Tim Johnson – Page 15

A large oak tree that needs to be removed.

How to remove a dead oak tree

January 6, 2024 at 5:00 a.m.

I have a large dead oak tree to remove. What kinds of issues do I need to consider as I organize the removal of the tree? — Alberto Gonzalez, Highwood...

Ensure wood is properly seasoned before burning it in the fireplace.

Properly seasoned wood is essential for fireplace safety

December 30, 2023 at 5:00 a.m.

I have some trees to remove in my garden next year and was wondering if I can use the wood in an indoor fireplace. My ash tree appears to be...

Flowering plants such as cyclamen brighten long winter days and make great gifts.

An easy plant to gift and care for this holiday season

December 24, 2023 at 5:00 a.m.

We would like to give plants as gifts this winter and would like some advice for purchasing and transporting holiday plants. — Jose Gonzalez, Libertyville Flowering plants such as azalea,...

Check the maturity of the poinsettia by looking at the flowers, which are located above the colored bracts. If the flowers are green or red-tipped and fresh looking, then the plant will hold color longer than if yellow pollen is covering the flowers.

Pointers for purchasing the right poinsettia this holiday season

December 17, 2023 at 5:00 a.m.

I would like to purchase some poinsettias and need some advice on selecting good plants and caring for them. My friend told me to avoid this plant because poinsettias are...

The Chicago Botanic Garden uses sand on roads and walks to control slippery conditions once the snow is removed with deicing products used minimally in select areas.

What’s the most effective way to remove snow this winter?

December 10, 2023 at 1:53 p.m.

I just moved to the suburbs from a city apartment and will be responsible for removing snow for the first time this winter. How do most people deal with the...

Generally, it should not be necessary to use burlap to overwinter evergreens such as boxwood.

Should I wrap my evergreens in burlap?

December 2, 2023 at 5:00 a.m.

I planted some new evergreens this summer and a gardening friend told me that I should either wrap them in burlap or spray them with an anti-desiccant for the winter....

Keep mowing lawns in late fall as long as the grass continues growing.

When can I stop mowing my lawn this fall?

November 25, 2023 at 5:00 a.m.

My lawn seems to have stopped growing for the year, but it has been three weeks since I last cut it. Since we are in November now, is it OK...

Leaving the leaves in garden beds saves cleanup time and helps support pollinators.

Can I leave leaves in my garden bed?

November 18, 2023 at 5:00 a.m.

I would like to save time removing leaves from my garden and am wondering if leaving the leaves in my garden beds will be OK for my plants. — Yvette...

Cut hybrid roses to about 18 inches and mound well-aged horse manure up to 15 inches high over the base of the plants.

How to winterize your roses

November 11, 2023 at 5:00 a.m.

I will be leaving for a two-week vacation on Nov. 10 and was wondering if I should prune back my hybrid roses and cover them before I leave? — Tyler...

A good way to protect your new bulb planting is to cover the area with plastic garden netting to prevent the squirrels from digging in the area.

How can I protect my garden from squirrels?

November 4, 2023 at 5:00 a.m.

I had a big problem with squirrels digging up my tulip bulbs last year. Tulips are one of my favorite spring flowers, so I want to try planting them again...

All Stories