Folks,
Being as there is a long weekend coming up, and you will prolly be outside putting up yer Christmas lights, don't forget the lawn and land.
Best tips now:
1) winterize the lawn. A little effort now will go a long way in the Spring. Put down some 20-10-10 or thereabouts. The first number is nitrogen and ain't all that important right now. You wanna avoid 33-3-3 or stuff like that. 10-10-10 is good. 20-20-10 is better. HD prolly has what ya need. Use a broadcast spreader ($20 Scotts el-cheapo works well) and don't be afraid to put it down on the heavy side! Twice the recommended rate is good if ya keep it evenly spread with no glopping. (that's why broadcast spreader is preferred)
2) rejuvenation pruning is now! have shrubs (non-evergreen) that have been looking a bit too woody? Cut em' almost to the ground, and "poof" next Spring, brand new bush! Just be careful of doing this on flowering trees and shrubs cuz you'll cut all the buds off!
3) soft-bodied perennials like hostas or daylillies should be cut all the way down ASAP. If you have ornamental grasses, leave them alone til Spring because they provide winter interest.
4) please don't use rock salt to melt the snow...it kills the grass. Use calcium chloride ice melt. Your driveway will thank you too!
PS--if it is real cold, and there is frost on the grass, wait until high noon to walk on the turf. If it's frozen, you will crack the crowns of the grass and kill it...plus you'll leave footprints that will show up next year.
Good luck friends!
