434 East Devon Avenue · Elk Grove Village, IL 60007 · (847) 439-2650 · Toll Free (866) 357-2276 · Since 1934
Plant Care Tips
Mulching
Why Mulch?
Mulch improves soil structure by providing humus as it decays.
Mulch adds aesthetic value to the landscape.
Mulch prevents water loss in hot temperatures and reduces temperature variations.
Mulch prevents erosion, root compaction and weeds.
How to Mulch
Spread the mulch under trees, shrubs and throughout planting beds to a depth of 3".
Pull mulch away from the bases of the tree and shrub trunks and stems. If too close it makes for an inviting area for insects, disease and decay.
Mulch should extend to the drip line of the branches or at least cover a 4-6 foot diameter around the plant.
When to Mulch
Mulching mid-spring and again in mid-fall are both ideal times to mulch.
Fertilizing Your Lawn In early spring and again in late fall it is good to use a fertilizer with high Nitrogen court (the first three numbers on the bag). This promotes quick growth and good deep green color.
In late spring use a fertilizer with a high Phosphorus count (the second number on the bag) to build strong cells to prepare the rug for summer stress and heavy traffic. Fertilize again in early fall to help the law recover from the summer.
If laying a new lawn with sod or seed, the high Phosphorus count is best because it is considered a starter fertilizer.
In late spring and into the summer it is good to use a fertilizer with a high Potassium count (the third number on the bag). This will help build good root structure.
Keep lawn at a 2.5" to 3" height.
Trees and shrubs provide year-round beauty and add value to our homes. They attract wildlife, lesson noise pollution and reduce air pollution by trapping dust and absorbing carbon.
Trees Save Energy and Money
- Trees can reduce heating and cooling costs by 5% to 10%.
- Deciduous trees within 25 feet of East and West windows provide summer shade but let the warm winter sun come through.
- Open-branched deciduous trees, such as Kentucky Coffeetree, on the South sides of homes cast cool summer shade and let the cool breezes pass, but in the winter let the warm sun shine through.
- Dense evergreens North and Northwest of your house block winter winds.
- Evergreen shrubs and vines along the West walls reduce summer sun and winter winds.
- Plant deciduous shrubs and vines on East walls to cast cool summer shade and let in warm winter sun.
Winterizing New Trees and Shrubs
Watering: It is important to continue watering newly planted trees and shrubs until the temperatures are consistently cold (usually through November).
Fertilizing: Use fertilizer spikes or a granular fertilizer in the fall to achieve improved growth in the following spring. Do NOT fertilize evergreens. This can encourage new growth that could be damaged by upcoming freezing temperatures. Trees that drop their leaves can be fertilized until the ground freezes.
Mulching: Applying mulch is one of the best things you can do for y our plants. Not only does mulch help conserve moisture around the root ball, but it also helps keep the soil cooler in summer and warmer in winter.
Tree Wrap: Wrap tree trunks with a tree wrap to protect he trunk from scalding and cracking.
Wilt-Proof: To protect against damaging dry winter winds, use Wilt Proof or Wilt Stop sprays on broadleaf evergreens (Boxwoods, Hollys, Rhododendrons). Apply before the first frost.
