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...

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...

We have returned with our ongoing series on the native trees of the Chicago area to highlight sycamore trees throughout Illinois.  Sycamore trees (Platanus sp.), also known as plane trees, are tall deciduous trees found throughout the Northern Hemisphere.  The genus Platanus consists of 11 different tree species; four species referred to as sycamores that are native to North America and seven species referred to as plane trees that are found in...

This week, we are back with our ongoing series about the native trees of the Chicago area with a look at hickory trees.  Hickory trees (Carya sp.) are medium to tall deciduous trees known for their strong, dense wood and edible nuts.  Most species of hickory trees can be found in the eastern half of North America, from southern Canada down to northern Mexico, and there are some species found in India, China, and Indochina.  Hickory trees have...

In the middle of a Chicago winter, yardwork of any kind is probably the last thing on your mind.  The ground in your yard is likely frozen and the plant life, including the grass, trees, and shrubs are dormant.  For the most part, you must wait until the spring to start your yardwork for the new growing season.  However, there is one thing you can do during the winter to help your trees and shrubs; pruning.  Tree pruning is highly recommended...

We return this week with our ongoing series about the native trees of the Chicago area to get you into the holiday spirit with an in-depth look at holly trees.  Holly trees (Ilex sp.) are evergreen or deciduous trees that are found in temperate and subtropical regions around the world, including North America, Central and South America, Asia, and parts of Europe and Africa.  Holly trees are best known for their dark green leaves and bright red...