A guide to planting trees that will leave you confident about survival, longevity
If the Arbor Day spirit moves you to plant a tree, plant it right to give it the best chance for a long life of spreading green branches and sheltering...
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Tips for finding healthy plants at the garden center
When you're shopping in the garden center, how do you know you're getting a healthy plant? "Don't just judge by the green part you can see," said Stephanie Adams, a...
What to know about rascally rabbits feasting on your shrubs
As you putter around the garden at this time of year, you may notice that some shrubs aren't what they used to be. They're shorter. The reason? It may be...
4 ways to prune a shrub, depending on if it needs trimmed or major surgery
There are four main ways to prune a shrub. "Which style you choose will depend on the situation, the species of plant you're dealing with, and your purposes," said Julie...
Best tools for winter pruning in your garden
When you head out in the cold for winter pruning, be sure you have the right kind of pruners. Handheld bypass pruners are among a gardener's most basic tools. "Having...
How to prune dormant shrubs and trees in winter
Do yourself and your shrubs some good by getting outside to prune them in midwinter. "This time of year, when shrubs and small trees are dormant, is an easy time...
How to protect garden plants from winter damage
As winter cold swirls about us, we can retreat to the protection of storm windows, quilts and puffer jackets. Our trees, shrubs and perennials just have to stand there and...
How to make plans for a better garden in 2022
The beginning of a new year, with the promise of a new growing season to come, is a good time to make some gardening resolutions. "It's an opportunity to reflect...
Pines and other evergreen trees are a Christmas delight, but they often struggle in Chicago-area yards
The scent of pine is one of the hallmarks of this happy time of the year. Perhaps that's what inspires so many homeowners to plant pine trees in their yards....
As plants go dormant for winter, it’s an ideal time to prune trees and shrubs
Leafless trees and shrubs seem almost dead in the winter, but they're not. Bright daffodils and tulips of springtime and colorful summer perennials may feel like faded memories, yet they're...