timely tips-January

At this time of year not only do you need to watch out for snow and ice, but the wrong removal product as well!! I know that no one wants to hurt their back or suffer an injury shoveling snow, but using the wrong "ice melt" product can lead to other problems for your lawn and gardens. Basic rock salt is hard on both plants and concrete surfaces, especially brand new ones that have not been sealed properly. Ice melt with magnesium chloride is the safest material to use for your plants and lawn, and it will not damage concrete. It also works in colder weather. Products with potassium chloride or calcium chloride are the next safest.
There are some alternatives to using chemical ice melt products, especially for ice but helps on packed snow as well, and that's to use bird seed. You'll have a surface with some traction for walking and the birds will clean up the mess.
Another product that is safe to use is kitty litter or turface, they do a go job of providing traction and will absorb moisture. Sand or traction sand also works. If you do use regular rock salt or your street department does (most do) it would be a good idea to put down and application of gypsum to help counter act the the salt damage. Applying a 6 to 10 foot band around the street, drive and sidewalks will help prevent the damage as well as improving the porosity of your soil.

And believe it or not, but winter is the perfect time to feed your trees! With the cold temperatures and the soil freezing and thawing, the fertilizer is able to work down into the root zone and be ready for the trees when they start growing again in spring. The Fertilome Tree and Shrub Food has a special penetrating formula that doesn't need to be dug in, and won't hurt the grass either. You just place the fertilizer out at the drip line (the point that the branches extend from the trunk) and let it go to work!