It's now officially winter but the leaves of most oak and ornamental pear trees have just now fallen.   Even though you may wish your leaf removal was done for the season, don’t forget to do a good raking/blowing of these final fallen leaves.  

Your landscape beds must also not be forgotten.  It's important to do one final cleaning of your shrub beds, as accumulated leaves and debris on and around the landscape plantings can be a winter haven for insects and other pests. Leaf litter in excess in your beds can also have a smothering effect to your landscape plantings. So, be sure to clean up the last of these stubborn leaves…then you can put your rake away until spring!  

Enjoy your winter season!