GETTING GROUNDED. Protect your landscape through the winter by giving plants extra attention. Your local garden center may offer these services:

• Apply a fall application of herbicide to broadleaf weeds.


• Rake leaves and dethatch the lawn.


• Remove plant debris from flower and vegetable beds. This helps inhibit the spread of plant disease.


• Water trees and shrubs thoroughly after deciduous leaves drop and before the ground freezes. Water under the entire canopy to cover the root area.

POWER TRIP. It’s time to winterize your outdoor power equipment:

Change the oil. If left in the engine over the winter, the foreign material in dirty oil can deteriorate internal engine parts and seals.

Eliminate leftover fuel. Either drain the gas from the fuel tank (then start the engine until fuel is expelled from the lines and carburetor). Or put a gas stabilizer in the gas tank to keep the gas “fresh.” Run the engine for a few minutes to make sure the freshened gas gets to the carburetor.

Clean the engine exterior. Wash off any built-up grass, which can trap moisture and lead to rust.

Store your small engines inside if possible. If not, cover them loosely with a waterproof tarp that allows for air circulation.