Prepare for the joys of dormant season pruning, which extends from now to approximately 1 April.

Large shade trees are best pruned in winter. Removal of deadwood, limbs that pose a threat to person or property and thinning can be done where applicable. Remember, older trees generally need less pruning than younger trees.

If it's not too cold, evergreen shrubs can be pruned now also. Be careful, though: shrubs that are exposed by pruning can be burned by sub-zero weather and drastic drops in temperature.

Many deciduous shrubs can be pruned when dormant. For a list of which ones, check back in a couple of weeks. Until then, the happiest of holidays to you and your families!