Landscaping in January …what?
Landscaping in January in King County, Washington:
Embracing the “Wet Season Glow-Up”
January in the Puget Sound is that time of year when your lawn is less “lush emerald carpet” and more “soggy green opinion.” The sun sets early, the sky runs a permanent gray filter, and your yard quietly grows moss like it’s trying out for a Pacific Northwest beard competition. In fact … I can of like moss. It’s green, usually, and easy to mow!
But here’s the good news: January is actually a great month for landscaping—just not the Instagram kind. This is the season for smart prep, strategic pruning, drainage fixes, soil care, and planning the spring yard you wish you had right now.
Below is a short list what you can do in January—without fighting the weather or turning your backyard into a mud-based CrossFit class.
1) First Rule of January Landscaping: Protect the Soil (Because It’s Basically Soup)
King County January soil is often saturated. Like, soaked. Walking on it a lot can compact it, and compacted soil is like giving your plants a stuffy nose: they can’t breathe, drain, or thrive. Be careful where you tread.
Tiny habit, big payoff: keep a pair of “yard shoes” by the door. If you track in enough mud, your house becomes a secondary wetland.
2) Fix Drainage Now (Your Spring Self Will Thank You Loudly)
January is when drainage problems introduce themselves—usually by forming a pond exactly where you don’t want one. If your yard’s motto is “water finds a way,” your job is to help it find a way that isn’t through your crawlspace. Think ‘gravity’, flow - a pain as you age but otherwise a simple solution to route water away from your home.
3) Prune (Selectively) — Because Some Plants Love a Winter Haircut
Pruning in January can be great—if you prune the right things the right way.
Pro tip: If you’re not sure what it is, don’t aggressively prune it in January. That’s how “yard maintenance” becomes “why isn’t it blooming anymore?”
4) Winter Weeds: They’re Not Gone, They’re Just Sneaky
In King County, weeds don’t exactly take winter vacation. They just shift into “quietly thriving” mode. (why I like moss)
Mulch tip: 2–4 inches is usually the sweet spot. Keep mulch a few inches away from tree trunks (mulch volcanoes are not a love language).
5) Moss Happens. Don’t Take It Personally.
Ok. Moss gets a lot of grief but still…it’s not like it’s a moral failure. It’s a sign your yard is doing a very Pacific Northwest thing: shade + moisture + compacted soil = moss karaoke night.
You can also choose peace: moss in shady areas can be a low-maintenance ground cover. Not every patch needs to become golf-course turf.
6) Planting in January: Yes, But Choose Wisely
You can plant in winter here, especially hardy trees/shrubs when the ground isn’t frozen (rare) and you’re not working in a swamp.
Best January planting focus:
Trees and shrubs (dormant season can be great)
Native and hardy species that tolerate wet winters
Key rule: Don’t plant into a puddle. If the hole fills with water like a bathtub, solve drainage issues first or relocate the plant.
7) January Is Prime Time for “Hardscape Lite”
When you can’t do everything, do the things that make everything else easier.
Good January projects:
Refreshing gravel paths
Adding stepping stones through muddy zones
Installing simple edging (when soil conditions allow)
Fixing loose pavers before they become ankle traps
Safety note: Wet stone + algae = slip-and-slide. If you have shady hardscape, consider cleaning it and improving traction.
8) Prep for Storm Season (a.k.a. “Wind Happens”)
We have had some mega winds these last couple years and as long as global warming remains a myth, it’ll just likely worsen so think ahead.
If you’ve ever chased a recycling bin down the street, you already understand the value of preparation.
9) Feed the Soil, Not the Drama
In January, plants aren’t pushing big new growth, so heavy fertilizing usually isn’t the move. But soil care is always relevant.
Think of it as meal-prepping for your garden. Your plants will “eat” later.
10) January’s Secret Superpower: Planning
This is the month to make the decisions that save money and regret in spring.
Bonus move: Take photos of your yard now. Winter shows structure, drainage issues, and bare spots clearly—your best diagnostic season.
Ok - My Closing Thoughts: January Yards Aren’t Ugly—They’re Just Honest
Landscaping in January in King County is less about “making it perfect” and more about making it functional: safer footing, better drainage, healthier soil, and fewer spring headaches. Plus let’s face it, peeps just want to fuss in their yards so this is how to be productive and prep for the warmer season ahead!
And if all you accomplish this month is clearing gutters and adding a couple stepping stones so you stop sinking into the lawn—congratulations. That’s not just landscaping.
That’s survival gardening!
Try This! A Quick January Landscaping To-Do List (King County Edition)
Clean gutters + check downspouts
Identify and address standing water
Minimize walking on saturated soil
Pull winter weeds + mulch beds
Light, correct pruning (avoid pruning spring bloomers)
Rake out heavy lawn moss (on a drier day)
Add gravel/stepping stones in muddy paths
Inspect trees for storm damage risk
Plan spring projects and plant list
Jeremy 425.894.4316