Lake Barrington, IL headlines

Now is a critical time of year to prepare your trees and shrubs for the coming summer in the Lake Barrington, IL area. Healthy trees and shrubs are better able to withstand the higher temperatures and weather extremes that summer brings. Proper care in spring can help ensure the health of your landscape plants.

Apple scab impacts many varieties of apple and crabapple trees. The first sign of the disease is the appearance of smoky or smudgy spots on leaves. Taking action at bud break, before symptoms become apparent, will provide the most effective control.

Now is the time to address tree health issues that are commonplace this time of year. Problems including browning on evergreen needles, damage to twigs and branches, cracks or splits in the bark and root issues should be identified in early spring, before serious damage occurs.

After winter ends, your trees and shrubs will be working hard to establish spring growth. A soil test in early spring can help determine the precise nutrients needed for that growth, yielding a fuller canopy and vibrant, health foliage.

The Bartlett Tree Research Laboratories has broken new ground to protect beech trees from beech leaf disease with novel pest management strategies.

Given the stress from higher temperatures and lack of rainfall comon in summer, it is critical to water your trees and shrubs thoroughly. Applying a 3-4" layer of mulch, inspecting for pest infestations and scheduling fall fertilization can also help maintain tree health and vigor.

Now is a critical time of year to prepare your trees and shrubs for the coming summer. Healthy trees and shrubs are better able to withstand the higher temperatures and weather extremes that summer brings. Proper care in spring can help ensure the health of your landscape plants.