Blogs

The Morton Public Library has a diverse collection of trees planted on the library property. Extension Master Gardeners have identified twenty-six trees to illustrate that diversity and provide a sampling of species one might find in Illinois...

I’m walking through a central Illinois neighborhood in mid-May this spring. The temperature is 92 degrees Fahrenheit, one degree shy of the record, and most people still haven’t acclimatized to the heat. In broad daylight, the...

Magnolias are some of the most popular ornamental trees across the US.  Known for spectacular flowering displays, they come in various shapes and sizes, from smaller shrub-sized plants to medium-sized shade trees.For the most part, these trees are usually a pretty safe bet in Illinois gardens...

Did periodical cicadas make their presence known around your house? Are you now seeing the ends of tree branches turning brown and dying? The dead branch tips are the result of our recently deceased cicadas laying their eggs inside these tree branches near their tips. This damages the branch...

Magnolias are popular trees and shrubs in many landscapes. Their large, showy flowers can range from white to pink to yellow and provide a burst of color in the spring. While they are relatively pest-free, one of the biggest pests is the magnolia scale (Neolecanium cornuparvum), which...

We are stuck with the trees planted by those who came before us. At least I am at my house. Mostly because they are so expensive to cut down. One species I am left dealing with is Norway maple (Acer platinoides).Am I referring to the maple with purple leaves? Yes, that maple. The original...

Welcome to summer! The heat, periodic drought, and summer storms can really take a toll on your trees. Here are some tips on how you can help your trees weather the weather.Planting Summer is not a great time to ...

Early 2024 features some excellent, once-in-a-lifetime natural events.  If you missed the solar eclipse in April, get ready for a rare ecological event about to unfold in the coming weeks.  Whether we want to experience it or not, we’ll be immersed in a mass emergence of periodical...

As May flowers begin to bloom and we celebrate the arrival of spring, we also turn our attention to Mental Health Awareness Month, a crucial period dedicated to breaking the stigma surrounding mental health and promoting well-being. During this time, we acknowledge the highs and lows that life can...