Gypsy Moth targeted for Treatment by The State of Illinois
The gypsy moth is a relatively new pest to North America and Illinois. In the 1860’s a French scientist brought the gypsy moth to the United States in the hopes of breeding it with silk moths. Because the two moths are not in the same insect family, creating a new breed was impossible. Unfortunately the […]
Tip of the Week – Frost Cracking
Frost cracking occurs when the tree bark separates from the wood. Interestingly, frost cracks are not caused by frost, but due to the tree wood drying and shrinking. This creates splits and openings in the tree, some big enough for a hand to fit through. Unfortunately this also makes the tree more susceptible to cankers […]
Tip of the Week – What’s That Smell?
The Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) has arrived in Illinois. For the last few years, the number of sightings has steadily increased in our state. This pest wreaks (and reeks) havoc on fruit and vegetable crops, in addition to woody plants, such as trees. […]
Tip of the Week – Boxelder Bugs are Back!
Mounds of writhing blackish and red insects, in mid-summer to early fall, are often an indication of a Boxelder Bug infestation. Although they are a nuisance, the Boxelder Bug does not actually harm the areas they congregate and because it may be a temporary stopping location, the bugs may be gone in just a couple […]
Water, Water, Water…
While we experienced a wet spring, that hasn’t been the situation lately. The occasional rain storm hasn’t been sufficient to keep many landscapes healthy and happy. Plants continue to grow through the fall season and keeping the landscape well hydrated is an important part of maintaining plant health year-round. Perennials and deciduous trees begin to […]
Finding Fall Webworms?
Fall Webworm can be found munching on a large variety of deciduous trees and shrubs in August and September. Preferred host trees include Hickory, Ash, Birch, Black Walnut, Crabapple, Elm, Maple, Oak and Pecan, but their feeding is not limited to these species. It is often confused with the Eastern Tent Caterpillar, a destructive […]
Tree of the Week – White Oak
The White Oak tree is an outstanding species among all trees and is considered one of the finest hardwoods of eastern North America. White Oak is a tall growing tree that averages a height of 65 feet in good soil and often grows as wide as it is tall. A mature White Oak tree is […]
Tree of the Week – Sweetbay Magnolia
Also known by its’ botanical name, Magnolia virginiana, the Sweetbay Magnolia is a wonderful addition to the landscape in usda hardiness zones 5-9. Creamy, lemon scented flowers appear in late June and are one of the most spectacular features of the Sweetbay Magnolia. In late summer, the beautiful flowers are replaced by scarlet red fruit, which […]
Pest to Watch For – Boxelder Bug
Mounds of writhing blackish and red insects, in mid-summer to early fall, are often an indication of a Boxelder Bug infestation. Although they are a nuisance, the Boxelder Bug does not actually harm the areas they congregate and because it may be a temporary stopping location, the bugs may be gone in just a couple […]
Tree of the Week – American Yellowwood
Considered a rare tree in the wild, the American Yellowwood is native to parts of Illinois. Its’ habitat in Illinois is primarily in the Southern part of the State and is found in woodland areas in river valleys, lower slopes of wooded bluffs and shaded banks near rivers. Luckily for homeowners, the American Yellowwood is […]