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SHADE TREES

Prune if needed.

Saturate soil around plant with water before ground freezes.

SHRUBS

Saturate soil around plant with water before ground freezes.

EVERGREEN TREES

(Pine, spruce)

Begin pruning.

Saturate soil around tree with water before ground freezes.

BULBS

(Tulip, hyacinth)

Plant tulip, daffodil, narcissus, crocus, grape hyacinth and allium.

ROSES

Prune only dead canes. Other pruning waits until spring.

Tie back long canes to prevent wind damage.

WATER HOSE

Disconnect to prevent pipes from freezing and bursting.

Insulate water faucet.

LIVE CHRISTMAS TREE

If planning to use a live Christmas tree this year, dig a planting hole before the ground freezes. Fill it with straw and cover with boards for safety. Store excavated soil in garage so it doesn't freeze.

INFORMATION

Master Gardener hot line: 292-7144 Monday through Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

WINTERIZING WINDOWS

Caulking and weatherstripping windows are inexpensive ways to winterize a home.

WEATHERSTRIPPING

1. ADHESIVE-BACKED FOAM

Foam is crushed between two surfaces. Works well between casement and frame and where the top and bottom edges of a sash close against frame.

2. FOAM-FILLED GASKET

Foam is compressed within gasket. The gasket can slide smoothly. Works well on sliding edge of sliding windows.

3. FELT

Felt should not be crushed. It fills wide spaces between surfaces. Works well between sashes.

4. SPRING METAL

Metal stripping is compressed like a spring between two moving surfaces. Works well where a sliding window closes against the frame and in the runners for a sash.

5. CAULKING

Fill gaps between the window frame and the wall with caulking. Silicon caulking is the best - it can last up to 50 years. Hold the nozzle of the caulking gun at a 45-degree angle to the surface. Caulking should overlap surfaces on both sides of the gap.

Sources: Bernalillo County Extension Service; "The Time-Life Gardener's Guide," "Complete Guide to Gardening," "Reader's Digest Complete Do-it-yourself Manual," Sunset Gardening Books