PHC on the Lookout – Got Scale?
Scale insects are a large family that feed on a wide range of host plants and have many different appearances. Scale is usually divided into two categories: armored and soft body scale. Armored scale insects, in the adult stage, have a hard outer cover that makes treatment timing critical. All scale insects have a series […]
Tip of the Week – Tree City USA in Illinois
Have you seen the sign that designates a community as a Tree City USA? Ever wondered what it means to be a Tree City USA town or city? Illinois is currently home to approximately 167 Tree City USA communities. In the recent past, Illinois was second in the nation for the number of Tree City […]
Tip of the Week – Viburnum Leaf Beetle
Have viburnums? If so, it is time to scout your plants. The Viburnum Leaf Beetle (VLB) is voracious, insatiable and will treat your shrubs like an “all you can eat” salad bar. The eggs have hatched and the larvae are currently feeding on the undersides of foliage, defoliating between the midrib and larger veins. The larvae […]
Tip of the Week – Where Did That Firewood Come From?
The summer is almost upon us, which means camping for many people. Campfires and camping go hand in hand. Before you purchase firewood for your campfire this summer keep in mind that many tree-killing pests are transported by hitchhiking on infested wood. Prevent the spread of harmful diseases and insects by following these steps: Purchase […]
Tip of the Week – Fire Blight
New leaf growth that appears water-soaked or wilted and turns from brown to black are symptoms of Fire Blight. New leaf growth is most affected and stems may fold over. The leaves appear as though they were torched with fire, hence the name, Fire Blight. Fire Blight is a bacterial disease that affects plants in […]
O Christmas Tree, Where Do You Come From?
Balsam, Douglas, Fraser fir and Scotch pine, oh my! No matter what kind of tree you pick, the Christmas tree holds a special and important place as a Christmas tradition. The Christmas tree custom is traced to the 16th century in Germany. Its’ popularity reached beyond Germany during the second half of the 19th century. […]
Tip of the Week – Ladybugs, Ladybugs Everywhere!
Along with the beautiful fall tree colors comes the annual migration of Asian ladybeetles. Asian ladybeetles were introduced into the United States in the 1970’s to control the Pecan aphid in Georgia. Unfortunately, they have worked their way up and overtaken the native ladybug population in many parts of the country. While native ladybugs tend […]
PHC on the Lookout – Spots on Your Tree Leaves?
Cool, wet conditions are the perfect weather for fungal growth. This is exactly the type of weather the Chicago area experienced this spring and early summer. There are many types of fungi that infect trees. One type is Anthracnose, which is commonly found on Maple, Ash, Oak, Sycamore and Walnut trees. But Dogwood, Catalpa, Linden […]
Tip of the Week – Creating a Sustainable Landscape
What is a sustainable landscape? Considering the environmental impact that the landscape will have is the first step when creating a sustainable landscape. A sustainable landscape respects the local climate and wildlife, which in turn can potentially reduce the need for excessive use of fertilizers, pesticides and watering. Selection of plants that are conducive to […]
Celebrate Earth Day 2014!
Pick up litter, start composting, create a work of art using only recycled materials or start a windowsill vegetable garden. There are many ways to celebrate Earth Day. Established in 1970, April 22nd is designated as a day to encourage appreciation for the Earth and our environment. There are events and celebrations occurring throughout the […]