Hire a certified arborist to remove high branches and/or diseased trees. They can also identify weak branch structure, cavities from animals and potential decay before masked by leaves again next season.
Store lawn furniture, garden art and exterior lighting that may be damaged by spending the winter months exposed to the elements.
Unhook and drain garden hoses completely. Roll them up and store them off the ground in a garden shed or garage.
Mountain laurel needs little pruning beyond what is necessary to keep the plant shapely and to remove dead or diseased wood. Prune right after the flowers fade. If necessary, make drastic cuts to promote young growth to replace a leggy branch or even renovate a whole, overgrown shrub.
Plant Something Massachusetts is a project of Massachusetts Nursery and Landscape Association, and was originally established in partnership with Massachusetts Flower Growers’ Association.