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Trees

Blog Posts

a cedar waxwing bird sitting on a tree branch with a red berry in its mouth
Read article: Berry Succession: Creating a continuous food source for birds
Berry Succession: Creating a continuous food source for birds
One of the most favored hobbies of outdoor enthusiasts, gardeners, and wildlife lovers is feeding the birds. Setting out a bird feeder with seed or...
Growing inspiration: mocha mousse hues in the garden image is dormant switchgrass with a blue sky background
Read article: Growing inspiration: mocha mousse hues in the garden
Growing inspiration: mocha mousse hues in the garden
Each year, a variety of establishments attempt to make news by predicting annual garden trends. I’m conflicted over these reports because, on the one...
How does cold weather affect garden plants? Snow covered landscape.
Read article: How does cold weather affect garden plants?
How does cold weather affect garden plants?
As cold weather sets in, we often find ourselves retreating indoors where it is warm. However, our landscape plants can't do this, and during...
A grove of silver maple trees in a flood plain.
Read article: Why Some Plants Thrive While Others Struggle: The Role of Soil, Climate, and Competition
Why Some Plants Thrive While Others Struggle: The Role of Soil, Climate, and Competition
Plant competition is an instrumental part of natural ecosystems, with winners and losers in all cases. Still, it is really fascinating to consider...

News Releases

Hand holding clippers pruning a branch
What about my trees? Master Gardeners tackle tree care and pruning
CHAMPAIGN, Ill – While gardeners often delight in tending to roses, zinnias, and bee balm, the trees in our yards deserve just as much attention. These majestic plants provide essential shade, structure, and privacy, yet they often go overlooked until problems arise. Understanding how to...
View of a layered landscape all green in bloom with flowers, trees, and shrubs in the woods.
A layered landscape provides space for wildlife all year
URBANA, Ill. — There are many ways to support pollinators and other wildlife in home landscapes, such as providing floral resources throughout the season, planting host plants, and planting native plants. In addition, consider creating a space for them to live out their life cycles by creating...
Green leaves of a bur oak tree on a new spring branch.
Root awakening: spring tree tips
URBANA, Ill. — As winter fades and the first signs of spring emerge, it's time to give trees the care they need to thrive. Trees, like all living things, require attention and maintenance, especially as they transition from dormancy to the growing season. Help trees recover from winter damage,...

Videos

Making Maple Syrup - A Basic Introduction

Explore the basics of all of the steps involved in making maple syrup as Extension Forester Chris Evans walks through the maple syrup production process at the Dixon Springs Agricultural Center in southern Illinois. 

Be Safe When Trimming Trees Near Power Lines

Trees and power lines often find themselves mingling together causing safety concerns and requiring a utility’s attention. Oftentimes people aren’t happy about what has to happen next. From funny shaped trees to proper trimming techniques to picking out the right tree to plant around lines, this...

Staff