PHC on the Lookout – Likin’ Lichens
Although a bit intimidating to look at, lichens are a symbiotic combination of a fungus and algae that appears mainly on older trees, but also occasionally younger trees. Lichens are also found growing on rocks, houses and tree stumps. The appearance of lichens may actually be a good thing, as it indicates the air quality […]
Tip of the Week – Fire Blight
New leaf growth that appears water-soaked or wilted and turns from brown to black are symptoms of Fire Blight. New leaf growth is most affected and stems may fold over. The leaves appear as though they were torched with fire, hence the name, Fire Blight. Fire Blight is a bacterial disease that affects plants in […]
Blooming Fest 2015!
Once again, West Chicago will celebrate spring and all the beauty it brings. Color and fun abounds at this year’s Blooming Fest on May 16th in downtown West Chicago. Admission is free for this family friendly event. Kick off the spring season right with healthy eating and a fitness plan. Healthy West Chicago is a […]
Tip of the Week – Become Aware! May is Illinois Invasive Species Awareness Month
The Illinois Invasive Species Awareness Month (ISAM) which occurs in May, is a statewide effort dedicated to informing everyone in Illinois about the threat of invasive species. This includes invasive insects, plants, diseases and animals. The theme for this year’s ISAM is Preserving Illinois’ Wild Side. Each and every citizen in Illinois can help protect […]
We Love You Mom!
Mother’s Day is fast approaching and you may be scrambling to come up with gift ideas. Of course, you know your Mom best, but let these ideas inspire you. There are a wide variety of activities to explore throughout the Chicago area: Does your Mom like the theater? There are performances from the Blue Man […]
Celebrate Arbor Day Every Day!
Arbor Day was officially celebrated April 24th this year, but let’s branch out and continue to celebrate trees! Over 135 years ago Julius Sterling Morton established the first Arbor Day celebration in Nebraska. J. Sterling Morton asked that one day was set aside to plant trees, both forest and fruit. More than one million […]
Tip of the Week – Winter Burn
Spring has sprung and Mother Nature is returning color back into our landscape; trees are breaking dormancy, spring ephemerals are covering the forest floors and flower blooms are becoming abundant. This flush of growth brings relief that winter is behind us, but also accentuates the damaging effects of the past dormant season. Specific winter injury […]
PHC on the Lookout – Spring Cleaning for the Yard!
Just as we air out the house and clean areas neglected during the winter, it’s also important to tidy the yard and get it ready for the upcoming growing season. Leaves and plant debris left over from the previous year can harbor diseases that will carry over to the following year. Keep in mind, there […]
Tip of the Week – Why You Should Hire an Insured Tree Company
Will you contract with a tree company this year for tree pruning, tree removal or treatment services? If so, it’s critical that the tree company you hire to do work at your home or property is properly insured. This includes both liability and workers compensation coverage. Without this protection, the homeowner is left vulnerable if […]
PHC Department is Starting Apple Scab Treatments Soon… Call Today to get on the Schedule!
While we are still experiencing cool day and night temperatures, Crabapple trees are slowly beginning to show leaf bud break, which is necessary to start Apple Scab Fungus spray applications. The Plant Health Care Department at Kramer Tree Specialists is carefully monitoring Crabapple trees in our area to determine the best time to start the […]