Even though it's the dead of winter, ice and snow present some problems to your outside environment. Here are some helpful winter tips for keeping your yard in tip top shape in preparation for spring!

~Remove snow and ice from tree limbs and branches as soon as possible after a storm. Snow and ice can bend, break or shred trees and shrubs.

~If a branch does break or shred, prune it off cleanly so that any chance of disease or pests entering the plant are minimized.

~Use rock salt and ice melter sparingly. These can run off into lawns and hurt the grass and other vegetation in flower beds. Instead use birdseed or sand as anti-skid materials on walkways and paths.

~Check stored bulbs for any signs or rot. Discard bulbs that have begun to go bad.

~Seed catalogs will begin arriving soon. Pour over them, decide what plans you have for your garden this year and dream away the cold, snowy days of winter!

~Recycle evergreen branches left over from holiday decorations to lay in your garden. They'll help provide extra protection during a cold winter.

~If the winter is dry in your area, remember to deep water at least once a month. A good way to remember is to do this each holiday between Halloween and Easter.

~Set out food for the birds and other friends that you may wish to attract to your yard. This is especially important if the snow cover lasts throughout the winter.