===== PDF PAGE 3 ===== [Extraction: embedded PDF text] Draft MEETING MINUTES ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION January 23, 2024, 7:00 P.M. 1. Call to Order Establish a Quorum a. Staff Liaison, Dave Shah, called the meeting to order at 7:02 P.M. Roll call found Chair Nazree Williams, Co-Chair Thomas Cherrington, Commissioner Allen Rodriguez, and Commissioner Tyler Kesler present. b. Aldermanic liaison present included Alderman Christopher Swiatek. c. Staff liaison present included Assistant Director of Public Works, Dave Shah. d. The Commission welcomed Tyler Kesler, who was appointed to the Environmental Commission on January 15, 2024. 2. Approval of Minutes a. Environmental Commission Minutes of December 13, 2023 i. Cherrington made a motion, seconded by Willams, to approve the Meeting Minutes. 1. Voting Yea: Rodriguez and Kesler 2. Voting Nay: None 3. Public Participation/Presentations a. None 4. Items for Consent a. None 5. Review and Discuss the Commission Priority List a. Current List i. November 24, 2023, to January 19, 2023 – Holiday Lights Recycling Event Discussion: Shah mentioned that the event ended on January 19, 2023, and the total collection weight will be reported once all bins are collected and weight by Groot. b. New Additions i. Blooming Fest – May 18, 2024 Discussion: Cherrington volunteered to lead the coordination effort for this event. Cherrington also discussed the potential for partnership with the school, which included volunteer opportunities for students and to promote native species. ii. Paper Recycling Event & Rain Barrel Pick up – June 1, 2024 Discussion: Williams volunteered to lead the coordination effort for this event. The Commission mutually agreed to hold this date for the event. 6. Other Business a. Goals for 2024 b. Status on the resident survey Discussion: Willimas to finalize and follow up with the Commission. Page 1 of 2 ===== PDF PAGE 4 ===== [Extraction: embedded PDF text] c. DuPage County’s Environmental Committee tree & shrub bareroot seedling giveaway for 2024 Arbor Day- Blooming Fest Update. Discussion: Shah followed up with the County and was able to confirm from the County’s arborist that the bareroots can be planted after May 18, 2024. The Commission generally agreed and advised Shah to move forward with ordering 250 trees and 250 shrub bareroots from the County, which can be handed out during the Blooming Fest event on May 18, 2024. d. Various other items discussed i. Uniforms Discussion: Commissioners were generally interested in acquiring uniforms (e.g., polo with City logo) to represent the City and the Environmental Commission during various events. Shah will follow up on the uniform ordering procedure, including purchasing costs for the voluntary Commissions. ii. Waste Contract Discussion: The Commission was interested in knowing the City’s timeline for the RFP process for the Waste Contract renewal process. Shah to follow up. 7. Adjournment a. At 8:10 P.M., Rodriguez made a motion to adjourn and Cherrington seconded the motion. The motion was unanimously approved by voice vote. Respectfully, Dave Shah, PE Assistant Director of Public Works Page 2 of 2 ===== PDF PAGE 5 ===== [Extraction: embedded PDF text] Conservation@Home Presentations Note from the Conservation Foundation: “Our presentations give an overview of our organization and the Conservation@Home program and then speak specifically to what people can do on their own properties. We allow time for questions and provide a free "How-to" Natural Landscaping Guide for each participant. Our program lasts about an hour, and while we do not request a fee from our host organization, donations are gratefully accepted.” Presentations: • The Birds and the Bees - There has been considerable coverage in the news lately about the decrease in pollinators: butterflies, moths, and bees. Birds are also decreasing in numbers and are intrinsically connected to pollinators. Our presentation addresses both insects and birds and what we can do to help them. • Using Native Plants for Sustainable & Pretty Gardens - Come learn how our actions drive many of our environmental problems and what you can do to care for your piece of this earth in a more ethical way using techniques that are right and good for wildlife, the soil, water, and us. Our presentation will show how you can have an attractive landscape as well as providing an enriched habitat for birds, butterflies and other pollinators. • Nature Rx – More and more research is coming out about the benefits to our health from spending time in natural areas. Our presentation gives the health benefit details and what you can do to create a healthy garden for yourself and wildlife. • Trees – Trees, particularly oak trees, are keystone species for our natural areas, providing oxygen and more which improve our health, in addition to supporting many insects and animals and helping to mitigate water issues.  • Rain Barrels, Rain Gardens, and Water Issues – Water is one of our most important resources. We explain why we need to think of it as a resource to be conserved rather than a waste product to be removed. We show what a person can do to keep water local and clean as well as solve issues on their property. Website: https://theconservationfoundation.org/conservation-home/ ===== PDF PAGE 6 ===== [Extraction: OCR (rendered-page OCR)] ¥ * THE* CONSERVATION FOUNDATION Rain) Barrel Frequently Asked Questions The Conservation Foundation 10S404 Knoch Knolls Rd Naperville, IL 60565 630-428-4500 theconservationfoundation.org ===== PDF PAGE 7 ===== [Extraction: embedded PDF text] Rain Barrel Frequently Asked Questions What are rain barrels? How do I use the water that I’ve A rain barrel is a large container that is used to collect and collected in my rain barrel? store rainwater. The rain that falls on your roof is directed Use the water in your rain barrel between storms. Water into the rain barrel through your downspout. Rain barrels collected in rain barrels is great for watering lawns, gardens