Step One Take a look at your deciduous trees or shrubs now, while they are dormant. This is good time to see any branches that are crossing over and could cause problems later on. Mark the branches that need to be cut, but DON'T cut them yet—wait to do the actual pruning until the weather has warmed and the branches are growing. Also, look for any suckers near the base of trees or shrubs. Now, while they are dormant, is a good time to get rid of them, and if you have any dead branches, you can prune them as well.

Step Two If you didn’t do it in the fall, now is the time to cut back any perennials in your garden before they start to grow. Cut the leaves and stalks back almost to ground level, but wait until the perennials have started to grow before replanting or dividing them.

Step Three Get rid of the dead foliage in your ornamental grasses. Use manual grass clippers or scissors to cut back dead foliage from your ornamental grasses. Tall grasses can be cut to about 6 inches, while smaller grasses should be cut down to 3 inches.

Step Four Take some time to clean and wash your bird baths and bird feeders. You can refill your bird bath once you’re sure the water won’t freeze, but allow your bird feeders time to dry thoroughly before you refill them with seed.

Step Five This is also a good time to get your garden tools ready for the season. If you didn’t do it last fall, clean dirt off your shovels, hoes and any other digging tools, then use a file to sharpen them so they’ll be easier to work with in spring.

Step Six Use Varsol or turpentine to clean the blades of your pruners and loppers, then put a few drops of oil on the blades and hinges. Sharpen them using your file or have them professionally sharpened again to make your gardening easier. NEVER use gasoline to clean dried residue from your garden tools.