Why do we need to trim trees, why not just let nature take its course?
Trees in a forest are in a different setting than the ones growing over our bedrooms. We trim trees in the urban/suburban environment because they live in close proximity to people, and we want to keep them there.
Do my trees and shrubs need to be sprayed?
As a general rule, trees really do NOT require regular spraying to remain healthy. Shot holes and a little insect chewing on your trees is normal natural and healthy.
Do I need to water my trees?
Yes, when it is hot outside a mature tree can evapo-transpire over 100 gallons of water a day! Trees have amazing water holding capacities but when they are loosing so many gallons we need to supplement their water to prevent the devastating ...
When I water my grass, aren’t my trees getting water?
The answer is yes, and no. There is a war going on under our feet when we enjoy our quiet landscapes on a summer day. Every square foot of soil can only support a limited amount of green leafy plant growth.
Will putting in a sprinkling system help my trees?
NO! Simply put, in over forty years of caring for trees we have never seen a sprinkling system that helped tree health. Most of the time, they are set to water too frequently and for not long enough periods.
Will building an addition to my home, garage or driveway injure my trees?
Most likely yes! One of the most commonly held and damaging misconceptions about trees is that their roots go deep into the soil. This is simply not true, especially in the Chicago area’s heavy clay soils.
Do I need to have a support wire on my tree when it is planted?
Probably not, but if it is absolutely needed, be sure to insure that it is removed after one year. We see countless trees die every year because these wires are installed at planting and forgotten.
Can I put a clothes line or dog run on my tree?
Yes, but install it properly, so it will not do long term damage. Every year we do post-mortems on trees that died because someone put a dog leash around the base or a clothes line around the trunk or a mechanical support for the tree around a large branch.
Do my trees and shrubs need feeding?
You cannot feed your trees. Trees are very clever: they manufacture their own food from the sun’s energy, water and minerals from the soil in a process called photosynthesis. That is one of those things we learned in school but need reminding of occasionally.
What is the single most beneficial thing I could do to help my trees?
We love answering this question because it is so easy: mulch under them! Applying an organic mulch layer really is the single most effective preventative care that you can provide for your trees. It is more effective than trimming, fertilizing or spraying.