A Mild Oregon Winter? Don’t Panic — Here’s What It Means for Your Yard

If your yard is showing signs of life earlier than expected, you’re not alone. Across Oregon, this winter has been unusually mild, and many gardeners are noticing bulbs emerging, trees and shrubs pushing new growth, and roses beginning to wake up weeks ahead of schedule.

It’s completely natural to wonder whether this is a problem — especially when February still looms, and the possibility of a cold snap or freeze feels very real.

Let’s start with the most important message: don’t panic.

Plants grown in our region are resilient. A mild winter can encourage early growth, and while a later freeze may damage some tender new shoots, it won’t permanently harm healthy plants. Any cold-damaged growth will simply die back and be replaced as the season continues.

In other words: this isn’t a mistake you need to fix.

If you’re itching to get outside, here are a few productive — and safe — things you can do during a mild January:

• Light pruning is okay, especially for trees and shrubs that benefit from winter pruning. Just avoid heavy cuts that could encourage lots of new growth.

• Weeds are waking up early, too. Taking advantage of dry weather to remove them now will save you work later.

• Planting is still on the table. Since the ground hasn’t frozen, trees, shrubs, and perennials can still go in. Add extra mulch to protect roots from temperature swings.

• Mulch matters. A good layer helps regulate soil temperature and protects new growth if colder weather arrives.
• Cut stems of early flowers and enjoy inside.  Daphne, Flowering Quince, & other early spring bloomers can be brought inside to enjoy.  You can cut when they're in bud or bloom, and the warmth of your home will quickly open the fragrant blooms and fill your home with scents of spring!
• Work up early spring vegetable beds to get ready for spring planting. With the dry weather, the soil is very workable.  Till beds adding organic matter, garden lime, & manures so they are ready for spring planting. 
• Get your early spring seed starts ready indoors. Will we have an early spring? Who knows!  But if we do, now is a great time to get your indoor seed starts going for your early spring veggies (hold your horses on summer crops like tomatoes) to really maximize the grow season if we do!  And if we don't, well you'll be extra ready when the time comes.
• Rearrange the furniture. Now is the time to transplant established shrubs, perennials, and even trees if you need to.  Transplanting is always a shock to any established plant, but doing so in a mild January/Feb will minimize any set back.  Make sure the ground is moist BEFORE YOU DIG the root ball and try to keep as much of the root ball intact as possible.  Water well after the plant is settled into its new location. 

• You don’t need to rush to cover every plant.

• You don’t need to fertilize yet.

• You don’t need to undo early growth — nature has this handled.

A gentle winter often means a longer growing season, and January is the perfect time to plan. Whether you’re mapping out new beds, choosing plants, or thinking about changes to your landscape, getting a head start now can set you up for success in spring.

If you have questions about what you’re seeing in your own yard, our team is always happy to help. Mild winters can feel unsettling, but they’re also full of possibility — and we’re here to guide you through it.

Here’s to a calm start and a promising season ahead.