From Lisa Johnson, Dane County UW-Extension horticulture educator:

Trees and shrubs: If we have heavy wet snow, gently use a broom underneath the branches, pressing up rather than down to dislodge snow and ice from evergreens such as arborvitae and soft-wooded trees such as birch that may bend and snap under the weight.

Bulbs: Over the holidays, you may have received or purchased gift bulbs, some of which may need special care to bring into bloom. Bulbs that have been pre-cooled and are sold unplanted or planted in pots will not need forcing to bloom. Pre-cooled paperwhite and hyacinth bulbs will root into water and produce flowers and leaves if suspended just above the surface of the water. Many garden centers sell vases that are designed to do just that, or you can pot the bulbs into potting soil that drains well. Bulbs will do better if kept cool—around 55 degrees to 65 degrees to keep them blooming longer. Any bulbs that are not precooled will need planting and forcing. Plant tulips and daffodils in pots containing houseplant potting mix that are kept moist but not wet and force the bulbs into bloom by storing the pots for about 13 weeks in a refrigerator at temperatures between 35 degrees to 45 degrees. They should not be stored near any spoiling fruit or vegetables as the ethylene gas these materials produce can stunt the bulbs’ stalks and flowers. After the 13 weeks, remove the pots from refrigeration and place in a bright 55 degree to 65 degree room. It will take another 3-4 weeks on average for them to flower. Amaryllis bulbs do not need forcing, but the blooms will last longer if the plants are kept around 60 degrees to 65 degrees.

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