How to protect yews, arborvitae from hungry deer in winterYews, arborvitae and crabapple trees are susceptible to damage from hungry deer, especially in winter. Here's how to protect your trees. December 29, 2021
Pines and other evergreen trees are a Christmas delight, but they often struggle in Chicago-area yardsPine trees and other evergreens are attractive year-round and bring the scent of Christmas, but they can struggle in Chicago-area yards with clay dirt. December 25, 2021
As plants go dormant for winter, it’s an ideal time to prune trees and shrubsPlants in Illinois and Midwest gardens and yards will go dormant in winter when water dries up, making it an ideal time to prune without inviting disease or pests. December 19, 2021
How to protect boxwoods from winter burnSelecting a boxwood that will be hardy in Chicago-area winters is important, but there are a few additional measures you can take to help evergreens suffering winter burn. December 18, 2021
Gardening doesn’t have to end this time of yearThere’s always something to do for the garden. Here are some winter gardening tasks to keep in mind. December 12, 2021
How to select and care for a live Christmas treeAesthetics, such as color, form and texture, as well as needle retention are factors to consider when choosing the right indoor holiday tree. December 11, 2021
Tips for early December watering of evergreen treesAs winter approaches, young evergreen trees need more watering around their root balls to keep them from drying out after fall. December 05, 2021
Snow-melting and de-icing products like rock salt are harmful to trees, plants. Here’s why — and one alternative.Snow-melting and de-icing products for sidewalks and streets are harmful to plants and trees in a number of ways. Here's one alternative. December 04, 2021
Anti-desiccant spray can protect evergreens from browning in winter, but it’s not always a good ideaAnti-desiccant spray can protect evergreens like boxwood from browning due to winter burn, but it's important to know whether or not it's needed. November 28, 2021
How to clean up your garden before winter — but still leave behind the stuff plants wantWhat to do with leaves, dead plants in your garden before winter, and how to start a compost pile with the scraps that will benefit your plants. November 27, 2021
Raking leaves too much work in autumn? A mulching mower could be the answer.If there are too many leaves falling to keep up maintenance with raking, a mulching mower makes it easier — and provides nutrients for your lawn. November 21, 2021
How to choose the best semi-evergreen ground cover for Midwest yardsGround covers can spread aggressively, but their semi-evergreen state is an attractive option for Midwestern yards. Here's how to pick the right one. November 20, 2021
Small sprouts around tree trunks, known as suckers, can be a sign of stress. Here’s what to do.Sprouts around a tree truck are known as suckers and can be removed, but if there are a lot of them, it could be a sign your tree isn't healthy. November 14, 2021
Save the bulbs: How to protect tulips, crocuses and other fall plantings from squirrels and chipmunks Planting fall bulbs like tulips and crocuses can attract hungry critters like squirrels and chipmunks. Use chicken wire to protect spring-flowering bulbs from pests. November 13, 2021
Those post-Halloween pumpkins are perfect for composting. Here’s tips on getting started.Halloween jack-o-lanterns, garden waste and leaves are great for composting. Here are tips on getting started with a compost pile for your garden. November 07, 2021
Roses failing to bloom? Here are 4 possible reasons whyRoses not blooming much could be a sign of overfertilizing, not enough sun or pests. Here's how to fix the problem in your garden. November 06, 2021
Goutweed proving persistent? Here’s how to eradicate the pesky weedGoutweed can be a difficult plant to kill out, and it can take years of work to get rid of it. Here are tips for how to treat it with plastic covers and herbicide. October 31, 2021
Fall’s end is the perfect time to take gardening notes to help with planning come springAutumn is a good time to take note of the wins and struggles of your garden this year, to help plan for success come spring. October 30, 2021
Protect young trees and shrubs from hungry deer, rabbits and other winter dinersWinter means deer, voles, rabbits and other hungry critters are looking for trees and shrubs to eat. Here's how to protect your plants with wire fencing. October 24, 2021
October is ideal for fall weed control in your lawn. Here are some tips.There's still time for weed control in your lawn and garden, but it's important to know which herbicides will work best for you. October 23, 2021