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As the winter chill lingers in the Chicagoland area, residents eagerly await the arrival of February 2nd, also known as Groundhog Day. This quirky tradition involves a groundhog emerging from its burrow to predict the coming of spring. While this...

Last week we covered tree adaptations for extreme winter cold survival, so this week let’s explore how the insect pests that feed on our trees survive those same extreme conditions. Trees and other plants are immobile organisms, meaning they cannot...

Here in the Chicagoland area, we are in the midst of a brutal cold snap, experiencing temperatures as low as -15 degrees Fahrenheit (-26 C)! This phenomenon has been dubbed a polar vortex ever since the first notable event in...

What are bagworms? Bagworms are a non-selective defoliator pest that overwinters in a silk pouch (or bag) on infested tree stems. They may cause moderate to severe damage to trees and shrubs in the landscape and are particularly damaging to...

As we step into the new year, ensuring the health of your trees should be a top priority. Healthy trees not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of your surroundings but also contribute to a thriving ecosystem. In this blog post,...

2025 will be a banner year for bug lovers and entomologists alike. Two unique broods of summer cicadas will be emerging at the same time in a very rare event. Cicadas are some of the longest-lived insects in the animal...

When planting a new young tree, or hiring someone to plant one for you, knowing the right structure of a properly grown shade tree will pay dividends in the long term. Studies have shown that formative pruning of shade trees...

As winter approaches, our attention turns to the silent guardians of our urban landscapes – trees. Urban forests not only beautify our lives, but they are also a home, habitat, and food source for myriad wild animals and fungi. By...

Winter brings a picturesque landscape, often characterized by glistening ice formations on trees. While this sight may be beautiful, the impact of ice accumulation on trees can be severe, leading to damage that requires careful attention and skilled restoration. In...

Turkey History and Ecology in Illinois Here in Illinois, the eastern wild turkey is our known native wild turkey species. Previously extinct from the state, the turkey was reintroduced from 1970 to 2000, and eastern wild turkey is currently native...