January may seem like a quiet time in the yard, but it’s actually when some of the most important groundwork begins. While your grass is dormant and your landscaping might not look like much, this is the season when serious homeowners start planning ahead. In Charlottesville, winter is already well underway – and that makes this the perfect time to evaluate your property, prep for the spring season, and get ahead of common issues before they show up. A little work now sets the tone for a healthier, better-looking landscape all year long.
Here’s what to focus on this month to give your lawn and landscape the best start possible.
1. Walk Your Property with Fresh Eyes
Before diving into cleanup or making plans for spring, take time to really observe your landscape. Winter naturally strips things down to their bare structure – no thick foliage, no tall grass to hide problem areas. It’s the perfect time to assess how your property is functioning overall.
Look for:
- Areas where water collects or drains too quickly
- Soil erosion near slopes, patios, or foundations
- Compacted turf or high-traffic areas
- Bare patches in the lawn that never filled in
- Moss buildup or fungal signs under dense shade
Take photos and jot down observations. This kind of audit doesn’t take long, but it helps prioritize which areas need the most attention – whether it’s reseeding, soil amendments, drainage fixes, or redesigning spaces for better function.
2. Test and Amend Your Soil
Charlottesville’s clay-heavy soils are notoriously compacted and often too acidic for optimal turf health. January is an ideal time to send a soil sample to your local extension office or a certified lab.
The results can guide you on:
- pH adjustments with lime (or sulfur, in rare alkaline cases)
- Organic matter levels and compost needs
- Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium balance
- Whether your lawn would benefit from aeration or topdressing
Adding amendments now gives them time to break down and work into the soil structure before spring planting. A soil test is a small investment that prevents wasting money on unnecessary or poorly timed fertilizers.
3. Clean Up Beds and Prune Wisely
It’s easy to overlook garden beds in winter, but they still need care. Removing debris helps prevent overwintering pests, mold, and root rot – especially in mulched areas or around woody ornamentals.
In January, focus on:
- Clearing leaves, sticks, and dead annuals
- Trimming ornamental grasses before new shoots appear
- Lightly pruning damaged or rubbing branches from shrubs
- Avoiding heavy pruning of spring-blooming plants like forsythia, dogwood, and azaleas – pruning now would remove their flower buds
Tidying up now also makes spring mulching easier and helps you spot weeds or trouble areas before they take over.
4. Book Large Projects Before the Spring Rush
If you’re considering hardscaping, tree work, irrigation upgrades, or landscape lighting this year, now is the time to start planning. These types of services tend to book out fast once the weather warms up.
Scheduling consultations in January or February gives you:
- More time to finalize design ideas
- Better availability from quality contractors
- Time to apply for HOA approvals or permits if needed
- A chance to order materials before spring demand drives up prices
Even smaller projects like gravel paths, raised beds, or drainage corrections are easier to schedule now than in April.
5. Service Equipment and Restock Supplies
A well-prepped shed means fewer headaches when it’s time to get your hands in the dirt. January is perfect for basic maintenance that ensures your tools work when you need them.
Here’s a simple checklist:
- Sharpen mower blades and pruning tools
- Change oil and spark plugs in gas-powered equipment
- Clean filters and inspect fuel lines
- Charge or replace batteries in electric tools
- Organize gloves, bags, fertilizers, and seed
This is also a great time to buy mulch, compost, or soil amendments while prices are lower and stores aren’t picked over.
6. Schedule Lawn Aeration and Dethatching Now
Lawn services like core aeration and dethatching are best performed in early spring or early fall – but if you wait until March to book them, you may miss the window. Aeration helps relieve compacted soil and allows oxygen, nutrients, and water to reach grass roots.
January is the smart time to get on the schedule for:
- Core aeration
- Overseeding (if needed)
- Compost topdressing
- Thatch removal in lawns with buildup
Not sure what your lawn needs most this year? January is the perfect time to bring in a professional for a thorough assessment. With the growing season just around the corner, identifying problems now – from compacted soil to drainage concerns – gives you a head start on targeted solutions that will pay off all spring and summer long.
7. Get Ahead of Weeds with Pre-Emergent Planning
Pre-emergent herbicides are most effective before weed seeds germinate – and that usually starts when soil temps hit 55°F for several consecutive days. In Central Virginia, that can happen as early as mid- to late-February.
Now’s the time to:
- Choose your weed control product or provider
- Check soil temperature trends (vs air temps)
- Combine pre-emergent applications with early fertilizer or soil amendments
- Avoid disrupting pre-emergent barriers with dethatching or aeration immediately afterward
Proactive weed control is one of the best ways to reduce chemical use later in the season. When done right, it dramatically cuts down on crabgrass, spurge, and other lawn invaders.
8. Reevaluate Your Landscape Goals
Sometimes the best preparation isn’t physical – it’s strategic. What do you want from your property this year?
Use January to think through:
- Are there landscape elements that cause frustration (muddy areas, heavy maintenance zones, poor curb appeal)?
- Would your lifestyle benefit from more functional space (a firepit area, shade tree, play zone, or privacy screen)?
- Could converting to more native or drought-tolerant plantings reduce your workload and improve ecological impact?
A landscape doesn’t have to be static. Winter gives you room to dream and plan intentionally – and making just one or two changes can bring a huge return in enjoyment and ease.
Final Thoughts
What you do in January doesn’t just fill time until spring – it lays the foundation for a growing season that’s healthier, easier, and more rewarding.
At Jack’s Lawn Care & Landscaping, we serve Charlottesville and Albemarle County with year-round lawn, landscaping, and property care that makes a lasting difference. From soil health to stormwater management to full-service maintenance, we help homeowners take pride in their outdoor spaces.
Ready to get a head start on the season? Contact us today to schedule a property evaluation, book your spring services, or talk through your 2026 landscaping goals.
