Tom’s February Tips

1. Don’t be fooled by warm, sunny days. It’s still too early to remove mulches, screenings and other winter plant protections. Make sure they are still in place.
2. Monitor tree health. It’s easier to notice dead branches, hollows and cankers on trees during the dormant season. Cankers are signs that the tree has a disease.
3. Prune trees and shrubs. The ideal time to prune is in the dormant season, just prior to new growth. Wait to prune spring flowering plants to avoid removing this years’ flower buds.
4. Some trees have heavy sap flow on sunny days in winter and will “bleed” heavily if pruned. Although this sap flow is harmless, for aesthetic reasons, you want to avoid pruning Birch, Elm, Maple and Walnut trees in winter and instead wait until late fall.
5. Reapply anti-desiccants to Evergreens. If temperature is above freezing, a second application can be made.
6. Clean and sharpen garden tools. Get ready for the upcoming growing season.
7. Check the summer bulbs stored for the winter. Bulbs should be stored at a cool 45 degrees, in a dry place.
8. Check that they have not dried out or have begun to grow.
9. Order seeds and garden plants early.
10. Create a sense of spring. Force branches of early spring flowering plants such as Forsythia, Crabapple, Pussy Willow and Lilac. Place in a container of water in a cool, well lit room, away from direct sunlight. Cuttings can take up to three weeks to force.
11. Don’t forget to feed the birds!
12. Catch up on your garden reading.