Oak trees need pruning in winter to avoid branch wilt
It may seem like winter will last forever, but it won't. If you have an oak that needs pruning, that gives you a deadline. To protect them from oak wilt,...
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It’s time to design your spring garden — here’s how to get started
You know you need to rethink your garden plan this year. But with so many plants and ideas to choose from, where do you start? It's tempting to start picking...
Knowing when to prune hydrangeas depends on one major factor
Hydrangeas, with their big fluffy summer blooms, are among the most popular and loved shrubs in Chicago-area gardens. But gardeners often are flummoxed about when to prune them — especially...
How to protect your garden in winter
In Frozen 2 or Game of Thrones, freezing is a threat and ice is a fearsome weapon. Yet in the garden, frozen soil is not all bad news for plants....
How to handle trees when they grow too tall
When a tree grows taller than expected, casting unwanted shade or colliding with buildings or other structures, it may seem obvious to just cut off the top. "That's not a...
Wait for spring to prune evergreens — and be careful with those hedge trimmers
When you're outdoors pruning bare-branched trees and shrubs in winter, it may seem obvious to prune the evergreens too. That's not a good idea, according to Julie Janoski, Plant Clinic...
Everything you need to know about pruning shrubs in winter
Many gardeners know that winter is a good time for pruning shrubs but hesitate because they're not sure how to go about it. Since different shrubs have different needs, pruning...
Don’t worry about how your plants will handle winter — but watch the salt
When you're coping with harsh winter weather that lashes your face, makes driving treacherous and batters your house, should you also worry about your trees, shrubs and other garden plants?...
‘Winter beauty is subtle’: How to bring cold-weather color into your garden
On a December night, colored lights disarm the darkness. But even in the gloom of a winter day, the colors of a walk in the woods can lift the heart....
How to grow holly for the winter holidays even in the Midwest
Green holly with red berries adorns many holiday cards and wreaths, a legacy of ancient celebrations in northern Europe. The classic English holly (Ilex aquifolium), native to England and other...