It is time to start preparing the home landscape for winter if you have not started already. First, protect shrubs that are susceptible to windburn, such as holly, boxwood, rhododendrons and azaleas, or shrubs that might be planted in a windy area, by spraying with Wilt Pruf or Envy when the daytime temperature is higher than 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Another way to protect these plants is to erect a burlap screen to protect them from wind. Remember, when protecting plants from the wind, the entire plant must be protected, especially the tops, because the tops lose moisture first. Whichever way you choose to protect wind-sensitive shrubs, be sure to give them a thorough watering before the ground freezes. Another important job for this weekend is protecting shrubs and trees from deer. There are a number of reasons to protect shrubs and young trees from deer: Deer damage is severe in the fall, because deer populations are at their highest. To prepare for the hardship of winter, deer will eat a wide variety of plants and shrubs. Deer will seek out areas with food, water and shelter to ensure their survival during winter. Deer eat an average of 5 pounds of organic material daily in the fall. There are several ways to protect plants from deer damage: You can apply deer repellents, wrap shrubs with burlap or put up a nylon net fence. Using repellents is a good method as long as you keep the repellents fresh. Repellents are a lot like sprays for insects and diseases. It is a good idea to alternate between different types so the deer do not get used to one or another, and they will maintain their effectiveness. Visit your local garden center to see which deer repellent will best fit your needs. Putting up a burlap screen should protect plants near driveways and roadways,, which will get salt spray. Do not use plastic because on a sunny winter day, it might create too much heat for the plant and cause it to bud and then be injured at nightfall when temperatures decrease. Take time to tie loose shrubs with twine to prevent breakage from heavy winter snow. Roses need winter care at this time. First, remove damaged, broken or disease/insect-ridden limbs. Then select three to five of the strongest canes, and cut them to a height of 18 inches to 24 inches for tea roses, and 36 inches to 42 inches for climbing roses. Remove remaining canes. Leaving too many canes will produce a weaker plant and smaller roses next season. Secure the canes of climbing roses to a trellis so the canes do not whip in the wind and harm the root system. Rose trees should be placed in an unheated garage and kept watered. The other alternative is to bury the rose tree in the garden and mulch heavily. Choose a method to protect the rose tree, or it will freeze and die. Garden tip: There still is time to plant garlic for next year. Plant the largest cloves 2 to 3 inches deep and 3 to 4 inches apart. When planting, be sure to mix fertilizer into the soil, such as urea or nitrate of soda. Garlic needs nitrogen to produce large solid cloves. The idea is to get at least 3 to 4 inches of growth before winter arrives. Send questions to Dave Vargo, Valley News Dispatch, 210 Fourth Ave., Tarentum PA 15084. Vargo has a degree in horticulture from Penn State University and owns Arnold Feed & Garden Center and Kiski Plaza Garden & Feed Center.

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