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 […]

PAWS Chicago rescues dogs, puppies and cats from closing downstate shelter

A van on a rescue mission rolled to a halt in a lot behind PAWS Chicago’s medical center in Little Village Wednesday afternoon. When the vehicle’s side doors slid open, the beagles inside began to howl as if to celebrate the end of a successful journey. The three adult beagles — plus three puppies and 16 cats — had traveled more than 300 miles to Chicago from the Humane Society of Southern Illinois in Murphysboro, near Carbondale. The shelter is scheduled to close later this year due to “increasing costs” and “lack of adequate funding,” among other reasons, according to […]