are a simple, efficient, low-cost method for homeowners to and houseplants. You can also use the water to wash your conserve water. windows, cars or pets! To use, attach a hose to the bottom valve and direct to landscaping, or simply fill buckets or watering cans.Why should I collect rain? When we think of rain as a precious fresh water resource, Even if you don’t have an intended use for the water, it doesn’t make sense to manage it like a waste product. emptying the rain barrel after a storm reduces the rate and Capturing rainwater in a rain barrel gives us clean water to volume of stormwater the storm sewer system and our offset our household water usage. rivers have to manage at a peak time. Collecting rain instead of letting it flow off our property as Can rain barrels reduce flooding instormwater runoff helps to reduce local flooding and stress on storm sewer infrastructure. Since stormwater runoff my neighborhood? picks up pollutants as it flows over the landscape before Each and every rain barrel contributes to reducingending up in local waterways, reducing stormwater runoff stormwater runoff in your community. When we collectalso protects local rivers and streams. stormwater in rain barrels and use it at a later time when your lawn is not saturated with stormwater, more water stays on your property. This means there is less stormwater runoff to strain storm sewer infrastructure and overwhelm local rivers and streams, resulting in less flooding in your neighborhood. Where can I buy a rain barrel? The Conservation Foundation sells rain barrels year-round through a partnership with Upcycle Products, Inc. The 55-gallon rain barrels are made of recycled food-grade plastic, come in a variety of colors and can be purchased online for $60 (plus tax). Home delivery is available for $5 more. Barrels can also be purchased in person at The Conservation Foundation’s headquarters at McDonald Farm or area events for $65 (includes tax). Buy a rain barrel online at www.theconservationfoundation.org/conservation- home/rain-barrels. Rain barrel accessories, such as a wood pedestal and flex elbow, are also available for purchase. Several communities have also partnered with The Conservation Foundation and Upcycle Products to sell rain barrels to their residents. Check your community’s website to see if they have a rain barrel program. Purchase a rain barrel at www.theconservationfoundation.org/conservation-home/rain-barrels ===== PDF PAGE 8 ===== [Extraction: embedded PDF text] Rain Barrel Frequently Asked Questions What material is the rain barrel What happens if I forget to use made out of? the water or empty the rain barrel The Conservation Foundation’s rain barrels are made of between storms? food-grade recycled plastic. The rain barrels are made from We encourage you to use the clean rainwater as a resource containers once used to ship bulk food, such as olives. to offset your household water use! However, you can attach a garden hose to the overflow fitting on the top part The rain barrels are 55-gallon containers, stand about 4 feet of the barrel. When the barrel fills up, additional water tall and weigh 400 pounds when full of water. will be directed away from the foundation of your house and keep the water level below the screening to prevent mosquitos. You can also attach a diverter to the downspoutHow do I install a rain barrel? which allows rainwater to continue out the downspout Rain barrels work best when placed on a stand or concrete when the barrel is full. blocks under a downspout. The added height increases water pressure and provides space for a bucket or watering What else can I do to managecan to be placed under the valve. stormwater on my property? Once the rain barrel is positioned on the platform, measure Add native plants to your landscape! Native plants haveand cut the downspout to a length just above the top of a deep root systems that help infiltrate rainwater into thebarrel. Downspouts can be cut with a hacksaw. Save the cut- soil. Native plants not only reduce stormwater runoff, butoff for reattachment in the winter. also create beautiful gardens and provide habitat for birds, butterflies and beneficial insects.Attach two elbows or a flex-elbow connector (available at most hardware stores or on the rain barrel online order Rain gardens also help manage stormwater at home.website) to the downspout to direct water to the top of the Rain gardens are shallow depressions (or low areas onbarrel. There are two sizes of flex-elbows (2x3” and 3x4”), so your property) planted with deep-rooted native plantsmeasure your downspout before buying. accustomed to wet conditions. Create a rain garden and direct water from the downspout or sump pump into it. FindFor a visual, you can find an installation guide and video at more information about rain gardens atwww.theconservationfoundation.org/conservation-home/ www.theconservationfoundation.org/conservation-home/rain-barrels/ creating-native-gardens/ Can I leave my rain barrel out You may also consider permeable pavers for your driveway or patio. These pavers reduce runoff at the source byduring the winter? allowing water to seep into the ground around the pavers. If the barrel fills with water and freezes, it may crack. They also improve water quality by filtering out pollutants In the fall, we recommend you empty the rain barrel, as stormwater flows through the rock layers installed below properly store it outside or bring it inside, and replace the the pavers. downspout. If you’d like to leave the barrel outside, turn it upside-down and weigh it down. Do rain barrels attract mosquitos? Any standing water is attractive to mosquitos. Fortunately, the rain barrels have screw-off lids with a screen to keep debris and insects from the water—including mosquitos! Purchase a rain barrel at www.theconservationfoundation.org/conservation-home/rain-barrels ===== PDF PAGE 9 ===== [Extraction: embedded PDF text] Painting Your Rain Barrel How do I get my rain barrel? To paint a rain barrel a solid color, Krylon’s Fusion spray paints are recommended as they are designed for plastic and do not require a primer. Online or In Person You can also try a fun design! Make decorating your rain barrel a family or group project. Order online at www.theconservationfoundation.org/rainbarrels 1. Prime the barrel with Zinser 1-2-3 (blue can). 