Celebrate OAKtober!
The mighty oak tree is featured during the month of October, which in 2015, was proclaimed as Oak Awareness Month in Illinois. The focus on oak trees comes as a result of their decline in the state of Illinois. At one point in history, oak trees comprised 60% of the tree canopy in the Chicago […]
PHC on the Lookout – Leaf Spots Making an Appearance this Fall?
A cool, wet spring often brings increased fungi growth on trees, shrubs and other plants in the landscape. Sometimes the fungus doesn’t become evident until late summer or during the fall season. Brown, black and yellow spots, leaf blotches and distortion, and early leaf drop are all symptoms of fungal diseases. Keep in mind, these […]
Tip of the Week – Remove Dead Ash tree, Before it’s too Late!
The ash tree on your property provided years of enjoyment, shade, and beauty, but unfortunately, it has become infested with emerald ash borer and it’s past the time for effective treatment. The ash tree continues to decline until it’s completely dead. Removing the tree is the next step. For many homeowners living in villages around […]
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 […]