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Although planting trees and mowing the lawn may be weeks away, there are some things that can be done now. Rigid plastic wrap and paper wrappings can be removed from the trunks of young trees in early April.

Tree specialists may differ in opinion as to whether tree wrap is beneficial, but everyone agrees that it must come off in early spring. Tree wrap keeps the trunk moist in warmer weather increasing the likelihood of rotting and damage.

Pruning is as important to the aesthetic value of a tree as it is in promoting plant health. It shapes a tree giving it a strong, attractive form that will support fruit and help to prevent storm damage. The late dormant season is best for most pruning and should be done before mid-April. It is also the best time because you're able to see the tree's structure without leaves obscuring the branches. Pruning at the proper time can help avoid certain diseases and physiological problems.

To avoid oak wilt, DO NOT prune oak trees during April, May or June. Wait until later in the season, or better yet, next February or March to have them pruned. Oak wilt is a lethal fungal disease that runs rampantly in Chisago County. Northern pin oaks and red oaks are more susceptible to this disease than are white oaks and bur oaks.

Prune apple trees, including flowering crabapples, mountain ash and hawthorns in February through early April. Spring or summer pruning increases chances for infection and spreading of fireblight, a bacterial disease.

Evergreens require little pruning. Spruces and firs don't grow continuously, but can be pruned any time because they have lateral (side) buds that will sprout if the terminal (tip) buds are removed. Pines, however, only put on a single flush of tip growth each spring. Prune before these "candles" as they're often called, of new needles become mature. The only reason to prune a pine would be to promote more dense growth. White pines, scotch pines and Austrian pines are common area trees. Popular spruce trees include the Norway spruce and black hills spruce.

One exciting thing to do before the growing season begins is to page through the plethora of gardening catalogs and magazines in search of different trees that could create a mini-arboretum in your yard!

Multi-season allstars include a variety of lofty maples and oaks, an cascading weeping willows. All of these trees are known for shade, size and stature.

Ornamental trees are smaller and perfect for a city lot, or planted beside a building. These include crabapples, apple trees and mountain ash. Evergreens are a constant factor in any landscaping plan and provide lush color all year long.

One caveat: don't fall in love with the picturesque "Colorado blue spruce." Colorado blues are vulnerable to a host of problems and will eventually fall prey to insect damage, disease and environmental stress. Colorado blue spruce have problems in Minnesota because they're not native to our humid summers. They prefer the arid climate of the western mountain states (hence the name Colorado).

Nothing signals the arrival of spring more than the flowering crabapples. You don't have to drive very far in May before you spot a variety of this popular Minnesota tree. They bloom abundantly in the spring and some have an attractive display of fruit for six months or more. Crabapples are intolerant of poorly drained soil and should be grown in full sun. Shade will diminish the quantity of blooms and fruit. Hybridization has brought us a wide range of colors and forms to suit any taste and location. Most show extreme hardiness and some are more disease resistant than others.

The following are my favorites:

•Red Splendo grows to a height of 25 feet. Flowers are light rose-red and fruit are showy from July until March, unless the birds enjoy them first! This is one of the reasons I planted them.

•Royalty has deep crimson flowers with deep red leaves and grows to 20 feet.

•Snowdrift carries pink buds that are white when open. The abundant 1/2-inch fruits are red. It's a dainty and ornate 20-25 feet tall when mature.

•Prairie fire is one of the most disease-resistant cultivars with hot pink flowers and burgundy-tipped foliage. This tree grows to a compact 15 feet. An orchard full of these crabapples is sure to be a vibrant and spectacular sight, deserving of its name.

Happy spring!

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