Trees can be surrounded by flowers, mulch in your garden — but not raised planters. Here’s why.
Would you like to dress up your tree with a garden around it? That's fine — as long as it consists of compatible plants in the ground, and is not...
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Before digging in your garden or yard, here’s how to get utility lines marked for free
Planning to dig a hole? To plant a tree, set a fence post, make a water garden, build a deck? Wait! There might be something down there. "Roots aren't the...
A guide to planting trees that will leave you confident about survival, longevity
If the Arbor Day spirit moves you to plant a tree, plant it right to give it the best chance for a long life of spreading green branches and sheltering...
Tips for finding healthy plants at the garden center
When you're shopping in the garden center, how do you know you're getting a healthy plant? "Don't just judge by the green part you can see," said Stephanie Adams, a...
What to know about rascally rabbits feasting on your shrubs
As you putter around the garden at this time of year, you may notice that some shrubs aren't what they used to be. They're shorter. The reason? It may be...
Weed early and often to make summer gardening a breeze
How lovely to see a tender green shoot in the garden. April fool! It's a weed. "Common perennial weeds are among the first plants to sprout in the spring," said...
How to protect plants that sprout on a warm Chicago day in March
On a warm, sunny day in March, you may see the tips of green leaves poking above the soil or mulch. The sight can be a cheery sign of spring,...
Bud breaks will soon hit as plants emerge from winter dormancy to welcome spring
Soon, trees and shrubs in every neighborhood will be opening their buds to unfurl their new leaves. As plants emerge from winter dormancy, they are coming into their superpower, like...
Planning a home project? Take care of those trees first.
Do you have plans for construction in the spring or summer? Perhaps you're planning to put in a new patio, walk or driveway, or even add a room to the...
The measure of a garden? Design, plants that fit the space
When you're planning a garden — whether it's a vegetable bed to plant this spring or an entire home landscape you will develop over years — the first step is...