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

 

How To Cut A Vertical Tree Branch

How To Cut A Vertical Tree Branch

Pruning is always an intimidating process, and when it comes to cutting down whole trees, it is even trickier! You’ll generally find low hanging tree limbs easier to cut and access. But how about vertical branches? Here are a couple of steps and know-how to get your vertical tree limbs a clean cut. Before You…

tree roots

How Tree Roots Affect Sidewalks, Pipes, and Foundations in the Chicago Area

Tree roots impact urban infrastructure through complex biological processes that cause physical displacement, moisture extraction, and structural compromise in Chicago’s unique soil conditions. This guide examines how tree roots interact with sidewalks, pipes, and foundations, addressing both problems and solutions specific to our region’s climate and soil composition. Understanding Tree Root Systems Tree roots serve…

wood decay in silver maple

Wood Decay in Chicago’s Urban Forest: Understanding, Managing, and Preserving Tree Health

Wood decay poses a significant challenge to Chicago’s area urban forest, impacting tree health, safety, and longevity. This article explores the complexities of wood decay in urban trees, from its biological underpinnings to advanced management strategies. By understanding the interplay between trees, fungi, and the unique urban environment of Chicago, we can better protect and…

chicago trees

Common Tree Diseases in Chicago

Just like humans do occasionally, trees get sick and recognizing the most common tree diseases will help you treat them and keep the benefits they offer for years to come. Trees in the Chicago area remove around 18,000 tons of pollution, which has an estimated value of $137,000,000 annually. It is safe to say that…

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…

tree stump removal

How Long Does It Take for a Tree Stump to Decay Naturally?

Tree stumps naturally decompose through a complex biological process that transforms solid wood into nutrient-rich soil over time. Understanding the natural decay timeline helps you make informed decisions about whether to wait for decomposition or pursue removal options for stumps on your Chicago or Evanston property. This comprehensive guide explores decay timeframes, biological mechanisms, environmental…

tree service insurance

Why Tree Service Insurance Matters (And How to Check for It)

Progressive Tree Service, a fully licensed and insured tree care company serving Chicago and Evanston, Illinois, understands that proper insurance coverage represents the foundation of responsible tree care operations. Insurance protection shields homeowners from potential financial liability while ensuring professional standards are maintained throughout every aspect of tree service delivery. This comprehensive guide examines why…

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…

Pruning Evergreen Trees

Best Time To Prune Evergreen Trees

Across the Midwest, most homeowners and gardeners tend to call conifers evergreens generally. While the needled pines, spruce, and scarlet leaf types fit that description, broad-leaved evergreens are not conifers. If you’ve had the opportunity to grow or tend to evergreen trees, you already know they don’t need much of the heavy pruning we’re used…

uprooted spruce tree

Leaning Tree

First and foremost, a leaning tree after a storm might represent an imminent hazard, so your first concern should be to keep yourself, your family and your neighbors safe. If unsure, please give us a call at  (847) 530-1533 Trees on a property are not just great to look at but also gift the property…