Garden tips and events

• Developing structural strength on young trees is a priority. They do not need heavy pruning like fruit trees, but eliminating potential problems while they are young is critical. Prune broken, dead and diseased branches. Eliminate narrow branch angles, water sprouts and suckers when the trees are small.

• Some evergreens, including dwarf Alberta spruce and other dwarf conifers, suffer sunburn during the winter. Covering the trees with a lightweight white cloth is one way of reducing the sun burning. Never use plastic sheeting or dark colored cloth, as it warms the foliage and increases damage.