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A Blanket of Snow is a Quiet Winter Gift
Winter in Northern Illinois can feel long and gray, and when it comes sooner than expected, it can be downright harsh. However, for our trees, those quiet stretches of snow-covered
Why Sassafras Is Shining This Fall: Pest Cycles, Color, and Ecology
In Chicago and the collar counties we have had deep ground frost over the past two winters due to the lack of snow cover resulting in less survival of certain
Black Tupelo: A Native Gem for Illinois Landscapes
Meet the Black Tupelo, an Illinois native, a wildlife magnet, and undisputed champion of “Best Dressed in Autumn.” It may take its sweet time settling in after planting, but once
Seasonal Needle Drop in Chicagoland: What’s Normal and What Isn’t
As we move past summer and head into fall, many residents in the area begin to notice yellowing needles and a sprinkling of brown needles dropping around their coniferous trees.
Why Hackberry Trees Deserve a Place in Chicagoland Landscapes
As a Board Certified Master Arborist, I’m often asked what tree species perform well in our urban landscapes. While many homeowners are familiar with maples, oaks, and elms, one underappreciated
Why Plant Native Trees in Chicagoland?
When we talk about building healthier, more resilient urban forests in Chicagoland, one of the most important steps we can take is planting native trees. Native trees have evolved alongside
Dutch Elm Disease in Illinois: Still a Threat to Our Urban Forest
In the early 20th century, American elm (Ulmus americana) was the dominant street tree across much of the Midwest, admired for its graceful form and hardiness. When Dutch elm disease
Oak Wilt in Chicagoland: A Silent Threat to Our Oaks
Oak trees are more than just beautiful; they’re vital for wildlife, stormwater management, and air quality in our communities. However, Oak Wilt, a lethal disease, threatens thousands of oaks in
The Arborist’s Advantage: Strengthening Trees with Support Systems
As ISA-certified arborists, we’re privileged to work closely with trees, witnessing their incredible beauty and resilience up close. We’re dedicated to their health and longevity. Sometimes, though, we identify trees
What Does It Mean to Be TCIA Accredited? Elevating Tree Care in Chicagoland and NW Indiana Region
Maintaining our urban forest requires extensive knowledge, skills and expertise. To assist consumers in making the best decision for their tree care, the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA) has developed
Unraveling the Mystery: Girdling Roots and Tree Damage
Girdling roots, a serious problem for many trees in our urban forest, are roots that encircle the trunk and/or root flare of a tree. These roots stunt the growth of
Learning Never Stops: 50 Years of Innovation at KTS
We are celebrating 50 years of KTS caring for residential and commercial properties. We started the traditional way with a rope, chainsaw and truck. My brother and I were 3
Cicada Season Wrap-Up: Assessing Tree Damage and Recovery Tips
As periodic cicadas wind down now, you can go and check out any impacts that may have happened to your trees. Cicadas are natural and native, having evolved with our
Cicada Emergence – It’s Actually Pretty Cool!
The great Cicada emergence is quickly approaching here in northern Illinois. This remarkable event occurs once every seventeen years (17 yrs.) 2007 was the last time Brood XIII (Brood 13),
Benefits of Transplanting Large Trees
Planting trees has a huge impact on our communities. Most people are aware of the typical tree planting process. This usually includes a small diameter tree where the roots what
Building a new deck? Don’t forget about your trees
Summer is the time of year that we get the chance to do that outdoor construction project we’ve been dreaming of. Adding that new deck onto the house or redesigning
Dormant Oil – Early Season PHC Application
Dormant oil, or sometimes referred to as horticultural oil, is an arboriculture application that is done at the very end of the dormant season and prior to main part of
Apple Scab – What’s wrong with my Crabapple tree?
Have you noticed brown spots on the leaves of your Crabapple that appear to elongate as the season progresses? Did the brown-spotted leaves turn yellow and drop earlier than normal?
ANTI-TRANSPIRANT FOLIAR TREATMENTS
Evergreens are just that, green year-round. These include boxwoods, holly, arborvitae, pine, spruce, fir, etc.. This also means that they transpire all year, including during the winter. Basically, they take
Tree Care is a Year Round Effort – Fall Tree Care
As we begin the school year and football season, it isn’t uncommon for our trees to take a back seat as the growing season tends to be the most active
Our Urban Forest is More than Trees – Michigan Lilies
Michigan Lilies: A Hidden Gem in Illinois Exploring the beauty of nature is a past time for many. Extensive travel is not necessary to fall upon spectacular sights. So much
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