Trees And Shrubs In December

Continueto plant deciduoustreesand shrubs, but evergreens must wait for the spring.

Remove and burn rhododendron buds affected by bud blast, which turns the buds brown or grey.

Bay trees are not completely hardy and need protection from very cold weather. Secondary shoots of winter-flowering jasmine should be trimmed back to about a foot from the ground.

This is a good time for major surgery on de­ciduous trees such as ash, beech and birch, asthey are at their most dormant. Paint large cuts with two coats of Arbrex.

Treat the cutting of Christmas greenery as a pruning operation, and use it to improve shape.