Gypsy Moth: Identification and Prevention
We return this week with our series on the common tree diseases and insect pests in the Chicago area with a closer look at a pest responsible for widespread defoliation, the gypsy moth. The gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar dispar), also known as the European gypsy moth, is an invasive species from Europe. It is known to devour the foliage of hundreds of species of trees and shrubs and can destroy millions of acres of trees in a single season. Trees attacked by the gypsy moths are not usually killed unless they are already weakened, but...
read moreMurder Hornets: What & Where Are They and What Effect will They Have in Illinois?
You may have noticed that a terrifying insect has been trending and showing up in headlines lately, referred to as the murder hornet. The Asian giant hornet (Vespa mandarinia), also known as the Japanese giant hornet and murder hornet, is the largest hornet in the world. As its name suggests, these hornets are native to many areas in Asia, but they have recently been discovered in the U.S. for the first time ever. The Asian giant hornet is a menacing insect at 1.5 to 2 inches long with a stinger that injects a potent venom that can cause...
read moreWhich Fruit Trees Grow Best in Illinois and How to Care for Them
The spring season has arrived in the Chicago area which means it is time to start getting back outside and giving your trees and shrubs the care and attention they need to grow healthy and strong in the growing season. This is also the time of year to consider planting new trees and shrubs on your property to help fill in the landscape and add natural beauty. At Hendricksen Tree Care, we are aware that this is not a normal Chicago spring given the COVID-19 situation. However, caring for and planting new trees on your property is still a...
read moreHow to Identify Anthracnose: Symptoms and Treatment
This week, we return with our series on the common tree diseases and insect pests in Illinois with a discussion of a fungal diseases that can affect many different trees and shrubs; anthracnose. Anthracnose is a term used to describe a variety of similar fungal diseases that cause lesions to appear on the leaves, branches, and fruit of affected trees. These lesions typically appear as wet, dark spots on leaves and twigs and they can cause defoliation and eventually branch dieback. Affected trees may also develop cankers, or sunken areas of...
read moreBark Beetles: Identification and Prevention
We are back with a new edition of our series on the common tree diseases and insect pests in the Chicago area as we discuss a group of pests that causes problems throughout the U.S.; bark beetles. There are around 6,000 species of bark beetles worldwide under the subfamily Scolytinae and there are 600 that are found in the U.S. and Canada. Many invasive species of bark beetles have been found in the U.S. and in some areas, like California, they have killed trees over millions of acres. Bark beetles are seen as beneficial to an ecosystem...
read moreBest Places in the Chicago Area to See Christmas Tree Lights
Updated for 2021. The holiday season of 2021 has arrived as people are preparing for the holidays to be more open than they were last year. The pandemic is not over, but the availability of vaccines and the opening of more businesses has given us more of a sense of normalcy. Many families that did not get together last year will once again be gathering to spend the holidays together for the first time in two years. One thing that never changes about the holiday season is the impressive array of Christmas light displays that can be found...
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 2021. We have made it through the summer and now the autumn season of 2021 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. Many events and inside gatherings are still largely postponed or off limits to help promote social distancing. However, one thing you can do safely this fall is check out the beautiful fall foliage the Chicago area has to offer. There are many...
read moreThe Best Places in the U.S. to See Fall Colors
Updated for 2021. At Hendricksen Tree Care, our favorite season is the fall season because of the changing colors of the leaves that create stunning landscapes. The Chicago area is no doubt a great place to be in the fall, but there are also many places across the U.S. where you can see amazing fall foliage while experiencing the excitement of exploring a new place. The introduction of the COVID-19 vaccines has made it easier to travel as every area of the U.S. has become more accessible. Throughout the U.S., forested areas and tree lined...
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