Tip of the Week – Ease Winter Woes with a Winter Garden
Winter may seem dreary and dull, but it allows trees and shrubs to reveal distinct features that are otherwise hidden by foliage. Brightly colored twigs, weeping branches and interesting bark texture are just a few examples of the unexpected pleasure a landscape can provide in winter months. A mix of deciduous and evergreen trees and […]
Tip of the Week – Reuse that Christmas Tree!
The holiday season is coming to an end and Christmas trees are coming down. While many area villages offer curbside pickup of live Christmas trees, there are other options for using parts of the tree: Spread peanut butter on a smaller tree branch and dip it in bird seed. Hang the branch in a tree […]
Holiday “Did You Know?”
There are many symbols and traditions associated with the upcoming holiday season. Most of these are traditions that have carried over from generation to generation with stories behind the custom. Did you know: Mistletoe is a semi-parasitic plant that obtains water and mineral nutrients from its host plant, which are deciduous or evergreen trees. Most […]
O Christmas Tree, Where Do You Come From?
Balsam, Douglas, Fraser fir and Scotch pine, oh my! No matter what kind of tree you pick, the Christmas tree holds a special and important place as a Christmas tradition. The Christmas tree custom is traced to the 16th century in Germany. Its’ popularity reached beyond Germany during the second half of the 19th century. […]
PHC on the Lookout – Continue Watering!
Don’t put that hose away yet! With temperatures in the Chicago area expected to reach the upper 40’s this week, watering is still crucial to the landscape. Although many trees and shrubs appear dormant, they still continue to require our attention. To minimize winter water loss and winter burn, ensure your landscape is receiving adequate […]
Tip of the Week – Winter Protection for Trees and Shrubs
The winter season has arrived; the temperatures have dropped, the trees are entering dormancy, snow is flying and plow/salt trucks have been deployed. These typical winter conditions can affect the overall health of your plant material. Applying a few preventative maintenance strategies now may significantly reduce injury or loss of landscape plant material. Sunscald and […]
Gobble, Gobble. Let’s Talk Turkey!
For decades the turkey has been the centerpiece and highlight of many Thanksgiving meals. Whether you prefer it baked, stuffed or deep fried it’s often a staple at holiday family gatherings. Turkeys have a long and interesting history. Did you know… 46 million turkeys are eaten each year on Thanksgiving, with 88% of Americans eating […]
Thanksgiving is National Family History Day
Heart disease, cancer and diabetes may not seem like appropriate topics of conversation on Thanksgiving, but having these discussions with family members can help ensure a brighter and healthier future for yourself and future generations. Since 2004 the United States Surgeon General has declared Thanksgiving to be National Family History Day. Because many Americans spend […]
PHC on the Lookout – Fall Leaves are Falling!
The beautiful reds, yellows and oranges that brightened our trees are now littering our lawns. Leaf clean-up is not a fun chore, but it’s important for many reasons. Not only is leaf clean-up the neighborly thing to do, it may keep your landscape healthy the following year. Tree leaves are carriers for fungi and diseases […]
Tip of the Week – Illinois Forest Facts… Did You Know?
Illinois may be known for vast prairies and plains, but the forests are also a wonderful part of our state. The very first forestry course ever taught in our nation was at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Illinois has a long and rich history with our forests. 97% of Illinois forest trees are classified […]
