As the decidious trees are stripped of their leaves and show their bare skeletons we begin to see which need pruned and where. The trees seem to be showing us exactly what needs to be done if only we would stop worrying about the holidays and get back to the tasks at hand. I have looked at my locust tree a hundred times since it dropped its leaves, noting exactly where each small limb needs to be cut back to prevent it from becoming entangled in the electrical lines. Were it actually touching the power lines I would not attempt the pruning myself, nor should you. This is one time you need to call in the professionals.
Nothing ruins the holidays like a trip to the emergency room.
G ardens are insistent this time of year. You can't walk anywhere without seeing hundreds of items that need to be addressed. Beds need to be cleaned, perennials need to be cut back and leaves need to be cleaned up everywhere. The curious pattern of the wind has deposited several large loads of leaves along the side of the house, usually soon after I have cleaned up the last batch. The Front Garden Roundup S ince our front yard beds consist of azalea, juniper and other perennials it is easy to ignore maintenance.