We’re only seven Saturdays away from the spring solstice on March 20th!!! This means the garden countdown has begun with seed starting and other enjoyable garden activities for the month of February. On nice days mosey outside and look at your landscape. Try not to focus on the brown foliage — think about warmer and longer days ahead.
The winter months are a great time to remove dead and dying trees as most tree removal companies offer winter discounts.
That means now would be a great time to remove all the dead and dying cottonwoods, aspens etc. from your landscapes and improve the visual quality of our neighborhood!!!
For every tree that we remove we should consider planting another. Trees facilitate sustainability by improving the quality of our natural surroundings.
Numerous studies have shown that trees help reduce greenhouse gases that cause global warming, control erosion, prevent water runoff, and provide natural cooling to buildings and pavement. Trees also yield economic benefits such as lower energy bills, reduced noise, and higher property values; and they add beauty to our neighborhood!
Tree TLC
Living trees and shrubs will have a greater chance of continued growth and performance with some additional water during winter dry spells. A general rule is to water once or twice a month from October to March if snow cover is spotty. Watering is only beneficial to the landscape if done on a warm day (above 40) when the ground is not frozen. Water should be applied slowly. Concentrate your efforts on newly planted trees or trees in restricted growth areas, such as along your driveway and on southern and western exposures as soils dry out faster. All trees, especially evergreens, will benefit from additional irrigation; mature trees should be able to survive with less water.
Bird Friendly Backyards
This is the season when people join in the wonderful activity of providing food for wild birds.
There are only three basic requirements to create a bird-friendly backyard: water, shelter and fresh, clean seed offered in appropriate feeders.
*Birds generally do better in raised feeding areas out of reach of cats and not too close to cover like fences and buildings that would conceal a cat’s approach.
* Ideally your feeders will be within 20 feet of shrubs where birds can fly for protection.
*Full feeders entice more birds to visit. Birds are safer from predators in flocks than alone.
*Position your feeding station so you can easily view it from inside. Then you can participate in ‘armchair’ birding when you’re working in the kitchen or paying bills!
Gardening Tips for February:
*Check for critter activity in deep mulch or gnawing damage on tree trunks or evergreens. Use collars or wire mesh to keep them away.
*February is a great month to test your soil in the vegetable and/or planting beds. Lawn areas can be tested, too. The soil shouldn’t be wet when taking samples. A professional soil test (recommended every few years) will report what nutrients your soil needs and how much organic matter is present. Read more about testing at www.soiltestinglab.colostate.edu.
*Sharpen and oil all garden tools. Many independent hardware stores and garden centers offer sharpening services for small fees.