Best Places in the Chicago Area to See Christmas Tree Lights
Updated for 2020. It may be hard to believe, but we are only a few days away from Christmas. This year was no ordinary year and while there are COVID-19 restrictions in Illinois, the holidays will still come as a relief to many. There may not be large family gatherings this year, you can still cherish your time over the holidays with your immediate family. One holiday activity that you can still enjoy with your family this season is taking in the Christmas light displays throughout the Chicago area. There are several displays throughout...
read moreOak Wilt: Recognizing and Managing the Symptoms
We are back this week with our series on the common tree diseases and insect pests in Illinois with a close look at a serious disease that threatens all types of oak trees; oak wilt. Oak wilt is a dangerous vascular wilt disease caused by the fungus Bretziella fagacearum that oak trees can contract over land or through their roots. The main symptoms of oak wilt include discoloration and wilting of the leaves and defoliation, and it can kill some species of oak within weeks or months of infection. It is very important to prevent oak wilt...
read moreEmerald Ash Borer: Identification and Prevention
This week, we are returning with our series covering the common tree diseases and insect pests in the Chicago area to take a closer look at an especially destructive pest; the emerald ash borer. The emerald ash borer is one of the most feared tree pests because they can kill formerly healthy trees in just one to two years after infestation. Once an ash tree is infested with the emerald ash borer, there is often little that can be done to save the tree. The emerald ash borer is an invasive species in North America that is native to regions...
read moreAutumn Tree Colors in Chicago
Updated for 2020. We have made it through the summer and now the autumn season of 2020 is upon us in the Chicago area. However, this is not a typical fall season as we are still feeling the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Life has still not returned to normal as we knew it before the pandemic which means that certain activities like traveling are still dangerous. Events such as concerts, sports games, and others are still largely postponed or off limits to help promote social distancing. However, one thing you can do safely this fall is...
read moreThe Best Places in the U.S. to See Fall Colors
Updated for 2020. We are once again reaching the end of the summer; one of our favorite seasons in the Chicago area. However, we do get excited about the fall season at Hendricksen Tree Care because of the changing leaves and stunning fall colors. While the current COVID-19 pandemic has certainly put a damper on summer and fall activities, you can still safely enjoy the changing colors of the leaves this fall that create beautiful landscapes throughout the U.S. From dark reds to vibrant oranges and bright yellows, forested areas and tree...
read moreDutch Elm Disease: Symptoms and Management
At Hendricksen Tree Care, we have helped you get to know the trees in the Chicago area, and possibly the trees on your own property, through our blog series on the native trees of the Chicago area. While we certainly believe it is important to know about and appreciate the trees in our area for their natural beauty, it is also important to understand the threats to our trees. There are many tree diseases and pests that can cause serious damage to the tree, especially if the problem is not noticed or treated. That is why we have started a...
read moreRed Mulberry Trees of the Chicago Area
Our series covering the native trees of the Chicago area returns with a look at the red mulberry tree (Morus rubra). The red mulberry tree is the only mulberry tree that is native to North America and it is found throughout the eastern half of the United States. These trees are also found in small numbers in British Columbia, but the red mulberry is considered an endangered species in Canada. There are 10 to 16 accepted species of mulberry trees native to southern Europe, north Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. ...
read moreWhen Should I Plant a Tree in the Chicago Area?
Now that the spring season is in full swing in the Chicago area, there are more people working in their yards, mowing the lawn, planting gardens, and tending to their trees. Much of the yard work that is done in the spring involves new planting, whether it is the planting of new flower beds and vegetable gardens or spreading seed for grass. For these types of plants, spring is the best season to do some new planting. But what about planting new trees? Is it best to plant new trees in the spring when you plant new flowers? Or is it best to...
read moreCommon Tree Diseases and Insect Pests Found in Chicago, IL and the Northwest Suburbs
Spring is such a refreshing season in the Chicago area, especially right after a long winter. Chicagoland winters usually feature the typical cold and snow, and sometimes even temperature drops to mind blowing levels of cold at negative 30 to 40 degrees during the deep freeze. Now that the cold and snow are behind us, people can enjoy being outside and appreciate the new spring growth as flowers and trees will soon begin to bloom throughout the city of Chicago and its suburbs. There is a wide diversity of native trees in the Chicago area...
read moreBasswood Trees Native to the Chicago Area
This week, we continue our series on the native trees of the Chicago area with a look at basswood trees (Tilia sp.), also known as linden trees. These trees are found throughout the Northern Hemisphere in North America, Europe, and Asia and there are around 30 known species in the world. Basswood trees are known for their thick canopies, heart-shaped leaves, and fragrant flower clusters. There are around 30 known species of basswood trees throughout the world but only a few species are found in the U.S. The American basswood is native to...
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