From our Family to Yours, Happy Thanksgiving!
Celebrating with family and friends is what makes Thanksgiving a special holiday. Traditions, both old and new are born from the time spent together with loved ones. A story passed down from the time of Pilgrims is that of the 5 Kernels of Corn. During one of the darkest winters for the Pilgrims, each received […]
“Spooky” Landscapes for Halloween
Get creative this Halloween with landscape decorations that will scare away goblins and ghouls. It’s easy to use what already exists in the yard. Dress up small ornamental trees as ghosts by draping them with ghostly sheets. Boo! Trees also make excellent spots to hang ghosts, bats, crows, and other frightening decorations that are […]
Tip of the Week – What is Seasonal Needle Drop?
Needle drop is a term used to describe the normal process that happens to many evergreens during the fall season. While it is usually a normal occurrence it can be worrisome for homeowners not familiar with this seasonal change. Keep in mind that every needle on an evergreen has a certain life span. As it […]
Tip of the Week – Take a Trip to see the Oldest Known Tree in Illinois
What is it like to live over 1,000 years? A Bald Cypress tree in southern Illinois knows the answer to that question. The Cache River in southern Illinois is home to a Bald Cypress tree that is over 1,000 years old. In the midst of the swamp rises a majestic, storm-battered tree that has lived […]
Tip of the Week – What’s Wrong with My Tree?
Smaller leaves, slower growth, earlier fall season color or early leaf drop are all characteristics of a tree that is declining. While these can also signal a specific disease or insect infestation, sometimes the decline cannot be linked to just one cause. Why does this happen to a tree? There are usually a number of […]
Tip of the Week – Before You Plant those Fall Bulbs…
As temperatures begin to cool and summer comes to an end, we enter the optimum time for planting spring blooming bulbs. Tulips, Daffodils, Hyacinths, Crocus, plus many others need to be planted now for spring color. But where you decide to plant the bulbs can be a very important decision. Not only do larger bulb […]
Tip of the Week – Leaf Recycling
Most people know the importance of paper and plastic recycling, but what about leaves? The advantages of leaf material in the landscape are numerous. Keep these benefits in mind when raking this fall: Leaves are an excellent source of organic matter that will promote microbial activity in the soil, which in turn helps plant growth. […]
Tip of the Week – Continuing Tree Care
Children have returned to school and temperatures have cooled recently, but it’s still summer according to the calendar. Trees still require our attention and care. There are many tree maintenance chores that will help keep trees happy and healthy. Reduce tree stress caused by dry and hot summer days by offering supplemental watering. If moisture […]
Kramer Tree Specialists collaborates with Geneva Elementary School
Kramer Tree Specialists recently collaborated with Western Avenue Elementary School in Geneva and Girl Scout Troop #4868 on a fun and worthwhile project. Twelve tree stumps have been added to the school’s 3200 square feet garden area. These stumps are the newest addition to the garden’s reading circle. Girl Scout Troop #4868 provided their wonderful […]
PHC on the Lookout – Maple Tar Spot
Just as the name indicates, this plant fungus disease appears as black spots on the leaves. It’s as if someone flung paint or tar all over the tree leaves. Occasionally, the tree also develops lesions, or wounds on the leaves that appear more yellow or rust colored. Several varieties of Maple trees are affected, but […]