December Gardening Tips

1. If you have not done it already, apply 2 to 4 inches of natural mulch to perennial beds and around trees and shrubs, do not allow mulch to contact the tree trunks.
2. During winter with very little precipitation, water trees, evergreen, and shrubs, especially newly planted ones.
3. Avoid salt-based de-icing products in or around garden areas.
4. Do not mow lawn once it goes dormant, and avoid walking on lawns when they are frozen.
5. Gently brush off excess snow accumulated on evergreen branches. Do not hit branches with heavy tools.
6. Allow ice to melt on tree branches, breaking the ice with heavy objects could damage the branches.
7. Check for animal damages to tree trunks. Create a physical barrier around the tree trunks to discontinue the damage.
8. Place flowering plants such as poinsettias, orchids, amaryllis, and cyclamen in a bright light area, away from drafty windows, heat vents, and doors. These type of plants are from tropical areas and thrive in bright light, humid, warm environments.
9. Refill and clean birdfeeder regularly