead/diseased branches
• Check for scale insects
• Water if no recent rain
Week 3:
• Plant trees and shrubs
• Continue mulching
• Begin dormant season pruning
• Transplant shrubs if needed
• Edge beds cleanly
Week 4:
• Final pruning (late month)
• Prune roses last week
• Check freeze forecast
• Prepare covering materials
• Final watering before holidays
Common December Mistakes to Avoid
• Over-pruning: Don't cut back spring bloomers
• Over-watering: December rain often provides enough moisture
• Fertilizing dormant plants: Wastes money and can harm plants
• Ignoring freeze forecasts: Even short freezes damage tropicals
• Volcano mulching: Keep mulch away from plant stems
• Planting tender tropicals: Wait until spring
• Neglecting new plantings: They still need regular water
Why December Maintenance Matters
Homeowners who complete December tasks see:
• Healthier spring growth - plants have strong start
• Fewer pest problems - caught early before populations explode
• Better blooms - proper pruning timing = more flowers
• Stronger plants - winter preparation reduces stress
• Less work in spring - problems addressed proactively
• More beautiful landscape - fresh mulch, clean beds, healthy plants
The Bottom line:
3-4 hours of December maintenance saves 10+ hours of spring problem-solving and creates a more beautiful landscape year-round.
🌱 Need Help with Your Texas Landscape?
Whether you're tackling December tasks yourself or need professional help, we're here to assist!
Not sure what your shrubs need?
Want expert advice on what to plant?
Planning a landscape renovation?
We offer free consultations to help you: • Identify problem plants • Plan December projects
• Choose right plants for your space
• Design landscape improvements
• Get accurate estimates for your materials Text us: 2812084400
Ask Garden Guy Questions FREE!
Have a quick question about your garden?
Send us photos and get expert answers - no charge, no obligation!
Call/Text: 281-208-4400
Email Your Question: hello@garden-guy.com
We typically respond within 24 hours. Whether you need a quick answer or full-service landscaping, we're here to help!
Meet the Garden Guy Team: Houston's Trusted Landscape Professionals Since 1991
Todd and Sabrina Farber are the husband-and-wife team behind Garden Guy, Sugar Land and Houston's premier residential landscaping company. For over three decades, they've been transforming outdoor spaces throughout Fort Bend County with personalized service, expert horticultural knowledge, and a genuine commitment to treating every yard like their own.
About Garden Guy Todd Farber is a Houston native and Texas A&M-trained Horticulturist who has been transforming residential landscapes throughout Texas since 1991.
As owner of Garden Guy, Todd brings over 30 years of hands-on experience helping Texas homeowners maintain beautiful landscapes in our unique climate zones. Together with his wife Sabrina, Todd has built Garden Guy into one of Houston's most trusted residential landscaping companies.
Based in First Colony, Missouri City, they've been honored as Nextdoor Neighborhood Favorites since 2021 for their personalized service, expert horticultural knowledge, and commitment to treating every yard like their own.
Contact Information:
📞 Call or Text: 281-208-4400
📧 Email: hello@garden-guy.com
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