2. Follow with a coat of interior/ exterior grade Rain Barrels acrylic paint. 3. Paint your designs with acrylics. 4. Display proudly and share your idea with Pick up at the Pay for Home or neighbors and friends. McDonald Farm Delivery 10S404 Knoch Knolls A low-tech way Naperville, IL 60565 to conserve water Purchase a rain barrel in person by visiting and save money! McDonald Farm (address above) on Thursdays from 1-5pm April through September. View current pricing at www.theconservationfoundation.org/rainbarrels This water-saving work of art was painted by artist Peter Thaddeus. Questions? Call 630-428-4500, Ext. 132 About The Conservation Foundation Rain barrels are just one element of The Conservation The Conservation Foundation is a nonprofit land Foundations's Conservation@Home education and and watershed protection organization dedicated recognition program for homeowners. If you are to preserving open space and natural lands, incorporating native plants and water conservation protecting rivers and watersheds, and promoting features like rain barrels in your home landscape, you stewardship of the environment in northeastern should be recognized for your efforts with Illinois. Established in 1972 by business and The Conservation FoundationConservation@Home certification! Criteria for community leaders, we work closely with citizens, certification includes: elected officials, developers, land use planners, 10S404 Knoch Knolls Road Landscaping featuring native plants. and park districts and forest preserves. The Naperville, IL 60565 Creation and protection of natural areas with steps Conservation Foundation has helped protect taken to control invasive plant species. more than 35,000 acres of open space. Efforts to reduce erosion and conserve rainwater on 630-428-4500 property. www.theconservationfoundation.org www.theconservationfoundation.org ===== PDF PAGE 10 ===== [Extraction: embedded PDF text] What's special about our How to Install and Use What are rain barrels? rain barrels? Your Rain Barrel A rain barrel is used to collect and store rainwater Made of food-grade upcycled plastic Rain barrels work best when placed on a stand or runoff, typically from rooftops. Instead of running containers which can be painted. Available in concrete blocks under a downspout. The added down driveways and sidewalks to sewers, rainwater is a variety of colors. height increases water pressure and provides space collected into a rain barrel where it can be stored for Sealed to keep them safe around children and for a watering can to be placed under the spigot.use in rain gardens, watering house plants, pet care, animals. Wooden stands are available on our website or at and washing cars. Rain barrels are a simple, efficient, McDonald Farm. low-cost method for homeowners to conserve water. Screw-off lid is equipped with a screen to keep debris and insects from the water. Once the barrel is positioned on the 55-gallon containers stand about 40" high, 24" platform, measure and cut the downspout to wide and weigh 400 pounds when full of a length just above the top of the barrel. water. Downspouts can be cut with a hacksaw. Save A valve on the bottom of the barrels to which the cut-off for reattachment in the winter. a hose can be attached makes the captured rainwater available through a simple gravity Attach a 2"x3" or 3"x4" flex-elbow connector system. (available at hardware stores/home centers A separate, capped opening at the bottom can and on our website) to the downspout to Why get a rain barrel? be used with a hose to connect to a second direct water to the top of the barrel. barrel. It is estimated that during the hot summer months, A capped opening at the top can be used To use, attach a hose to the bottom valve the average homeowner uses 40% of household water with a hose to direct overflow away from and direct to landscaping, or simply fillin the yard. The chlorine-free rain that falls on roofs your home's foundation. buckets or watering cans to wash vehicles orcan be used to offset household water usage and reduce water bills. water plants. A quarter-inch of rain falling on the average roof The ideal time to install rain barrels is when the yields more than 200 gallons of water. In the Chicago rainy season begins in the spring. In the fall, area, the average annual rainfall is more than 30", empty the barrel and store it upside-down, thenmeaning every household could collect 24,000 gallons replace the downspout.of water a year in rain barrels! Conserving the rain that falls on our properties helps recharge our water supply and assists with flood A spigot at the bottom ofcontrol by reducing the stress on our rivers and streams. barrels allows for easy access to your water. Collecting rainwater where it falls reduces the negative impacts of having it run down driveways and lawns, where it picks up pollutants like motor oil and pesticides and carries them into our rivers and steams. Partial funding to implement this program in DuPage County is provided by DuPage County Stormwater Management. ===== PDF PAGE 11 ===== [Extraction: embedded PDF text] Bald Cypress Bald Cypress Taxodium distichum Taxodium distichum Large Tree Large Tree Height 50’-70’ Height 50’-70’ Width 20’-30’ Width 20’-30’ Soil: Soil: Acidic, wet soils. Will Acidic, wet soils. Will tolerate dry sites and clay tolerate dry sites and clay soil. soil. Ornamental Value: Ornamental Value: Plant Immediately Beautiful yellow/red fall Plant Immediately Beautiful yellow/red fall Keep roots moist until color, needles are deciduous Keep roots moist until color, needles are deciduous planting. Soak roots in and will drop each fall. planting. Soak roots in and