If you haven't already done it, be sure to rake up those leaves.   Letting them sit too long can damage the grass underneath. Keeping your lawn clean can improve the chances of winter survival and minimize damage. Turf that is left covered with leaves or lots of pine needles face a lack of air, light and will often succumb to ice damage in a weakened state.

The winter months are a good time to prune roses, Japanese Maples, ornamental and fruit trees, as well as cutting back ornamental grasses and perennials. Dormant pruning is done during the winter months when the plants are in a dormant stage. This has several advantages. It is less stressful on the plant, the cuts will heal faster and it is easier to see disease or damage.   The effects of this winter pruning are especially visible in the spring because it can foster more vibrant blooms from flowering trees as well as more numerous and healthier fruits from fruit-bearing trees.

Be sure to till your gardens before the ground freezes. This will get you off to a good start in the spring.  Vegetable gardens and flower beds need good tilling to loosen the soil ready for new planting. This operation should be done at the end of the autumn to avoid having too much to do in spring.