Pollinator Info Without the actions of pollinators, agricultural economies, our food supply, and surrounding landscapes would collapse. Birds, bats, bees, butterflies, beetles, and other small mammals that pollinate plants are responsible for bringing us one out of every three bites of food. They also sustain our ecosystems and produce our natural resources by helping plants … Read More “Plants Beneficial for Pollinators”
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Pruning Information There are many different reasons why a tree may need to be pruned. Some reasons to prune trees include improving appearance, removing branches that obstruct pathways, and promoting new growth. Most quality tree nurseries prune their trees in a way that allows the homeowner to not have to prune trees for many years, … Read More “How to Prune Trees”
One of the most important things when it comes to growing your own vegetables is knowing when the best time to plant them outside is. Different vegetables have different cold tolerances, some are able to be planted when there is still a chance of frost happening (in our area, the last frost is typically around … Read More “Vegetable Planting Chart for Northern Illinois”
What causes salt damage? Across the Midwest, the use of deicing salts in winter to maintain safe roadways, sidewalks, and driveways is a common practice. Despite the benefits, deicing salt deposited on trees and shrubs can cause extensive damage. Deicing salt is dispersed from roads by plowing, meltwater runoff, splash, and aerial spray. Plants sensitive … Read More “Salt-Tolerant Landscape Solutions”
What is Plantskydd? Plantskydd is a certified organic, blood-based animal repellant intended for deer, rabbits, squirrels, voles and chipmunks. It is rain and snow resistant, and typically lasts 4-6 weeks after the initial application. How does it Work? Plantskydd repels by emitting an odor browsing animals associate with predator activity—stimulating a fear-based response that will have garden … Read More “Plantskydd Organic Deer & Rabbit Repellant”
Microgreens are young seedlings of vegetables and herbs that come in a variety of flavors. They are easy to grow, packed with nutrients, and taste great with just about everything. Microgreens are Nutrient Powerhouses The amount of nutrients inside microgreens is incredible. Certain types of microgreens have been found to contain up to 40 times … Read More “What are Microgreens?”
TREES Bald-cypress (Taxodium distichum) Beech (Fagus spp.) Birch (Betula spp.) Black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) Catalpa (Catalpa spp.) Chestnut (Castanea spp.) Dawn redwood (Metasequoia glyptostroboides) Giant arborvitae (Thuja plicata) Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) Honey-locust (Gleditsia triacanthos) Ironwood (Ostrya virginiana) Japanese tree lilac (Syringa reticulata) Larch (Larix spp.) Redbud (Cercis canadensis) Sassafras (Sassafras albidum) Smoke tree (Cotinus spp.) … Read More “Plants Not Favored by Deer”
Black Walnuts and some other closely related species of trees produce a chemical called juglone. This can be found in all parts of the tree including the roots, leaves, and in the hulls of its fruit. Black Walnuts produce a very high concentration of juglone relative to the other species of plants. This can affect … Read More “Plants Tolerant of Black Walnut Toxicity”
Espoma Organic Lawn Food Organic lawn care focuses on growing a healthy lawn because a healthy lawn is the best protection against weeds, insects, and diseases. To have a healthy lawn, you need healthy soil. Healthy soils are crumbly, brown, and alive with earthworms and beneficial microbes. Healthy soils let grass roots grow deep, making … Read More “Espoma Lawn Program”
Info Maple trees of all types are a mainstay in No. Illinois. Their vibrant fall color, hardiness, disease resistance and fast growth rate make them a landscape favorite. Some species of Maple can develop small red or black bumps on their leaves during the summer months that can be alarming at first glance. These small … Read More “Maple Bladder Gall Information”
Japanese Beetles are an annual problem for many common landscape plants in northern Illinois. Severe infestations can lead to complete defoliation of plants which stresses the plant and in some instances can lead to plant death. Information This insect’s larvae overwinters in the soil as a small white grub. In the spring, they will move … Read More “Japanese Beetle Prevention And Control”
