Tip of the Week – Reclaiming Wood
Unique patterns, antique beauty and durable, long-lasting quality are just a few characteristics found in reclaimed wood products. There is a distinctive story behind each furniture piece or floorboard. This is a trend that is gathering steam and popularity as consumers want to recycle what already exists. Another trend becoming popular is using Ash trees […]
PHC on the Lookout – Scale 101
Scale insects are a large group of different species that vary in size, color and shape. Host plants include commonly used shade trees, evergreens, shrubs, groundcovers and others. Heavy infestations can seriously debilitate the host plant, possibly killing the plant if infestations continue year after year. 2016 has seen the return of many scale species […]
PHC on the Lookout – Is There a Fungus Among Us?
Cool, moist early spring weather is ideal for many types of fungi growth, which is exactly what the Chicago area experienced this year. Many commonly used shade trees in Illinois are affected by anthracnose diseases, when weather conditions are ripe for fungi development. Maple, ash, oak, sycamore and walnut trees are especially impacted, but many […]
PHC on the Lookout – Have Galls?
Are you noticing green, red or black bumps on your maple tree leaves? Are there small lumps, spiny bulges or apple-like growths on your oak tree? How about green and purplish brown nipples on the leaf surface of your hackberry tree? Galls are commonly found in Illinois, affecting maple, oak and hackberry trees, plus many […]
Celebrate the Season at Blooming Fest 2016!
West Chicago is preparing for the return of spring by celebrating the annual Blooming Fest. Come enjoy fun, family-friendly activities at this free admission event in downtown West Chicago. Blooming Fest 2016 is Saturday, May 21st. Blooming Fest activities this year includes collaboration with the West Chicago Cultural Arts Commission in presenting a special art […]
Tip of the Week – TLC for your Trees
Chicago area trees are slowly starting to wake up from their winter dormancy. Spring rains seem to bring “instant green” overnight. The beautiful spring colors also a great indicator that it’s time for landscape rejuvenation and care. Trees in urban and suburban settings benefit from special attention to keep them healthy and happy. Do your […]
Arbor Day – Did You Know?
Arbor Day, a day to celebrate and nurture trees, is fast approaching on April 29th. But what is Arbor Day and what is its significance? Arbor Day celebrations began in the year 1872 in Nebraska as a day set aside to plant trees. Over one million trees were planted in Nebraska on the first Arbor […]
Celebrate Earth Day 2016!
The beautiful spring days we are experiencing makes it more enjoyable than ever to get outside and take advantage of all that Mother Nature offers. Earth Day events and activities are a great reminder to celebrate and cherish the planet. April 22nd marks over 45 years of Earth Day celebrations. The Chicago area offers a […]
PHC on the Lookout – Spring Spray Programs Starting Soon!
Did you receive recommendations from the PHC Department that included a spring spray program? The PHC Department will start many of the spray programs soon. There is still time to get on the schedule for the full amount of recommended sprays. Our spray programs include Apple Scab fungus treatments, Diplodia, Dothistroma and Zimmerman Pine Moth […]
PHC on the Lookout – Plant Health Care Proposals are Coming Soon!
With spring just around the corner, it’s time to start planning for the health of your trees. The extreme weather conditions we’ve experienced in the past have made it more important than ever to properly care for your trees and shrubs. Not to mention the pest outbreaks many clients experienced last year. The PHC Department […]