This month we are featuring the Hackberry. This is a great street tree for municipal parkways and park settings as well, yet it is one of the most under planted species.
As the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is reaching peak populations here in Illinois, it is become increasingly important to begin looking for suitable Ash tree replacements. With a significant loss of tree canopy looming on the horizon, arborists and urban foresters need to start thinking in terms of reforestation. A good reforestation program is a diverse one, with emphasis also put on planting the proper trees in the proper place. The intention of the "Featured Tree of the Month" on this web-site is help promote tree diversity and get people thinking about how to properly reforest after the EAB has swept through and done its damage. This month we are featuring the Hackberry.
By Phil Graf, Graf Tree Care, Inc. - ISA Certified Arborist and Urban Forestry Consultant
Fall color is abundant and the nights and mornings are getting cooler. While some people are getting ready to wind down for the season, it’s actually time to get ramped up. I’ve noticed that when it comes to tree and shrub pruning more and more of our customers “think spring”. I thought it might be helpful to take some time to discuss why tree pruning is better left for the dormant season.
Click here to watch an explosive three minute video of these men in action.
Needless to say this has been a busy year for us treating and saving Ash trees. After our early spring discoveries of EAB in West Chicago and Wheaton, we went on to treat THOUSANDS of trees. But we are only halfway done. These men are in the process of our fall root feeding/soil treatment on these trees to keep them in best possible health and bridge them to the other side of this infestation. Going Green means saving trees, it's that simple.
This 12-yr old girl out-climbed them all last month at Bolingbrook Park District's Summer Solstice Event at Hidden Oaks Nature Center. She went up 25 feet in a White Oak using a secured foot-lock method. Graf Tree Care volunteered for the day and set up a kid's tree climbing event. Click here to see more pictures. What a great day!
Read more: Bolingbrook Park District's Summer Solstice Event
Anyone who still doubts that Ash trees can be saved should visit this site and explain why this tree is still here. It stands at the end of the cul-de-sac amidst total devestation all around it. A truly amazing tree! Click here to see more pictures like this one from around the area. Also read Phil's latest article on Ash Tree Treatment on www.ashtreecentral.com
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Watch Phil Graf & Steve Lane take Tree Inventory to a whole new level using GIS: http://t.co/gfehsiic
Our Natural Resource Management/GIS division is going to Ottawa: http://t.co/ujjtkunD
We've got 2 updated websites http://t.co/9b9cSszK & http://t.co/5GqzLmtw
2011 began with about 106 municipal entities confirmed with known EAB infestations and ended with 193. We believe this will be a peak year for EAB populations at least some areas in Chicagoland.
Get our and inspect your Ash Trees. February and March are great months for evaluating your Ash Trees. During these months woodpecker activity is a helpful indicator of EAB larvae being present under the bark.
Gold Service customers are elligible for a 10% Discount on all PHC applicaitons for 2012 by joining our pre-pay discount plan. Details are on your renewal form. Gold Service customers can receive a free on-site consultation from Moonscape to get started on an LED landscape lighting plan for 2012.
2012 Plant Health Care Renewal forms were sent out in the mail on Friday February 10th. If you have not received your proposed plan for the year, please contact our office right away at 630/762-2400. Sign up for our pre-pay discount plan and receive a 5% discount on the entire plan.