Deer like to rub antlers on certain tree trunks

It is time to protect the trunks of smooth-barked trees, such as young maples, from deer rubs. Deer rub their antlers on trees and will typically use the trunks of smooth-barked trees. This can damage the bark and even kill trees if the damage goes all around the trunk.

Wrap the trunks with tree wrap, chicken wire or plastic snow fencing to a height of 5 feet to help protect the tree. This protection can be removed in December or just wait until spring.

• Crabgrass may be evident in your lawn now, especially if it has been neglected. This annual weedy grass seeds readily in the fall. Keep it closely cut to prevent seed formation or pull it out by hand.

There are herbicides that will control crabgrass, but they will not be as effective after the crabgrass has set seed. Make note of bad areas in your lawn and apply a pre-emergent herbicide (one that prevents weed seeds from germinating) in early spring before lilacs flower, if you have a large infestation of crabgrass.

• Fertilize your lawn in September to improve the color and vigor of the grass. Nitrogen is the nutrient required the most, although too much nitrogen can cause excessive top growth and disease problems.

In most cases, a rate of 1 pound of nitrogen per 1000 square feet of lawn is adequate.

Many soils in the Chicago area have adequate levels of phosphorus so it is likely not needed for your lawn. Some villages ban the use of phosphorus to improve water quality as it can fuel algae growth in lakes and streams.

If you only fertilize your lawn once a year, this is the best time to fertilize it.

• It is time to order spring-flowering bulbs. Choose a site with well-drained soil and order enough bulbs to make an impact.

Any area in the garden that remains wet for long periods - or has standing water for any length of time - is unsuitable for bulbs. They prefer moisture in spring and fall and drought in summer. Most prefer full sun.

When planted beneath a high branching tree, early flowering spring bulbs will generally flower before the tree leafs out and will have only light shade to contend with, as their foliage matures. Leucojum aestivum, summer snowflake, does have some tolerance to moist soil conditions.

• Tim Johnson is director of horticulture at Chicago Botanic Garden, chicagobotanic.org.