will drop each fall. water for 1- 3 hrs (not water for 1- 3 hrs (not overnight) prior to Avoid planting near utility overnight) prior to Avoid planting near utility planting. lines. planting. lines. Bald Cypress Bald Cypress Taxodium distichum Taxodium distichum Large Tree Large Tree Height 50’-70’ Height 50’-70’ Width 20’-30’ Width 20’-30’ Soil: Soil: Acidic, wet soils. Will Acidic, wet soils. Will tolerate dry sites and clay tolerate dry sites and clay soil. soil. Ornamental Value: Ornamental Value: Plant Immediately Beautiful yellow/red fall Plant Immediately Beautiful yellow/red fall Keep roots moist until color, needles are deciduous Keep roots moist until color, needles are deciduous planting. Soak roots in and will drop each fall. planting. Soak roots in and will drop each fall. water for 1- 3 hrs (not water for 1- 3 hrs (not overnight) prior to Avoid planting near utility overnight) prior to Avoid planting near utility planting. lines. planting. lines. Bald Cypress Bald Cypress Taxodium distichum Taxodium distichum Large Tree Large Tree Height 50’-70’ Height 50’-70’ Width 20’-30’ Width 20’-30’ Soil: Soil: Acidic, wet soils. Will Acidic, wet soils. Will tolerate dry sites and clay tolerate dry sites and clay soil. soil. Ornamental Value: Ornamental Value: Plant Immediately Beautiful yellow/red fall Plant Immediately Beautiful yellow/red fall Keep roots moist until color, needles are deciduous Keep roots moist until color, needles are deciduous planting. Soak roots in and will drop each fall. planting. Soak roots in and will drop each fall. water for 1- 3 hrs (not water for 1- 3 hrs (not overnight) prior to Avoid planting near utility overnight) prior to Avoid planting near utility planting. lines. planting. lines. ===== PDF PAGE 12 ===== [Extraction: embedded PDF text] 1. Keep roots moist while digging 1. Keep roots moist while digging hole. hole. 2. Dig a wide planting hole, 2-3x 2. Dig a wide planting hole, 2-3x wide as deep. wide as deep. 3. Loosen soil on sides of hole and 3. Loosen soil on sides of hole and create a mound of soil at base of create a mound of soil at base of hole. hole. 4. Place tree into hole with soil 4. Place tree into hole with soil mound supporting tree roots. Top mound supporting tree roots. Top root should be just under the soil root should be just under the soil surface. surface. 5. Partially fill hole, patting soil 5. Partially fill hole, patting soil down. Water thoroughly and let down. Water thoroughly and let soil settle. soil settle. 6. Readjust tree height and position; 6. Readjust tree height and position; shovel in remaining soil. shovel in remaining soil. Care Tips Care Tips Water the tree to ensure the soil is moist but not soggy. Water the tree to ensure the soil is moist but not soggy. Mulch around tree but avoid placing mulch directly next to tree trunk. Mulch around tree but avoid placing mulch directly next to tree trunk. Do not use fertilizer on newly planted tree. Do not use fertilizer on newly planted tree. 1. Keep roots moist while digging 1. Keep roots moist while digging hole. hole. 2. Dig a wide planting hole, 2-3x 2. Dig a wide planting hole, 2-3x wide as deep. wide as deep. 3. Loosen soil on sides of hole and 3. Loosen soil on sides of hole and create a mound of soil at base of create a mound of soil at base of hole. hole. 4. Place tree into hole with soil 4. Place tree into hole with soil mound supporting tree roots. Top mound supporting tree roots. Top root should be just under the soil root should be just under the soil surface. surface. 5. Partially fill hole, patting soil 5. Partially fill hole, patting soil down. Water thoroughly and let down. Water thoroughly and let soil settle. soil settle. 6. Readjust tree height and position; 6. Readjust tree height and position; shovel in remaining soil. shovel in remaining soil. Care Tips Care Tips Water the tree to ensure the soil is moist but not soggy. Water the tree to ensure the soil is moist but not soggy. Mulch around tree but avoid placing mulch directly next to tree trunk. Mulch around tree but avoid placing mulch directly next to tree trunk. Do not use fertilizer on newly planted tree. Do not use fertilizer on newly planted tree. 1. Keep roots moist while digging 1. Keep roots moist while digging hole. hole. 2. Dig a wide planting hole, 2-3x 2. Dig a wide planting hole, 2-3x wide as deep. wide as deep. 3. Loosen soil on sides of hole and 3. Loosen soil on sides of hole and create a mound of soil at base of create a mound of soil at base of hole. hole. 4. Place tree into hole with soil 4. Place tree into hole with soil mound supporting tree roots. Top mound supporting tree roots. Top root should be just under the soil root should be just under the soil surface. surface. 5. Partially fill hole, patting soil 5. Partially fill hole, patting soil down. Water thoroughly and let down. Water thoroughly and let soil settle. soil settle. 6. Readjust tree height and position; 6. Readjust tree height and position; shovel in remaining soil. shovel in remaining soil. Care Tips Care Tips Water the tree to ensure the soil is moist but not soggy. Water the tree to ensure the soil is moist but not soggy. Mulch around tree but avoid placing mulch directly next to tree trunk. Mulch around tree but avoid placing mulch directly next to tree trunk. Do not use fertilizer on newly planted tree. Do not use fertilizer on newly planted tree. ===== PDF PAGE 13 ===== [Extraction: embedded PDF text] The Morton Arboretum’s Tree Care Quick Facts PLANTING TREES Plant a tree the right way so it has the best chance to thrive and Trees are measured bywill provide greater benefits throughout its life. Follow these tips the caliper inch, meaning to give your tree a good start. For more information and help the diameter of the trunk selecting the right kind of tree, see mortonarb.org/plantadvice. in inches. A wide hole, not too deep Ways to buy trees A tree needs a wide, shallow planting hole so it can spread out new roots. Trees from nurseries come one of three