Tree damage in winter probably not deer — here’s the likely culprit
"I recently discovered damage to the bark on my dawn redwood. Could this be caused by deer? What can I do to prevent more damage?" — Darren Cosgrove, Palatine The...
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Take care to store terra cotta pots this winter
Do I really need to move my new terra cotta containers inside for the winter? My gardening friends have advised me to put them in my garage during the cold...
Battling buckthorn trees is a rather manageable feat
I just moved into a new home and need to get rid of buckthorn trees that seem to have gotten a foothold in my new garden. What is a good...
To prevent winter burn, water your new plants extra
Is it a good idea to spray my boxwoods and other evergreens with an antidesiccant this fall? I would like to plant some more boxwood this fall since the weather...
Don’t throw out old seed packets just yet
I was looking over my leftover packets of seed and noticed the following stamped on the packets: packed for 2022, sell by 2022-10-31. Does this mean that these seeds will...
Here’s how to handle excess leaves on your lawn this fall
I have a lot of oak trees on my property, and I am already tired of cleaning up leaves. Can you offer any advice to reduce my work this fall?...
Carefully maintain blue spruces to prevent a common fungal disease from spreading
An old grouping of large blue spruces in my front yard has been continuing to decline in health over the last few years with lower branches dying first and then...
Slime flux disease is no cause for concern
There is a substance oozing from the trunk of my elm tree. What is this and what should I do to solve this problem? — Jasmine Suarez, Skokie Your tree...
For overwintering coleus plants, now is the time to cut
I added some coleus plants to my garden this year and would like to use them again next year. Can I bring them inside over winter for next year? —...
Here’s how to transition your tropical plants indoors once temperatures drop
"There was a cool night recently, and I am wondering when I should bring in my tropical plants that are in containers on my deck. One of my favorite plants...