Tom’s January Tips

1. Check young trees and shrubs for deer, rabbit and rodent injury. Prevent injury with fencing or protective collars.
2. On warm days, check perennials for heaving. Abrupt temperature changes can cause shallow-rooted plants to push out of the ground, exposing roots. Cover plants with three or four inches of mulch, such as woodchips, straw or evergreen branches.
3. Keep road the sidewalk salt away from plants. Shovel snow away from plants.
4. Uncover plants weighted down with snow. if frozen, let it melt naturally. Gently brush snow off branches to prevent breakage.
5. Prune dead, diseased, crossing or rubbing branches from trees and shrubs. Without leaves, it’s easier to see the shape of the plant.
6. Prepare for spring planting. Evaluate last year’s garden and decide what changes need to be made. Draw garden plans on paper, including a wish list of plants you would like to add.
7. Continue feeding birds. Many plants offer winter berries, seeds and pods for birds and other wildlife. Consider adding four-season plants that attract wildlife to your landscape.