Trees that are balled and burlapped lose between 70 and 90 percent of their ways: bare root, balled and burlapped root mass when they are dug up for transplanting. (B&B), or potted (containerized). Bare root Balled & burlapped (B&B) Potted Bare root trees have exposed roots Point where trunk without any soil on them. The roots must widens should be be kept moist and covered because they Mulch can dry out quickly. Bare root trees are at soil level. usually small—less than 2-inch caliper— and should be planted when dormant (late fall or early spring). Balled and burlapped trees are dug Arboretum up with some roots in a ball of soil that is then wrapped in burlap. The soil helps Morton keep the roots moist. The ©2014 Potted trees are becoming widely Dig the hole no deeper When the tree is in Tuck the top ¹/³ to ¹/² of available. They can become rootbound, T_Indigo than the root ball and the hole, remove as the burlap down around so remove the pot and carefully unwrap or 80# 2 to 3 times as wide. much wire or rope the sides of the root ball. even cut back circling roots when planting. Wider is better. as you can reach. Fill in around root ball with soil that was removed. 300_07/14_ACE_Rolland THE MORTON ARBORETUM | 4100 Illinois Route 53 Lisle, IL 60532 | mortonarb.org/plantadvice The Morton Arboretum thanks the City of Chicago for its contribution of content and illustrations. ===== PDF PAGE 14 ===== [Extraction: embedded PDF text] The Morton Arboretum’s Tree Care Quick Facts MULCHING A layer of mulch over its roots helps any tree grow and thrive. A young tree that is It is especially important for newly planted trees, but mulch mulched may grow twice is good for established trees, too. For more information, see as fast because it is better mortonarb.org/plantadvice. able to develop roots. Mulch helps keep tree roots cool in the The right way to mulch Avoid these mistakes summer and holds moisture in the soil. • Spread as wide as possible • Don't mound mulch against trunkIt keeps lawn mowers and string trimmers safely away so they do not damage the • 3 to 4 inches deep • Don't let mulch touch bark tree's bark. Mulch also deters weeds and • Saucer shape • Don't use synthetic materials, improves the soil as it breaks down. gravel, or stone • Keep clear of tree's bark Mulch should be made of plant material that will decompose over time. The best material is chipped or shredded wood, although leaves and grass clippings can be used. Compost also makes a fine mulch. Do not use gravel or stone. Spread mulch in a wide saucer shape around the tree's trunk. Mulching imitates the way trees grow Spread mulch 3 to 4 inches deep in a wide Never pile mulch against the trunk in nature. In the wild, the forest floor circle around the tree trunk. Ideally, mulch of a tree. It can trap moisture and is covered with a layer of twigs, should cover the whole area under the cause the bark to rot, making the decomposing leaves, branches, tree's branches. For newly planted trees, tree vulnerable to disease and and other dead plant matter. make the circle at least 4 to 6 feet across. insect problems. In urban areas, trees do not have this Synthetic materials, gravel, and stone Form the mulch into a low saucer shapenatural mulch layer and often have to are not good insulators and do not a little higher at the outer edge. This willcompete with turfgrass for nutrients break down to improve the soil. contain rainwater so it can soak downand water. Replacing grass with mulch protects trees and helps them grow. to tree roots. Maintaining a mulch layer over a tree's Make sure the mulch does not touch root zone is one of the most important the tree's bark. Most tree roots are just and effective ways to help trees live long, below the soil surface. healthy lives. If there is a lawn under the tree, spread Typically, 90 percent are mulch right on top of it rather than digging no deeper than 18 inches. out the grass. The grass beneath the mulch will die, which is better for the tree. THE MORTON ARBORETUM | 4100 Illinois Route 53 Lisle, IL 60532 | mortonarb.org/plantadvice The Morton Arboretum thanks the City of Chicago for its contribution of content and illustrations. ===== PDF PAGE 15 ===== [Extraction: embedded PDF text] The Morton Arboretum’s Tree Care Quick Facts COMMON DISEASES Not all diseases are destructive to trees. Nondestructive diseases are often called nuisance diseases, as they typically only impact the tree aesthetically. Below are some common examples. Please contact The Morton Arboretum’s Plant Clinic (mortonarb.org/plantadvice) before considering treatment. Apple Scab Sycamore Anthracnose Apple scab is caused by a fungus in spring Anthracnose is caused by several species Apple Scab as new leaf growth emerges. It can mostly of fungi whose spores infect newly be observed on leaves, blossoms, and fruit. emerging leaves. The disease can become Symptoms look like small velvety brown to severe when cool, wet spring weather olive green spots that enlarge and darken persists. The trees most likely to be affected are quite common, such as ash,to become somewhat circular. Severely elm, hickory, maple, oak, sycamore, andinfected leaves and fruit fall prematurely. walnut. Most anthracnose symptomsThe fungus overwinters on fallen leaves. It are seen on the lower two-thirds ofis important to rake up leaves and dispose the tree's canopy, while the upper third of them off the property. looks unaffected. Sycamore anthracnose, Cedar-Apple Rust unlike other anthracnose diseases, can also infect twigs and branches and kill Cedar-Apple RustCedar-apple rust is caused by a fungus buds, resulting in clusters of growth calledthat needs two hosts: a juniper, such as witch's brooms. In bad years, sycamoreeastern red-cedar, and, a deciduous host anthracnose can cause trees to lose allsuch as crabapple, hawthorn, or quince. their leaves by June. The trees grow new On the apple tree, symptoms include leaves in early July, but the production of leaf spots on the upper and lower side new leaves