Winter Tips!

v    Continue to monitor beds for leaves and other debris.  Piles of debris are a good place for insects and disease to over-winter.

v    Now is a good time to prune and shape shrubs if pruning was not done in the fall.

v    Now would be a good time to apply lime.  The winter weather, snow (hopefully) and rain will work the lime into the soil.

v    Shrubs and trees can be fertilized at this time.  Broadcast the fertilizer on top of the ground.  Again the weather will carry it into the soil.  We recommend Holly Tone or Tree Tone.  Rates will vary according to size of plant.  The rate is on the bag.

v    Check shrubs and trees after a snow or ice event.  Any broken limbs should be removed.

v    Winter is a good time to check your lawn equipment, make certain blades are sharp, oil is changed, belts are tight and the equipment is ready for spring.

v    Now is a good time to trim the dead tops off liriope, hosta, and other perennials that die back during the winter.  This should be completed before new growth starts in the spring.

v    Deciduous shrubs should be sprayed with Horticultural Oil before new Spring growth starts.

v    There are many good educational seminars over the winter. Consider attending one of the local ones.  Call the local extension agent for information.

v    Last, but not least, there are many plant and seed catalogs, as well as new books and magazines available to read and enjoy.  Take advantage of these.