Things to do in the garden this week

Fertilize shade trees and shrubs now after leaf fall, but while soils are still warm enough to allow root growth and nutrient uptake.

Transplant deciduous trees and shrubs once they have dropped their leaves.

Rake leaves from lawns to prevent them from smothering the grass.

Place wire guards around trunks of young fruit trees before the ground freezes to protect the bark against rodent damage.

Apply a second, light fertilization to cool season lawns by month’s end.

Finish planting, dividing and transplanting perennials before month’s end.