Tired of winter yet? Well, no matter what you think of the cold, icy weather we have had so far, the plants in your garden have been having a worse time.

Of course, most plants are pretty tough and can stand typical winters around here. However, you, being the gardener and thus guardian over all that is green and growing in your landscape, can do a few extra things to help them through any more chilling trials and tribulations that might be ahead.

Keep water coming

First, physical laws dictate that when the temperature falls below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, water freezes, and if a nasty cold snap hangs around for an extended time in the garden, moisture essentially becomes unavailable to plants. Evergreens can especially suffer from the lack of water during freezing spells. In addition to regular waterings, evergreens can be helped through hard times with an application of an anti-transpirant on the foliage. This spray, usually available at most lawn and garden stores, slows the amount of water lost through the leaves.

During very cold, sunny days, water temperature fluctuations in the soil can cause ground heaving. The repeated freezing and thawing of the ground can actually push the ground upward, exposing underground roots and bulbs to the killing cold. However, mulching perennials and bulbs with a 2- to 3-inch layer of organic matter will help prevent wide temperature variations in the soil and keep ground cracking to a minimum.

Post-storm tree care

When Old Man Winter "treats" us to a good dose of snow, sleet or ice, the weight of the snow or ice will often break or bend limbs.

Limbs that have been bent over by snow or ice should be given time to try to recover, as they will often restore themselves to their original shape.

Broken limbs should be pruned as soon as possible. Limbs that are an inch or less in diameter can be cleanly cut with pruning shears or loppers. For larger limbs, snip or cut parts of the damaged sections farthest away from the tree or bush first to take some of the weight off of the final cut.

The final cut should be started by sawing into the underside of the limb about a half an inch. Then, from the top, cut the limb off as close as possible to the trunk, or next healthy joint or fork. This two-cut technique helps to prevent bark from being stripped off when the last section of the branch bites the dust.

Of course, trees that have been heavily damaged and pruned can take on a Charlie Brown Christmas tree look, so it is up to you to decide if what remains adds to or detracts from your landscape. Remember: Pruning big limbs, high branches and leaning trees is not for the adventurous amateur -- but for trained tree trimmers.

Shake off snow that's weighing down the limbs. This is best done immediately after snow has fallen. If the snow is fluffy, use a broom to carefully remove as much of it as possible. But if the snow is hardened or iced over, it's best to keep the broom away because trying to shake this stubborn, frozen coating off the strained branches will probably cause more harm than good.

Operation critter combat

The cold brings out the hungry in many little critters. Small, furry herbivores known as voles will often resort to munching on the tender twigs or bark of your favorite shrubs, or nibbling on those spring-flowering bulbs. Rodenticides or mousetraps baited with peanut butter can be effective. (Cover them with flowerpots to prevent birds from accidentally setting them off).

If you would rather just discourage the wildlife, there are effective ways to do so.

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