can weaken them. Remove of the leaves and infections on fruits and diseased leaves as soon as they drop off.branches. Symptoms of infection on the junipers are noticeable tan-brown galls Phomopsis Blight that produce bright orange tendrils in the Phomopsis tip blight is a fungal disease spring. Repeated infestations can destroy that mostly affects evergreens, including the ornamental value of healthy trees. junipers, arborvitae, and some pines. Sycamore Anthracnose Symptoms are first noticeable in spring Arboretum when new growth changes from light Morton yellow green to red brown to ash gray as The it dies. Small stems are usually girdled by these lesions, causing tip death. The blight ©2014 is spread by splashing rain, wind, insects, T_Indigo or mechanical means such as pruners 80# that have not been disinfected. Prune out diseased branch tips during dry summer weather and discard. Phomopsis Blight 300_07/14_ACE_Rolland THE MORTON ARBORETUM | 4100 Illinois Route 53 Lisle, IL 60532 | mortonarb.org/plantadvice ===== PDF PAGE 16 ===== [Extraction: embedded PDF text] The Morton Arboretum’s Tree Care Quick Facts NONTHREATENING INSECTS Some insects will not typically cause trees to die, but tend to greatly affect tree aesthetics. Below are common, nonthreatening insects found in the Chicago region. Before considering treatment, please contact The Morton Arboretum’s Plant Clinic (mortonarb.org/ plantadvice) for more information and complete descriptions of these insects. Scales Scales the time. Its damage is mostly a cosmetic There are many species of scale insects problem. The tentlike structures from both that feed on a wide range of host plants. caterpillars can be removed by hand. Scale insects generally feed on plant sap and some species produce a sticky Gall-forming Insects substance often called honeydew that Galls are abnormal growths that occur drips onto branches and foliage below. on leaves, twigs, roots, or flowers of many Heavy infestations can cause branch plants. While most galls are caused by dieback. Different scale insects require irritation and/or stimulation of plant cells different treatments. due to feeding or egg-laying by insects Japanese Beetles such as aphids, midges, wasps, or mites, Japanese Beetles some are the result of infections by Common in the Chicago region, Japanese bacteria, fungi, or nematodes. Most galls beetles are 1/2 inch long, shiny, and are nonthreatening, causing only unsightly metallic green with coppery-brown wing distortion on affected plant tissue, though covers. As grubs, Japanese beetle larvae stem galls can do damage. overwinter in the soil and can damage lawns by feeding on grass roots. Adult Pine Sawflies beetles emerge from the soil in late June Caterpillars There are more than 100 species of and feed until mid-August on leaves of sawflies known in the United States. 300 different plant species. Feeding can The pine sawfly gets its name from the skeletonize leaves so only the leaf veins sawlike apparatus at the tip of the adult's remain. Several years of high beetle abdomen used for egg laying. Pine sawfly populations can drastically reduce the larvae feed in groups on white pine, mugo, vigor of affected trees and plants. and other pines. Due to their vigorous and lengthy feeding periods, large populationsCaterpillars of sawflies can cause significant defoliation ArboretumTwo common pests of deciduous trees to host plants. Control requires constant Gall-forming Insectsare the Eastern tent caterpillar (active Morton vigilance and immediate action when in spring) and the fall webworm (active The populations are detected. Remove the in summer and fall), whose gauzy ©2014 larvae by hand or use a forceful spraytents deface trees on roadsides, home of water to dislodge them.landscapes, and orchards. Tent caterpillars T_Indigo feed on leaves of ornamental trees during 80# the day and return to their nests at night. They can defoliate a tree, but the tree may send out new leaves later in the season. Fall webworm stays in the nest all Pine Sawflies 300_07/14_ACE_Rolland THE MORTON ARBORETUM | 4100 Illinois Route 53 Lisle, IL 60532 | mortonarb.org/plantadvice ===== PDF PAGE 17 ===== [Extraction: embedded PDF text] The Morton Arboretum’s Tree Care Quick Facts THREATENING INSECTS Below are the most common destructive insects in the Chicago region. If untreated, they can kill trees, though sometimes the insects are so harmful that treatment is futile. Before considering treatment, please contact The Morton Arboretum’s Plant Clinic (mortonarb.org/plantadvice) for more information and complete descriptions of these insects. Emerald Ash Borer Emerald Ash Borer Adults are nocturnal gray-brown moths The emerald ash borer (EAB) is a major and are rarely seen. invasive species. Adults are metallic emerald green, bullet-shaped beetles Bronze Birch Borer Similar to emerald ash borer in shape andthat are smaller than a penny. Established size, this metallic bronze beetle affectsacross most of the United States, EAB stressed birches of several species. In the Two-Lined Chestnut Borercauses significant mortality to native ash larval stage, the borer tunnels beneath thetrees (Fraxinus) during its larval stage. bark, cutting off the supply of water andThe larvae feed on water-conducting nutrients. Some birch species are resistanttree tissue just under the bark, creating to bronze birch borer.distinctive serpentine tunnels. As the larvae rapidly multiply, these tunnels girdle a tree in one to three years. Chemical National Invasive Species of Critical Concern. injections can be used to protect trees from EAB larvae if applied before Gypsy Moth Zimmerman Pine Moth significant damage is done. Gypsy moth is a major invasive species. Its caterpillars feed on more than 450 kinds Two-Lined Chestnut Borer of trees but favor oaks. Found throughout northeastern Illinois, the caterpillars hatchTwo-lined chestnut borer attacks many in spring from buff-colored egg massestypes of oaks. Trees that are stressed, and begin feeding