Locust Trees Native to Chicago and Illinois
Our series on the native trees of the Chicago area is back this week with an in depth look at locust trees. Locust trees are found throughout North America and Asia and they are classified under one of two different genera; the genus Gleditsia and the genus Robinia. There are twelve known species of locust trees under the genus Gleditsia including the popular honey locust, and there are ten known species under the genus Robinia, including the native but somewhat invasive black locust. The honey locust and the black locust are the most...
read moreMaple Trees of the Chicago Area
This week, we return to our series about the native trees of the Chicago area by focusing on a very common and recognizable type of tree, the maple. Maple trees are easily recognized by their lobed leaves and their samaras that contain their seeds, commonly known as “helicopters.” They are planted primarily as ornamental trees on residential and commercial properties because they are easy to transplant, grow rather quickly, and have brilliant fall colors. There are 128 known species of maple trees (Acer sp.), most of which can be found in...
read moreThe Homeowner’s Guide to How and When to Fertilize Trees
Are you dreaming of healthy, fast-growing trees on your property? As a homeowner, you’ve likely already got enough on your plate when it comes to landscaping. However, trees require just as much care and attention as shrubs, lawns, and vegetable gardens. In fact, it’s imperative to regularly inspect the health of trees you’ve planted on your property. Tree transplants are especially vulnerable to slow growth given their need to adapt to new soil, weather, and plant neighbors. We recommend fertilizing your trees to promote a...
read moreCrabapple Trees of the Chicago Area
It has been a few weeks since our last installment of our series on the native trees of Chicagoland, but we return this week to highlight crabapple trees. Crabapple trees are best known for the fruit they produce which is how they get their name, and their showy spring flowers. These trees and their cultivars are found throughout landscapes in the Chicago area because of their ornamental flowers and their relatively small size which makes them easy to plant in yards and landscapes. There are over 50 different species of crabapple trees...
read moreFire Safety Around Trees & Shrubs – Tips to Prevent Damage to Your Chicagoland Home & Yard
We are less than a week away from everyone’s favorite summer holiday, the 4th of July! Many people will be spending the 4th gathering at backyard barbecues across the country to eat, drink, and celebrate together with friends and family. This holiday is well loved because it not only gives us an opportunity to celebrate the freedom and independence of our country, but also gives us a mid-summer break from our daily commitments. However you plan to celebrate the 4th of July this year, we at Hendricksen Tree Care would like to urge you to...
read moreWillow Trees of the Chicago Area
This week, we are picking back up with our series on the native trees of Chicagoland. We have so far covered the oak tree, dogwood, ash tree, and sassafras, and in this installment, we will cover the willow tree. Willow trees are among the most recognizable trees in the Chicago area with their long, drooping branches and distinct catkin flowers. There are over 400 species of willow trees, most of which are found in North America. This unique tree has been the subject of fascination since ancient times as willow trees are important symbols...
read moreBest Summer Shade Trees for Landscaping a Chicagoland Yard
Even though it seemed like it would never happen, we are finally experiencing summer weather here in the Chicago area! The start of the summer may officially be two weeks away, but to us in the Midwest, the summer starts once we reach June. The weather throughout Chicagoland has appeared to finally stabilize and we have already experienced several days of temperatures up into the 90s. As we know too well, the summers in Chicago can get pretty hot and rather uncomfortable. One way you can keep your property cooler through the summer is by...
read moreSassafras Trees Native to Chicagoland Illinois
This week’s installment of our series on the native trees of the Chicago area highlights the sassafras tree. Sassafras trees have a stunning appearance both in season and in the fall because of their white flowers that bloom in the spring and the vibrant yellows, oranges, and reds of its leaves in the fall. One of the most defining characteristics of the sassafras tree is the aromas that come from all parts of the tree, including the leaves and branches. People have long used sassafras roots, leaves, and fruits for a variety of culinary...
read moreThe Saga of Native Illinois Ash Trees
This week, we continue our ongoing series of Chicago’s native trees by highlighting the ash tree. The ash tree has somewhat of a tragic tale in the Chicago area. This tall, flowering tree has long had a strong presence throughout Illinois, but the introduction of the emerald ash borer has decimated the ash tree population. The state of Illinois even had a quarantine on ash trees to restrict the movement of the trees and firewood cut from ash to help curb the emerald ash borer outbreak. This quarantine was started in 2007 but lifted in...
read moreDogwood Trees Native to Illinois
To continue our ongoing series highlighting the native trees in the Chicago region, we will cover the dogwood tree. Dogwood trees are found throughout the Chicago area because they are a very popular ornamental tree. Most species of dogwood have stunning flowers that bloom early in the spring and in the fall, the green leaves turn to brilliant purples and reds. Dogwoods are also small to medium sized trees and do not need a lot of space to grow. The fall colors and flowers of the dogwood, along with its ability to grow in smaller spaces,...
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