Beth Botts – Page 45 –

Only prune oaks in winter, or else disease-spreading beetles can strike

May 23, 2019 at 9:00 a.m.

For most kinds of trees, it’s best to prune in winter. For oaks, it’s essential. That’s because oaks are susceptible to a devastating fungal disease called oak wilt, spread by...

Itching for spring flowers? Here’s a trick to force cut branches to bloom now

May 23, 2019 at 9:00 a.m.

Tired of cold, gray days outside the window? Catch a little springtime and bring it indoors by forcing branches from spring-flowering shrubs into bloom. If you’re pruning shrubs for shape...

When do your shrubs bloom? Find out before you prune

May 23, 2019 at 9:00 a.m.

Many homeowners are confused about pruning flowering shrubs. They fear that by pruning at the wrong time, they might prevent blooming. “That’s a real concern, but the solution isn’t complicated,”...

Don’t forget to tackle these 3 gardening tasks ahead of spring

May 23, 2019 at 9:00 a.m.

It may be winter, but there’s still more to life than binge-watching TV. On a sunny day, bundle up and get outside for some gardening. You’ll get a head start,...

3 steps to safely prune a tree

May 23, 2019 at 9:00 a.m.

Winter is a good time to prune cracked or damaged branches from trees. Before you decide to tackle the task, make sure you can do it safely, for you and...

Removal of historic White House magnolia proves trees don’t live forever

May 23, 2019 at 9:00 a.m.

It was a sad day in December when the historic Jackson Magnolia on the White House grounds had to be cut down after 19 decades. The three-story-tall tree, which was...

Help local birds survive winter and thrive year-round with water, feed, trees

May 23, 2019 at 9:00 a.m.

A Chicago winter is an endurance test — especially for birds. Homeowners can help birds survive by providing water, shelter and food and by including plants that create a better...

Gardeners, get your tool shed in shape for spring ahead

May 23, 2019 at 9:00 a.m.

Start the new year right with an organized tool shed, ready for the gardening season to come. Getting tools and gardening supplies squared away now will make your work much...

The greatest danger to plants isn't from cold, but from warm weather that can follow. When there are swings between cold and warm spells, plants can be harmed by the quick shifts. When soil warms, dormant plants may start to wake up and then be hit hard by the next cold snap.

Will winter’s bitter cold damage plants?

May 23, 2019 at 9:00 a.m.

The new year is arriving in a blast of bitter cold. People can snuggle indoors where it’s warm, but what about plants? Will the harsh weather do them harm? “For...

You may not see it, but it’s there. Spring is waiting everywhere.

May 23, 2019 at 9:00 a.m.

A winter night is dark and still. Cold crackles in the air, numbs fingers, frosts windows. Yet springtime is everywhere. Spring is in the buds at the tips of tree...

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