Prune your summer flowering shrubs now but be aware that spring bloomers have already produced their buds last fall, and pruning them now will result in the loss of flowers. Forsythia, quince, spirea and other early spring flowering shrubs should be pruned a little later, after they have finished flowering. Pruning to improve the shape of the plant, as well as to open up the center of the plant to good air circulation and sun exposure. Always start your pruning by removing all dead, decayed or broken branches.

Deciduous shrubs and trees are still dormant enough to transplant this month, once the buds have begun to swell, it will be to late.

Prune fruit trees prior to new growth starting, and apply dormant oil tree spray for winter protection from insects.

Use “Image” weed killer this time of year on wild onions, poa anna grass, and nutsedge weeds.

Start using pre-emergents to get a head start on the pesky early spring weeds. Organic pre-emergent are available.

Start sharpening your pruners, it’s almost time to prune most (but not all) roses. Wait to prune roses that only bloom once a year, such as Lady Banks’ and many old-fashion roses and climbers, until immediately after flowering.

Don’t forget your Valentine this year. Knock-out roses make a great gift for that special someone. They come in bright reds to pinks, to lighter pink colors, and even larger double bloomers.

Start getting materials ready for spring fertilizing. We recommend Holly-tone for all evergreens plants. Plant-tone and Tree-tone for all perennials, and deciduous plants and trees. Turf-tone for any Centipede or Bermuda lawn, and Espoma Organic Lawn fertilizer for Fescue and Zoysia Lawns.

Cut back liriope and groundcovers.

Continue feeding our feathered friends, you'll want them to stick around to help you in insect control when the weather warms again.