Tree care and tree service tips written by a certified arborist:

  • what is the best season to prune a tree
  • best and worst trimming techniques
  • pest and disease prevention
  • planting and caring for trees
  • stump removal

 

pine wilt nematode disease

Pine Wilt Disease: Prevention and Mitigation

Pine Wilt Disease (PWD), caused by the pinewood nematode, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, is a severe threat to non-native pine trees. This disease can rapidly kill trees within a growing season. Progressive Tree Service is committed to equipping homeowners and property managers with the knowledge and tools to combat this disease. Pine wilt, primarily impacting non-native pines,…

cicada in the grass

How Do Cicadas Affect Chicago Area Trees

The 2024 cicada emergence in Illinois is a rare and historic event that will captivate the attention of residents and entomologists alike. This article delves into the fascinating world of periodical cicadas, their impact on the ecosystem, and the preparations needed to protect trees and landscapes during this extraordinary occurrence. Introduction: A Rare and Historic…

Spring Tree Care

Spring Tree Care

Spring Tree Care Winter is finally gone, and it is that time you’ve been looking forward to; time to do some gardening. However, it is also the time that there is torrential downpour and flooding becomes a common thing. If you have trees on your property, you are wondering if they are going to survive…

verticillium wilt

Verticillium Wilt in Trees

Verticillium wilt, a significant tree disease in Illinois, particularly impacts urban areas like Chicago. Caused by soil-borne fungi such as Verticillium dahliae and Verticillium albo-atrum, this disease obstructs the vascular tissues of trees. Symptoms are often dire, including leaf wilting, yellowing, and premature defoliation, leading to potential tree mortality. These symptoms typically manifest between May…

Cutting Off Dead Branches

Does Cutting Off Dead Branches Help A Tree?

Sometimes, it is hard to decide to remove dead wood from a tree, especially if you do not know how to identify it and unsure if pruning will help the tree or not. Cutting off dead branches is good in most cases, but you still need to know how to do it safely. Dead branches…

Chicago Urban Trees

Urban Forests And Climate Change

One of the most accessible ways to tackle the climate crisis is by planting billions of trees across the world as it helps to purify the harmful toxins released into the atmosphere. As trees grow, it is essential to note that they store carbon dioxide emissions that otherwise contribute to global heating. Even as we…

Oak Tree Care

Oak Tree Care

Oak trees have signified strength for ages. A single oak tree can live up to two centuries and remain with sturdy trunks and branches. Oaks mostly grow in temperate regions in northern and southern hemispheres. Since oaks can live for so long, they can come to unimaginable heights. The oldest Oak known in the US…

phytophthora root rot prr

Phytophthora Root Rot in Trees

As you tend to your garden, a place where each plant and tree feels like part of your family, you may notice that one of your trees isn’t flourishing as it should. You might be facing Phytophthora Root Rot (PRR), an ancient scourge that’s as much a threat now as it was in times long…

tree pruning in Chicago

Why Tree Pruning Is Important

Many times throughout my career I have had clients ask why it is necessary to prune mature trees. A common misconception is due to the idea that woodland trees survive just fine without any care, why should anyone pay to have a large, mature tree trimmed? While it is true that trees survive just fine…

Tree Hit By Lightning

Tree Struck By Lightning

Lightning strikes a huge number of urban trees each year. Recent storms in the Chicago area have shown that there are no shortcuts to tree maintenance or prevention techniques. Tree Inspection Or Removal Quote Notice: JavaScript is required for this content. Can a tree survive a lightning strike? Yes. It depends on where the tree…