Beth Botts – Page 27 –

Sumac’s burst of autumnal red is inviting, but picking the right species is vital to success in your garden

September 4, 2021 at 5:00 a.m.

What's that red in the woods? Sumac, most likely. "It's a harbinger," said Julie Janoski, Plant Clinic Manager at The Morton Arboretum. "When you see those first scarlet sumac leaves,...

There’s still time to plant trees and shrubs before winter. Here’s how to do it right.

August 28, 2021 at 5:00 a.m.

Planting or transplanting a tree, shrub or perennial is all about giving its roots a good home in the soil. "It's the only time we see the roots and can...

Emerald ash borer isn’t going away, so keep treating trees with insecticides for protection

August 22, 2021 at 5:00 a.m.

It's been at least 15 years since the emerald ash borer arrived and began to destroy ash trees in the Chicago area. Some homeowners who have been treating ash trees...

10 do’s and don’ts for watering your garden during hot, dry August weather

August 14, 2021 at 5:00 a.m.

Hot, dry August weather usually means watering the garden. "There are right ways and wrong ways to water," said Sharon Yiesla, plant knowledge specialist at the Plant Clinic of The...

Do the Prairie State proud by adding these native prairie plants to your garden

August 8, 2021 at 5:00 a.m.

In the golden days of summer, a prairie is in its glory. You can capture some of that glory for your garden by incorporating native prairie plants, according to Julie...

Tree of heaven is invasive nuisance that draws insect pest problem. Here’s how to get rid of it.

August 5, 2021 at 11:02 a.m.

In many a city and suburban yard across America, seedlings with a distinctive smell and a tropical, yet somehow familiar look crop up each summer in inconvenient places. Those are...

Japanese beetles are difficult to manage. Here are 7 tips for getting rid of the pest in your garden.

July 24, 2021 at 5:00 a.m.

Most summers bring unwelcome guests to Midwestern gardens: Japanese beetles. These iridescent green beetles are best known for feeding on roses and linden trees, but in fact they can feast...

Tips to avoid tree damage during summer tornadoes, storms

July 18, 2021 at 4:00 a.m.

Chicago-area homeowners are looking at a stormy future. And as homeowners saw when a tornado struck Naperville and Woodridge in June, big storms hit trees hard. Is there any way...

Leaftier caterpillars taking up residence in your hydrangea? Here’s how to treat them.

June 26, 2021 at 5:00 a.m.

Hydrangea blooms, a quintessential sight of summer, are on the way. But if you've been checking your hydrangea shrub for flower buds, you might have noticed something strange: distorted leaves...

About to plant a tree or shrub? Wait it out until fall

June 20, 2021 at 5:00 a.m.

If you have been planning to plant or transplant a tree or shrub this year and haven't gotten around to it, consider waiting until fall. "Even in a normal year,...

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