After several unseasonably warm afternoons climbing into the low 80s across Greater Houston, following a stretch of extreme Arctic weather that brought freezing conditions to the region, it’s tempting for Bear Creek residents to declare winter officially over. Lawnmowers are coming out. Garden centers are busy. And many residents are gearing up for Yard of the Month.

But according to the National Weather Service (NWS) Houston/Galveston, a Valentine’s weekend cold front will bring nighttime temperatures back into the 40s and 50s — a noticeable dip from the recent muggy 60-degree mornings.

For homeowners in Bear Creek, that shift matters.

While this is not an Arctic blast or hard freeze, those cooler overnight lows can still stress tender new growth. Experts say this is the time for preparation — not aggressive planting or heavy pruning.

What the Valentine’s Weekend Cold Front Means

The NWS Houston/Galveston office is tracking a strong upper-level trough expected late Friday (Feb. 13) into Saturday (Feb. 14).

Before the Front

• Afternoon highs in the low 80s
• Warm, humid conditions

After the Front

• Drier air
• Nighttime lows dipping into the 48°F–55°F range
• Crisp mornings Sunday and Monday

These temperatures fall very close to Houston’s historical February average low of 47°F to 50°F. In other words, this is seasonal — not extreme — but still cool enough to impact sensitive plants.

The broader February outlook, influenced by a La Niña weather pattern, leans warmer and drier than normal for Southeast Texas. Most incoming fronts are Pacific-based, meaning they bring modest cooling rather than freezing temperatures. Still, Houston’s history reminds residents that February is a transitional month — even recording a historical low of 6°F in rare Arctic events.

For now, the trend points toward seasonal cool nights, not freezes — but caution remains wise.

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Expert Lawn & Garden Advice for This In-Between Season

Both the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and the Harris County Master Gardeners emphasize patience during late winter transitions.

Focus on Foundation, Not Flowers

Instead of planting heat-loving annuals or making dramatic landscape changes, experts recommend:

• Removing dead or freeze-damaged plant material only — and doing so carefully.
  • Many plants in Southeast Texas may appear brown, wilted, or lifeless after a freeze but are still very much alive at the root.
  • Perennials, ornamental grasses, tropicals, and even some shrubs often need time to push new growth once consistent warmth returns.
  • Before removing a plant entirely, check for green tissue beneath the bark by lightly scratching the stem, and give plants several weeks of warm weather to show signs of recovery.
  • Premature removal can mean losing healthy plants that simply needed patience.
• Avoiding heavy pruning that could stimulate vulnerable new growth
• Applying pre-emergent herbicide to prevent spring weeds
• Aerating compacted lawns
• Refreshing mulch to regulate soil temperatures

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension horticulture specialists consistently advise waiting until overnight temperatures stay reliably above the mid-50s before installing tender plants.

Harris County Master Gardeners often remind residents that in Southeast Texas, false spring is common, and a few warm days do not mean cool nights are finished for the season.

It is also worth noting that late winter — typically after Valentine’s Day — is considered the ideal window in Southeast Texas for pruning crape myrtles. Experts advise selective shaping and thinning rather than aggressive topping, allowing trees to maintain their natural form while encouraging healthy spring growth.

Pruning: Be Careful

One of the most common mistakes this time of year is over-pruning.

When shrubs are cut back too early, they often respond with new growth — and that tender growth can be damaged by even moderate dips into the 40s.

Experts suggest:

• Prune only clearly dead wood now
• Wait until consistent spring warmth for shaping and heavy trimming
• Especially delay pruning tropicals and citrus

Planting Timeline for Bear Creek

If you’re eager to enhance curb appeal before Yard of the Month judging begins in May, here’s a smart approach:

Now (Mid-February):

• Weed control
• Soil preparation
• Lawn cleanup
• Irrigation system checks

Late February into March (if nights stay consistently warmer):

• Begin adding hardy perennials
• Monitor extended forecasts before planting annual color

The good news? With La Niña favoring warmer, drier conditions overall, the odds of another hard freeze are decreasing as March approaches — but they are never zero in February.

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Why This Matters for Property Value and Community Pride

In neighborhoods like Bear Creek, well-maintained lawns contribute to overall curb appeal and property values. A yard damaged by premature planting can take weeks to recover — setting back both aesthetics and plant health heading into spring.

A steady, informed approach ensures that when May arrives and Yard of the Month recognition begins, landscapes are thriving rather than recovering.

This season isn’t about rushing. It’s about timing.

What Happens Next

Residents should:

• Check the NWS Houston/Galveston forecast weekly
• Watch overnight lows, not just afternoon highs

February in Houston is historically a bridge month — average highs climb from the mid-60s to near 70°F by month’s end, while average lows hover around 50°F. We’re moving toward spring, but thoughtfully.

Bear Creek homeowners who prepare now — instead of planting too soon — will likely see stronger lawns, healthier shrubs, and standout yards as the growing season unfolds.

Stay connected with My Neighborhood News for continued local weather updates, seasonal gardening guidance, and Bear Creek community highlights.

By Tiffany Krenek, My Neighborhood News 

Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.