Tip of the Week – Tis the Season for Giving
The Holiday season is well under way. Gifts, wrapping paper, holiday cards and treats of all sorts are just a few things we expect during the Holidays. Of course, giving is just as important as receiving. Openlands TreeKeepers® is one way to give back to local Chicago area communities by identifying potential tree problems and […]
Tip of the Week – Winter Beauty with a Winter Garden
This time of year, outdoor color and interest is usually lacking. Annuals have finished their season, perennials have died back and deciduous trees and shrubs have become bare. But don’t lose hope. There are many striking options to add color and attraction in the winter landscape. One option is evergreen trees and shrubs, which add […]
Come Celebrate the Season in West Chicago!
Frosty Fest returns to West Chicago and promises to offer holiday fun for all! Kramer Tree Specialists is excited to participate by providing the lighting and ornament decorations for the tree that will light up downtown West Chicago during the entire holiday season. Festivities begin Saturday, December 5th at 1:30 p.m. in downtown West Chicago. […]
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. […]