Tip of the Week – When Should You Prune Your Trees?
This is a common question beginning in early spring. The answer varies, based on the specific tree or shrub and the situation. There are preferred pruning seasons for many trees and shrubs: Many Pine varieties are best pruned after the tree candles have elongated, typically in mid to late June. Spruce trees can be done […]
Tip of the Week – Prevent Road Salt Damage on Your Parkway Trees
The hard winter we experienced is almost behind us, but the effects are lingering. While City Crews worked hard this winter to keep the streets free of ice, the road salt used can damage trees and shrubs near the street. Symptoms of salt damage on plants include “leaf scorch” around the leaf margins on a […]
Tip of the Week – Frost Cracking
Frost cracking occurs when the tree bark separates from the wood. Interestingly, frost cracks are not caused by frost, but due to the tree wood drying and shrinking. This creates splits and openings in the tree, some big enough for a hand to fit through. Unfortunately this also makes the tree more susceptible to cankers […]
Tip of the Week – What is Urban Forestry?
Forestry is the science or skill of planting, growing and managing trees and forests. What does this mean in a city or suburban setting? Urban settings present different challenges than trees would face in a forested area. Urban Forestry manages the trees in and around cities and suburban areas. It requires attention to issues not […]
PHC on the Lookout – What are Degree Days?
As the spring season approaches, insects and plant diseases begin their own progression, along with the plants they attack. Rather than calendars, insects use the weather as their determination of when spring begins. When temperatures start warming up, insects begin to exit from their dormant stage. This doesn’t happen immediately. For example, a few unseasonably […]
Tip of the Week – Landscaping to Promote Energy Efficiency in the Home
Trees and shrubs not only have aesthetic appeal, they also serve useful purposes in a landscape. If planned and planted properly, trees and shrubs help maintain or deflect heat from a home, block strong winter winds and provide insulation. The key is to properly plan, with these goals in mind. A home gathers much of […]
PHC on the Lookout – Fall Webworm
Come September, Fall Webworms are found munching on a large variety of deciduous trees and shrubs. Preferred host trees include Hickory, Ash, Birch, Black Walnut, Crabapple, Elm, Maple, Oak and Pecan, but their feeding is not limited to these species. Fall Webworms are often confused with the Eastern Tent […]
Tip of the Week – Fall Fertilization
Although trees and shrubs go dormant for the winter season, taking care of the soil is still important, and if done properly can be highly beneficial for plant growth in the spring. Soil is the building block to a healthy landscape and fertilizing is one method of supporting the soil. When fertilizing in the fall, […]
Tip of the Week – Watering
As the old song goes, “Let it Rain, Let it Rain, Let it Rain”. For certain, Illinois needs the rain. The entire State is currently experiencing some form of drought, with the most severe conditions affecting the southern part of Illinois. People aren’t the only ones feeling the effect of the drought. Trees and shrubs […]
Tip of the Week – Mulch
Mulch is extremely beneficial to the health of a tree for a multitude of reasons. Proper mulching of your trees and landscape beds will help prolong your plants as well as enhance your landscape. There are many types of mulch a consumer can choose from. How do you know which one to choose? The answer […]