Pacific Northwest
January, 2011
Regional Report
Remove Snow
Brush snow from evergreens as soon as possible after a storm. Use a broom in an upward, sweeping motion. Serious damage may be caused by heavy snow or ice accumulating on the branches.
Prune Properly
When pruning large limbs, always undercut first. This means to cut from the bottom up, one-third of the way through the limb, then finish by cutting from the top. The undercut keeps the limb from splitting and breaking off, which could damage the trunk and become an entryway for insects and diseases. Do not cut flush to the trunk; but instead cut to the collar. The collar or enlarged base of a branch produces hormones that can help heal wounds.
Make Mowing Easier
For easier lawn maintenance, eliminate the hard to mow spaces such as acute angles around beds and borders. Try combining single trees or shrubs into a large planting area connected with ground cover. Put the bird bath in a flower bed or surround it with ground cover so you won't have to mow around such a small object.
Keep Off the Grass
When your lawn is dormant, avoid walking on it. Dry grass is easily broken and the crown of the plant may be severely damaged or killed by heavy foot traffic.
Reassess Garden Beds
Review your vegetable garden plans. Perhaps a smaller garden with fewer weeds and insect problems will give you more produce with less effort.
