D ecember is a time for celebration, cheer and enjoyment. I am going to let your off easy this month. Here are things to do in December.

Christmas Tree Care

Pick the freshest possible tree, with a minimum amount of needle drop. Cut 1 to 2 inches off the bottom of the trunk and soak in a bucket of cool water until ready to put in tree stand. Check water level daily.

Or use a living Christmas tree that can be planted in the landscape. Afghan pine is great for this use.

Get down your lights for the tree from storage and check your lights to be sure they are safe and have no bare or cut wires. Replace old sets with new safer lights.

Christmas poinsettias will soon be available. Do not be misled by the scare stories about the poisonous qualities of these beautiful plants. Plant scientists at Ohio State University have proven though extensive testing that they are not poisonous. There is, however, the possibility that some individuals may be allergic to certain plants including the poinsettia.

Run mower and trimmer engines dry of gasoline, drain and change oil. Take them to the repair shop now to avoid the spring rush. Clean and oil all tools before storing for winter.

Transplanting:

During dormancy is a good time to transplant within the landscape or from nature into the landscape. If you have a Japanese maple that needs a new location now is the time to move it.

Transplant bare root and container grown roses, shrubs, trees, groundcovers and vines so they get established before warm weather arrives next summer.

Expect yellowing and leaf drop on tropical plants such as bougainvillea and Chinese hibiscus, etc. when over-wintering. Maintain healthy stems and roots. Plan to prune back when taken out-of-doors again in the spring to encourage new growth and blooms.

Planting:

Colorful winter foliage can be brought into your landscape with purple winter creeper euonymus, cleyera, hollies and others. Usually these perform best if they are in full sun. Shape hollies and use the pruning for Christmas color. Avoid cutting back too much

For berry-producing plants in your landscape, consider Chinese Photinias (not red tip Photinias), hollies, Indian hawthorns, ligustrum, mahonias, pyracanthas and standard nandinas. These are some of the best.

Flowering cabbage, kale, pansies, pinks snapdragons and violas are considered cool-season annuals and can be planted this month.

Planning:

Order seeds now so you will be ready next month to start spring annuals.

Begin to select fruit and nut plant, for a winter planting.

Prepare soils and beds for planting bare-rooted roses in January and February. Roses prefer a raised bed in well-prepared soils that contain generous amounts of organic materials. Locate the rose planting to receive at least a half-day's sun, and good air circulation.

Shop for a Christmas present for your pet. Don't forget the furry member of your family. They are important too and they know what is going on.

Provide fresh water and feed for garden birds.

Water:

Be sure to supply supplemental moisture for newly planted landscape materials during dry winter periods. Adequate soil moisture will help prevent freeze damage.

Keep soil in potted poinsettias and other holiday plants moist, but never extremely wet or overly dry. Protect the plants form heat vents. All potted holiday plants heed natural light and do best when not exposed to direct sun.

Derald Freeman TCMGA MG