in groups. The adultinjured, or weakened are most susceptible. male moth is brown and the female isThe adult beetle is slender, greenish-black, white with black markings. To help slow Bronze Birch Borerand bullet-shaped with two yellow stripes the spread of gypsy moth, check for foralong its back. The larvae feed under the egg masses on outdoor surfaces duringbark and destroy the water-conducting the winter and remove them.tissues, causing branch dieback and eventually killing the tree. Prevention is the best defense. Healthy trees are Asian Longhorned Beetle less susceptible. One of the most serious invasive pests, the Asian longhorned beetle (ALB) is Zimmerman Pine Moth black with several white spots on its Gypsy Moth The Zimmerman pine moth generally back. It feeds on more than 14 tree attacks Douglas-fir and Scots, Austrian species, especially maples. The beetle is and red pines. The pine moth’s larval stage most destructive in its larval stage. The does the most damage. The larvae tunnel larvae tunnel not only in the water- and under the bark, girdling the trunk or large nutrient-carrying tissues of a tree but also branches and cutting off the supply of in the inner heartwood, undermining the water and nutrients. Masses of sap are tree’s structure. Although eradicated in apparent on the affected areas of the the Chicago region, ALB persists in large Asian Longhorned Beetle tree, usually near branch whorls. sections of the eastern United States. THE MORTON ARBORETUM | 4100 Illinois Route 53 Lisle, IL 60532 | mortonarb.org/plantadvice ===== PDF PAGE 18 ===== [Extraction: embedded PDF text] The Morton Arboretum’s Tree Care Quick Facts THREATENING DISEASES Below are the most common destructive tree diseases in the Chicago region. If untreated, they can kill trees, though sometimes the diseases are so harmful that treatment may be futile. Before considering treatment, please contact The Morton Arboretum’s Plant Clinic (mortonarb.org/plantadvice) for more information and complete descriptions of these diseases. Dutch Elm Disease (DED) Cankers Caused by a fungus, this disease can spread Cankers vary in size and shape. They Dutch Elm Disease readily in elm-rich areas due to the fungus' appear as sunken or discolored lesions ability to move not only with the help of on the bark of trunks and branches or elm bark beetles, but also through grafted as injured areas on smaller twigs. The bark elm root tissue. The fungus spreads quickly often splits between diseased and healthy throughout the tree. The most obvious sign tissue. New leaves on affected branches is late summer “flagging,” when leaves on will become smaller, discolored, and curled. upper branches curl and turn gray-green, Cankers can take months or years to then yellow, then brown. Brown streaks in girdle twigs, branches, or trunks. the wood beneath the bark are further Thyronectria Canker is most evidence, but only laboratory identification often found on honey-locust trees. can confirm that the tree has DED. Botryosphaeria Canker is found Oak Wilt Oak Wilt on many trees including crabapple, elm, linden, pine, and sycamore.All oaks are susceptible to oak wilt. Cytospora Canker is found onHowever, the red oak subgenus is more spruce branches.susceptible than the white oak subgenus. The fungus invades the water-conducting tissues, preventing the normal flow of Thousand Canker Diseasewater. This causes the foliage to wilt and A native fungal disease carried andoften kills the tree. Oak wilt can spread transferred by a twig beetle, thousandfrom infected trees to healthy ones canker disease is spreading across thethrough root grafts or when insects United States, though it is not currentlycarry spores from one tree to another. found in Illinois. Host species include CankersThe symptoms often start at the top of walnut and butternut. Symptoms includethe tree and gradually spread downward. flagging or wilting from the top of the ArboretumThe leaves on infected branches curl tree downward and dead branches.and turn yellow or bronze in color. Red Morton Telltale cankers are present under the Theoaks may decline and die within weeks bark on infected branches.or months, while white oaks may show ©2014 branch dieback for years before dying. In some cases, white and bur oaks recover T_Indigo after one year of infection. 80# Thousand Canker Disease 300_07/14_ACE_Rolland THE MORTON ARBORETUM | 4100 Illinois Route 53 Lisle, IL 60532 | mortonarb.org/plantadvice ===== PDF PAGE 19 ===== [Extraction: embedded PDF text] The Morton Arboretum’s Tree Care Quick Facts THREATENING DISEASES Bur Oak Blight Diplodia Tip Blight Bur oak blight is a fungal leaf disease that Diplodia tip blight is a fungal disease of has been found in southern Minnesota, stressed conifers, especially pines. Austrian Iowa, and northern Illinois. There are two pine is the most susceptible host. When stages of infection: tissue death of the leaf the new needles at the branch tips, or and spore-producing pustules found where candles, are expanding in spring, they the leaf attaches to the twig. Infected leaves become stunted and turn tan or brown. generally remain attached to the twigs over Typically, all needles on the current season’s shoot are killed. Symptoms often start inthe winter and symptoms appear to move the lower half of the tree and progressup the tree from the lowest branches. Bur Oak Blight upward. As lateral shoots are killed, wholeOver time, the tree slowly declines. branches may die back to the trunk, Fire Blight disfiguring the tree. Fire blight is a bacterial disease that Verticillium Wiltaffects trees and shrubs in the rose family, Verticillium wilt is a serious soil-borneincluding apples, crabapples, and hawthorns. fungal disease that can affect hundreds In early spring, flowers can be infected with of plant species. Most afflicted plants are the bacterium, resulting in blossom blight. infected through their roots. The fungus New leaf growth can suddenly wilt and spreads into the branches and stems turn black or