If you don’t have an arborvitae tree or shrub in your yard, chances are your neighbor does. Arborvitaes are among the most commonly planted evergreens in Chicago-area landscapes. Many yards and ...

Q: I need to prune an arborvitae hedge because it is too tall. I’d like to remove 3 or 4 feet off the top of these shrubs. When is the best time to prune them? A: Late winter or early spring is ...

Yew is a perfect shrub choice for privacy. Its needled foliage is evergreen, so you don't have to worry about losing privacy when winter comes. A row of yew shrubs can easily be clipped into a neat ...

You’re missing out if you don’t have shrubs around your home. Shrubs can add color, fragrance, and even protection from ...

Since I became a landscape designer, I have used many arborvitaes in many different applications. This species of plant has many colors, sizes and shapes. I would use one columnar variety to emphasize ...

“I just moved to Highland Park from the city and was quite surprised when my neighbors told me about the occasional group of deer that comes through the neighborhood feeding on plants. I am especially ...

While some species of holly are slower growers, if you choose the right variety, you can expect fast growth. McConnell recommends Emerald Colonnade holly, which can grow up to 12 feet tall and offers ...

Fall looms but gardening season is far from over, and you may have questions. To ask one, simply go to the OSU Extension website, type it in and include the county where you live. A photo is very ...

Now that Christmas and New Year's is over, it is time to have a little talk about the North Pole. No, I am not referring to the home place of the Jolly St. Nick but North Pole arborvitae, Proven ...

Editor’s note: Throughout the growing season, Mike Hogan, OSU Extension educator for Agriculture and Natural Resources in Franklin County, will answer gardening and home landscape questions submitted ...