Shrubs are often overlooked in autumn, typically playing second fiddle to overtopping shade trees that steal the fall display. However, quite a few deciduous shrubs have spectacular fall color to offer in the landscape. In many settings these smaller woody plants can help provide eye-...
Some of our late summer and early fall garden tasks can take more time than others. Making a “to do” list can help us get them done in a timely manner and not forget anything. (For example, hurrying to get the houseplants in just after dark and before that predicted frost is never fun.)
Here’s a...
The root collar of a tree can be defined as an area of the lower trunk that transitions from trunk tissue to root tissue. It is typically associated with the basal flare, or the trunk flare of the tree, which is the wider portion of trunk that insects the ground. In recent years,...
Working for Illinois Extension I get to travel quite often, mostly throughout west-central Illinois. And 2021 has brought a significant decline in ash trees in this area.
The Story of EAB
Emerald ash borer (EAB) is a non-native insect that attacks healthy ash trees. EAB is nothing new. I have...
My family and I recently traveled out of state to drop my oldest daughter off at a summer college program. We were taking this opportunity to do some camping and exploring of the public lands in the upper Midwest. As we traveled down a forest-lined highway en route to our planned...
Want to know when new topics post here? Subscribe to Over the Garden Fence emails.
Jumping worm update
Jumping worms continue to be confirmed statewide, and late summer into fall is an easy time to spot those...
Last month, the US Forest Service released a technical report titled, “Climate Adaptation Actions for Urban Forests and Human Health.” The report includes a summation of the current research related to urban trees and climate change, looking at how trees benefit human health, how...
Trees and shrubs are valuable elements in both public and private landscapes, and the wise investment of time and careful selection will only increase their value. Though there are several non-native species that do well in our fertile Illinois soils, we encourage the use of native species to...
Given that it is summer, it is not hard to believe we need to be out in the yard watering. August is usually a dry month and that sure seems to be how it started for us. As of Aug. 5, the U.S. Drought Monitor website shows the more northern counties...
With frequent summer thunderstorms, we should be diligent in scouting for tree issues that could become a larger problem. Proper preventative care can greatly increase a tree’s longevity.
Important first steps
Preparing a tree for weather-related disasters happens before the tree ever goes...