Once again, it's that special time of year between Thanksgiving and
the New Year. The days are shorter and there seems to be more to pack
into each of them.

With so many demands on our attention, it's easy to forget about our
landscape at this time of year. Especially when it's really cold
outside! But there are some garden and landscape-related activities
that you should be taking care of this month. I call this...

The "What To Do Before Santa Gets Here" list!

1. It's Tool Time

Your tools are probably leaning against the wall of your garage or
basement, still caked with the dried-on dirt from the last time you
used them a couple of months ago. Admit it! I'm right aren't I? Invest
a few minutes and your tools will actually be useable next spring.

Clean mud and dirt off shovels, forks and trowels at a very minimum.
You can then rub the metal parts with an oily rag. If you've got some
WD-40 handy, that'll work fine. Another tip: professional landscapers
rub the wooden handles with linseed oil to prevent them drying and
cracking.

2. The Mower The Merrier

Before you let the gas mower hibernate, start it up and let it run
until the gas tank is empty. Clean off the blades, and if they need
sharpening call up a mower service shop and see if they have any
winter specials. For a more comprehensive look at winter tool care,
see a previous Plant Man column archived at my web site. You can find
it he http://www.landsteward.org/page.cfm/5220

3. Give 'Em The Brush-Off

It's probably not snowing yet when you read this, but here's a tip to
bear in mind when it does. Trees and shrubs can be damaged by the
weight of heavy, wet snow. To prevent or minimize damage, gently shake
the branches of delicate trees and shrubs so the heavy snow falls
away. You can also use a broom to brush snow from the branches. But
resist the urges to whack the branches with the broom! You could cause
severe trauma to the poor tree. And there's a good chance that a heavy
chunk of ice will fall directly onto YOU.

4. Don't Leave Me This Way

Here's a timely reminder from the folks at the Extension Service of
Texas A & M. Don't let fallen leaves remain on the lawn all winter.
Either mow them back into the lawn, collect them to be used as a weed
suppressing and water conserving mulch, or compost them for use next
spring and summer to improve the soil. Leaves left on the lawn can
cause disease problems if a thick layer keeps the grass too wet and
dark. You can find a link to the complete article at the end of this
column.

And an "indoor" tree reminder...

5. Pining Away

"O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree, how are thy leaves so verdant!"
The answer is simple: water! If you want your tree to stay green and
attractive instead of shedding millions of pine needles on your
carpet, think H2O. A "living" tree needs a thorough watering before
you bring it into the house; and it shouldn't stay indoors much longer
than ten days if you want it to survive outdoors after the Holidays. A
"cut" tree needs water, too. Saw a couple of inches off the cut end
and check the water level once or twice a day. You might be surprised
to know that a cut tree can absorb as much as a gallon of water a day.

Here are some useful resources! You can instantly click on direct
links to all of them (and more) when you find this column under The
Plant Man heading at my web site, www.landsteward.org