Skip to main content

Trees

Leaves and frost damage

Help stressed trees by watering during heat of summer

Some trees may be showing damage from the late frost much of Illinois had in May for several months to come as well as diseases that pop up during the rainy, cool spring weather. Watering during the hot dry months of summer will help these trees back to being a beautiful specimen. Frost stress in...
Finish this story
Callery Pear on forest edge - Photo by Chris Evans, University of Illinois Extension

A certain air around Callery Pear

Do you see those beautiful white flowering trees lining the streets and backyards? These delicate white blossoms, made brighter by the months of winter endured, are actually an environmental hazard to the Illinois wilds. Callery Pear season is upon us. It’s actually the seeds of these flowers ...
Finish this story
diagram of branch bark ridge and branch bark collar

Tree pruning tips for 2021

Like a scene from an old western: with a pair of sterilized pruners, and her boots, horticulturists Kelly Allsup walks up to the newly planted English White oak hybrid. Her sole intent of increasing the life of an urban tree. She walks around the tree, looking it up and down. The goal of pruning is...
Finish this story
holiday decor harvested from backyard

Harvesting evergreens for holiday decorations

Decorating with fresh greenery is a treat for most gardeners getting ready for the holiday festivities. Some buy greens from a local garden center, but did you know you can harvest branches from evergreen conifers to use in your holiday décor? Whether you are making wreaths, porch pots or swags,...
Finish this story

How much water does your garden need?

Originally published by Kelly Allsup on July 3, 2020. Last week's high temperatures and our limited amount of rain is making gardeners' number one job watering. Even though we have gotten some much-needed rain for the flowers and the trees, consistent watering throughout the season is...
Finish this story
Maple anthracnose, via U of I plant clinic

Too Much Moisture, More Tree Problems

If you are spending more time out in your backyard this week, you may have noticed some of our central Illinois trees are super ugly this spring. Maple leaves have black splotches, sycamore branches are falling to the ground and ginkgoes leaves are sparse and crinkled. All these symptoms are tree...
Finish this story
Hedge Apple Woods, Bloomington, by Rick Tindall

Get Out on the Trails

In this time of social distancing and limited activities, enjoying nature should be made a priority for all who need a bit of stress release. Have you bathed in the forest lately, hugged a tree or had a therapy session with an oak? Forest bathing is Japanese practice of immersing yourself in the...
Finish this story
Bronze leaves of Tree of Heaven

Not All Trees Are Good Trees

In the world of landscaping, trees are the backbones of the landscape. They are permanent structures that have stately features, shade our homes, provide spring floral displays, and some amazing fall color. There are, however, some trees that just behave badly. You’re likely familiar with maples...
Finish this story