01/08/2026
It's the icy time of year; therefore, be careful putting down deicer on your walks near your gardens. It's preferable to use kitty litter or stone dust, but if you have to use a salt based product, make sure to put gypsum into those gardens to help wash through the salt.
A walk through your yard at this time of year is beneficial to make sure none of your plants have frost heaved out of the ground, large branches haven't fallen into the gardens, or branches on ornamental trees and shrubs aren't broken. It is safe to cut off any dead or broken branches at this time. If there is so much snow on trees or shrubs that you are afraid that they will be damaged, remove the snow by gently lift the branches with a broom from below to gently shake off the snow.
February is when you can start pruning shrubs and trees. If they are spring bloomers, don't prune until after they flower. If they are summer or fall bloomers, you can prune in winter. It's always smart to double check online to see when is the best time to prune your special shrubs and trees.
