Don’t neglect autumn watering as trees, plants prepare for winter and grow underground
It can be easy to forget about watering the garden in the fall. But in fact, plants still need your help. In any autumn, plants have to store up a...
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Autumn color forecast: What this year’s dry summer means for fall leaf color
As fall arrives and the weather cools, we throw on jackets over T-shirts and slip into sneakers instead of sandals. All around us, trees and shrubs also are changing with...
What it means when plants are rated immune, resistant or susceptible to diseases
Disease resistance is a major selling point for plants, from trees to tomatoes. Gardeners know that choosing a disease-resistant plant can save trouble and sometimes save a crop. But it's...
Dogwood, tupelo, ironwood: Meet the best native trees for Chicago-area yards, with biodiversity in mind
Removing a tree, whether because of storm damage, disease, pests or decay, is a loss — but it's also an opportunity. "When you replace a tree, you have a chance...
Sumac’s burst of autumnal red is inviting, but picking the right species is vital to success in your garden
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.
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
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
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...
Tree of heaven is invasive nuisance that draws insect pest problem. Here’s how to get rid of it.
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.
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...