With winter quickly coming you want to make sure that all the outdoor chores are done before the cold temperatures and snow sets in.
Wrap your cedars. Use a material that allows air ventilation such as burlap, reemay (not plastic) or twine so that moisture will not build up and cause fungus which can harm the tree. Cedars are wrapped to prevent branches from breaking due to heavy snowfalls. Alberta Spruce can also benefit from being wrapped in burlap or reemay as they are susceptible to snow/sun burn through the winter. Broadleaved evergreens such as rhododendrons and azaleas are also wrapped with burlap/reemay to help prevent dehydration over the winter months.
Hardy zone 3 roses should be able to survive the winter but some extra mulch such as peat moss, can be given and for the roses that are not hardy enough, they will need extra winter protection. Trim back half of the new growth and all the roses and then a rose hut or cage filled with peat moss should be placed over the tender roses, and then removed next spring.
Newly planted and small caliber trees should be staked to help prevent them from getting damaged by heavy winds. Stakes should be 3-5 feet in height and placed 12-18 inches into the ground, 4-6 inches away from the tree. Use an old hose or tree rope to link the tree to the stake.
Wrap the bottom 3-4 feet of fruit and ornamental trees with mouse guards to help prevent rodents from eating the bark around the tree. Mouse guards are made of plastic and are extendable making them easy to attach and take off the tree in the spring. They are re-usable and available from the garden centre.
Clean up around perennials, trees and shrubs. Remove weeds, old leaves etc to prevent mice from nesting, as well as harbouring pests and disease. By removing all the weeds now, the yard look will look neater now and in the spring and the weeds will not get ahead of you.
Many of the perennials can be tidied up by cutting them back to within 6 inches from the ground. The extra 6 inches will help trap the snow and give the perennial some extra protection. If you planted perennials that are not a zone 3 or lower they may need some extra winter protection by covering the crown with peat moss.
Moisture is very important in a plants health over the winter. Water all tree, shrubs, roses, bulbs, etc before the frost sets into the ground.
Harvest whatever is left in the vegetable garden. Leeks and parsnips can be left till next spring if the soil is well drained. After the garden has been harvested remove all weeds and debris and some gardeners like to dig the garden to expose insects and weed seeds to the winter elements as well as the birds. When you are in the garden make a sketch or notes of what was planted where so that next year you are able to rotate your crops. Crop rotation is important step in growing healthy, disease free, vegetables.