brown, giving the appearance through the tissues that carry water, of having been scorched by fire. Cankers cutting off the water supply to the leaves can occur on twigs, branches, and stems. Fire Blight and causing them to wilt. Leaves may turn yellow and branches may die back, sometimes in only part of the tree. Diplodia Tip Blight Verticillium Wilt THE MORTON ARBORETUM | 4100 Illinois Route 53 Lisle, IL 60532 | mortonarb.org/plantadvice ===== PDF PAGE 20 ===== [Extraction: embedded PDF text] The Morton Arboretum’s Tree Care Quick Facts PLANTING TREES Plant a tree the right way so it has the best chance to thrive and Trees are measured bywill provide greater benefits throughout its life. Follow these tips the caliper inch, meaning to give your tree a good start. For more information and help the diameter of the trunk selecting the right kind of tree, see mortonarb.org/plantadvice. in inches. A wide hole, not too deep Ways to buy trees A tree needs a wide, shallow planting hole so it can spread out new roots. Trees from nurseries come one of three Trees that are balled and burlapped lose between 70 and 90 percent of their ways: bare root, balled and burlapped root mass when they are dug up for transplanting. (B&B), or potted (containerized). Bare root Balled & burlapped (B&B) Potted Bare root trees have exposed roots Point where trunk without any soil on them. The roots must widens should be be kept moist and covered because they Mulch can dry out quickly. Bare root trees are at soil level. usually small—less than 2-inch caliper— and should be planted when dormant (late fall or early spring). Balled and burlapped trees are dug Arboretum up with some roots in a ball of soil that is then wrapped in burlap. The soil helps Morton keep the roots moist. The ©2014 Potted trees are becoming widely Dig the hole no deeper When the tree is in Tuck the top ¹/³ to ¹/² of available. They can become rootbound, T_Indigo than the root ball and the hole, remove as the burlap down around so remove the pot and carefully unwrap or 80# 2 to 3 times as wide. much wire or rope the sides of the root ball. even cut back circling roots when planting. Wider is better. as you can reach. Fill in around root ball with soil that was removed. 300_07/14_ACE_Rolland THE MORTON ARBORETUM | 4100 Illinois Route 53 Lisle, IL 60532 | mortonarb.org/plantadvice The Morton Arboretum thanks the City of Chicago for its contribution of content and illustrations. ===== PDF PAGE 21 ===== [Extraction: embedded PDF text] The Morton Arboretum’s Tree Care Quick Facts MULCHING A layer of mulch over its roots helps any tree grow and thrive. A young tree that is It is especially important for newly planted trees, but mulch mulched may grow twice is good for established trees, too. For more information, see as fast because it is better mortonarb.org/plantadvice. able to develop roots. Mulch helps keep tree roots cool in the The right way to mulch Avoid these mistakes summer and holds moisture in the soil. • Spread as wide as possible • Don't mound mulch against trunkIt keeps lawn mowers and string trimmers safely away so they do not damage the • 3 to 4 inches deep • Don't let mulch touch bark tree's bark. Mulch also deters weeds and • Saucer shape • Don't use synthetic materials, improves the soil as it breaks down. gravel, or stone • Keep clear of tree's bark Mulch should be made of plant material that will decompose over time. The best material is chipped or shredded wood, although leaves and grass clippings can be used. Compost also makes a fine mulch. Do not use gravel or stone. Spread mulch in a wide saucer shape around the tree's trunk. Mulching imitates the way trees grow Spread mulch 3 to 4 inches deep in a wide Never pile mulch against the trunk in nature. In the wild, the forest floor circle around the tree trunk. Ideally, mulch of a tree. It can trap moisture and is covered with a layer of twigs, should cover the whole area under the cause the bark to rot, making the decomposing leaves, branches, tree's branches. For newly planted trees, tree vulnerable to disease and and other dead plant matter. make the circle at least 4 to 6 feet across. insect problems. In urban areas, trees do not have this Synthetic materials, gravel, and stone Form the mulch into a low saucer shapenatural mulch layer and often have to are not good insulators and do not a little higher at the outer edge. This willcompete with turfgrass for nutrients break down to improve the soil. contain rainwater so it can soak downand water. Replacing grass with mulch protects trees and helps them grow. to tree roots. Maintaining a mulch layer over a tree's Make sure the mulch does not touch root zone is one of the most important the tree's bark. Most tree roots are just and effective ways to help trees live long, below the soil surface. healthy lives. If there is a lawn under the tree, spread Typically, 90 percent are mulch right on top of it rather than digging no deeper than 18 inches. out the grass. The grass beneath the mulch will die, which is better for the tree. THE MORTON ARBORETUM | 4100 Illinois Route 53 Lisle, IL 60532 | mortonarb.org/plantadvice The Morton Arboretum thanks the City of Chicago for its contribution of content and illustrations. ===== PDF PAGE 22 ===== [Extraction: OCR (rendered-page OCR)] MEET NATURE NEIGHBORS With Neteaob'st JUNE 1, 6:30 PM ST JAMES FARM FOREST PRESERVE WARRENVILLE Lear how fo use ae fov edhenfi thy ing platy, bees, butterflies ard move he Practice ouakiug cue ouldoory (dvexy for the weather) Be part of the done save 0) Ore UY KS ee Ze “Te MEET NATURE NEIGHBORS With Yatiaob'st JUNE 1, 6:30 PM ST JAMES FARM FOREST PRESERVE WARRENVILLE Learn how fe use ies bev yy identifying platy, b eey, butterflies and move Practice waketieg CF pea outdoory (dvexy for the weather) be of he 7 , tte ort ne FREE - All ages - under 13 accompanied by a parent FREE - All ages - under 13 accompanied by a parent Register: sierraclub.org/illinois/river-prairie Register: sierraclub.org/illinois/river-prairie