The first thing to do after a significant storm is to carefully look for broken or damaged branches hanging in the crown of the tree.
Which trees should be rescued after storm damage?
Category: Home and Garden
Thank trees for pumpkin spice
When you sip a pumpkin spice latte or light up a pumpkin spice candle, you owe trees a “thank you.” “Most of the spices come from trees,” said Spencer Campbell, Plant Clinic manager of The Morton Arboretum in Lisle. The taste and scent combination generally referred to as “pumpkin spice,” long associated with pumpkin pies […]
Give a new tree a good start in fall
While you wait for autumn leaves to fall, consider planting a tree. “If you plant a tree in early autumn, the soil will still be warm enough to encourage root growth for at least two months,” said Sharon Yiesla, plant knowledge specialist at The Morton Arboretum in Lisle. “Growing roots is the most important thing for a new tree.” Plan to get a tree in the ground before mid-October to give the roots time to grow before the soil freezes. While they grow, you’ll need to water. Watering has become even more critical for new trees as the weather has […]
Enjoy goldenrod and don’t fear sneezing
If your allergies act up in late summer, don’t blame goldenrod.
Blue spruce in decline may need more maintenance
I have a large blue spruce tree in front of my home. It is taller than my two-story home, and when I moved in eight years ago, it was a beautiful tree with only a few dying branches on the bottom 2 feet. This year, the dead branches extend up more than 6 feet. I’m […]
Make your garden a friendly rest stop for migrating birds
More than 200 species of birds fly through the Chicago area every autumn, following Lake Michigan and the Mississippi River south for the winter.
Go native in your garden
Late summer is a great time of year to look for native prairie plants that might bring beauty and wildlife habitat to your garden.
Eradicating grassy weeds takes patience and persistence
Grassy weeds are difficult to eradicate once they get established.
Here’s permission to be a lazy gardener as summer wanes
By the time August comes with its heat and humidity, many gardeners are ready for a break and so are many plants. “The growing season is starting to wind down,” said Sharon Yiesla, plant knowledge specialist in the Plant Clinic at The Morton Arboretum in Lisle. “You still need to do some things for your […]
Don’t let yellowjackets be a buzzkill in your yard
It certainly is annoying to battle yellow jackets as you are eating in your yard this season.