Dutch Elm Disease in Illinois: Still a Threat to Our Urban Forest
In the early 20th century, American elm (Ulmus americana) was the dominant street tree across much of the Midwest, admired for its graceful form and hardiness. When Dutch elm disease (DED) arrived, it decimated entire neighborhoods. Though the most severe outbreaks occurred mid-century, and are no longer making headlines, DED is still active today and […]
The Arborist’s Advantage: Strengthening Trees with Support Systems
As ISA-certified arborists, we’re privileged to work closely with trees, witnessing their incredible beauty and resilience up close. We’re dedicated to their health and longevity. Sometimes, though, we identify trees that need extra support to ensure their stability, safety, and a long life. In these cases, canopy support systems become vital. Why Do Trees Need […]
What Does It Mean to Be TCIA Accredited? Elevating Tree Care in Chicagoland and NW Indiana Region
Maintaining our urban forest requires extensive knowledge, skills and expertise. To assist consumers in making the best decision for their tree care, the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA) has developed the TCIA Accreditation credential, a program that stands as a critical standard for safe and professional tree care companies. This rigorous third-party verification, administered by […]
Unraveling the Mystery: Girdling Roots and Tree Damage
Girdling roots, a serious problem for many trees in our urban forest, are roots that encircle the trunk and/or root flare of a tree. These roots stunt the growth of your tree and are detrimental to the long term health of your tree. As a result of girdling roots, a tree may display symptoms such […]
Benefits of Transplanting Large Trees
Planting trees has a huge impact on our communities. Most people are aware of the typical tree planting process. This usually includes a small diameter tree where the roots what is often referred to in the industry as balled and burlapped, where the tree is dug from the field and then the “root ball” wrapped […]
Watering Bags – Easy Way To Water Your Tree
With the drought conditions that we have been experiencing, this spring and now into summer, everybody is looking for some kind of relief for their lawns and gardens. Driving down the street you will see most yards have gone dormant without any rain. In this vast landscape of brown yards, you will see some yards […]
Root Collar Excavation
Root Collar Excavation (RCE) is the process of excavating soil from around the trunk of a tree to inspect the root collar. This process is done to help expose the root flare, amend any compacted soil issues and inspect the root zone for overall root health and any potential girdling root concerns. Girdling roots are […]
Planting & Watering Practices For Your New Tree
Spring is a time of year when tree planting comes to the forefront of many people’s minds. Arbor Day is April 28th and with that and other events in the Spring, come tree giveaways or discounted trees. If you are reading this before May 20th, 2023, come find our booth at Blooming Fest in West […]
Tree Cabling Gives a Second Chance
As practitioners of professional arboriculture, it is our goal to make decisions that lead to trees in our urban forest to be as healthy and safe as possible. When it comes to structural integrity of trees, we will never be able to eliminate risk or hazards completely. Yet, there are practices that we can do […]
Right Tree Right Place
Planting a tree is one of the best, low-cost investments property owners can do for themselves and for the community. Trees clean air, prevent erosion, manage stormwater, cool landscapes, provides beauty, and increases property values, to name a few. These benefits are only enjoyed when the right tree is planted in the right place. Proper […]