Often times the cooler weather gives us the feeling that we should be working inside instead of attending to our landscape. On the coldest days, this certainly makes sense, but there are a number of things that can and should be done now in our landscape to get them ready for the spring flush. The following are a few garden tips you may find helpful:

• Now is a good time to do some general maintenance around the flower beds. Remove any existing dead foliage from the annuals and perennials in the landscape. Be sure to mark the spots of perennial plants so you don’t over plant the area in the spring. Remove old soggy mulch if it becomes matted and add a few inches of fresh pine straw or pine bark.
• Have the University of Georgia conduct a soil test in order to determine if the pH is correct. For more information on taking a soil sample for testing contact the Extension Office at (706) 265-2442.
• When using salt to melt ice on walks and drives, spread it carefully to avoid damage to nearby shrubs. Damage to needle-type evergreens will be evident next spring by copper and yellow tones. Damaged deciduous plants will have bronze or reddish leaves. Consider using sand or sawdust instead.
• Some plants that should be pruned in later winter or early spring are hydrangea, butterfly bush, Rose-of-Sharon, hibiscus and other summer-flowering shrubs that flower on new growth. Prune spring-bloomers, such as azaleas, right after they flower.
• When pruning large limbs, always undercut first. This means to cut from the bottom up, one-third of the way through the limb, and 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, the collar or enlarged base of a branch hormone that help heal wounds.
• Prune muscadines in January or February. If this job is left too late in the season, bleeding from cut ends will occur.

As always, call me if you have questions related to your lawn or garden, (706) 265-2442.