Help Landscaping Survive The Winter

In winter, landscape plants carry the show. It’s time to appreciate them - and to do what you can to assure their survival during extreme weather:

Throw sand rather than salt on icy sidewalks. Salt may damage plants and grass. Some fertilizers are also sold to melt ice and, residually, to feed plants.

Brush light, powdery snow from evergreens. Leave them alone, however, if the snow is heavy and wet or if branches are ice-covered. Heavy snow and ice may make them snap if they are disturbed.

Upright evergreens may be wrapped with stretchy rope or old nylon hose to keep them in position despite heavy snow.

Heat tape guidelines

The Consumer Product Safety Commission has reissued safety guidelines for electric heat tape, which is used to keep pipes from freezing in attics and under porches and floors. The tape causes about 1,500 fires yearly, resulting in 10 deaths and 100 injuries, according to the commission.

Resistance-type tape has been sold for 40 years and self-regulating tape since 1974. CPSC urges homeowners to replace tape more than 3 years old with tape certified by Underwriters Laboratories. For information on installing and maintaining tapes, call CPSC’s hotline, (800) 638-2772.