Advanced TreeCare Tips

How to Water Trees Properly During a Drought: A Complete Guide for Homeowners, Gardeners, and Landscape Designers

June 2, 2025 by Sofiia Protasova

Why Trees Need Special Care During a Drought

When there’s no rain for several weeks and temperatures rise above 30°C (86°F), the soil dries out quickly. Trees — especially young ones — often can’t absorb enough moisture to maintain healthy growth. This can lead to:

Plant stress
Reduced photosynthesis
Stunted growth
Leaf drop
Root death

Even mature trees with well-developed root systems can lose branches or become vulnerable to pests and diseases.

How to Water Trees Effectively in the Heat

Water Deeply
Target the root zone, which for most trees lies 12–24 inches (30–60 cm) underground. Surface watering only moistens the top 2–4 inches and doesn’t benefit the tree.

Where to Water
Do not water at the base of the trunk. Instead, water along the “drip line” — the area under the edge of the tree’s canopy where active roots are located.

Watering Frequency

Tree Type	Age	Frequency
Saplings	Up to 2 yrs	2–3 times per week
Young Trees	2–5 yrs	1–2 times per week
Mature Trees	5+ yrs	Every 10–14 days

Note: Sandy soils drain faster and require more frequent watering.

Amount of Water
General rule: 2.5 gallons (10 liters) per inch of trunk diameter. For example, a tree with a 4-inch trunk needs about 10–15 gallons (40–60 liters) per watering.

Best Time to Water Trees

Water early in the morning (before 9:00 AM) or in the evening (after 6:00 PM). Avoid watering in the midday heat when most water evaporates. Midday leaf watering can cause leaf burns due to the lens effect of water droplets.

Should You Water Tree Leaves?

This is a controversial topic:

When it’s helpful:

In the early morning or evening to remove dust and cool young saplings
In greenhouses or containers with controlled humidity

When to avoid:

During midday heat — risk of leaf burn
When humidity is high — can cause fungal diseases
For mature trees — not effective for hydration

Conclusion: Leaf misting is optional and mostly aesthetic. True hydration must come through root watering.

Mulching: The Secret to Moisture Retention

Benefits of mulch around trees:

Retains moisture
Prevents root overheating
Reduces weed competition
Improves soil structure

Best mulch materials:

Wood chips
Straw
Leaves
Compost

How to apply: Lay mulch 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) deep. Leave a 4–6 inch (10–15 cm) gap around the trunk to prevent bark rot.

Most Common Watering Mistakes

Watering at midday when evaporation is highest
Frequent shallow watering that promotes weak roots
No mulch or mulch touching the trunk
Watering visually without checking soil moisture
Spraying leaves during heat of the day

Expert Tips from Advanced Tree Care

Customize a watering schedule for your specific trees
Check your soil type — sandy, clay, or loam
Don’t delay mulching — do it early in summer
Monitor tree health and soil moisture regularly
Use drip systems or slow soaker hoses whenever possible

Need Help? Advanced Tree Care is here for you. We offer expert advice, diagnosis, pruning, tree protection, and full-service tree care — done with love.

Spring Tree Care in Illinois: Expert Tips

April 28, 2025 by Sofiia Protasova

As spring is already in Illinois, it’s the perfect time to take care of your trees after a harsh winter. Snow, ice, and strong winds can cause significant damage to trees. That’s why it’s important to give them the right care so they can recover and be ready for the warmer months.

At Advanced Tree Care, we want to share some tips for spring tree care to keep your trees healthy, beautiful, and strong. Let’s take a look at why it’s important to care for your trees this spring.

Why is Spring Pruning Important for Trees?

Spring is the best time for pruning trees. Here’s why:

Tree Health: Pruning helps remove dead or damaged branches, allowing the tree to focus its energy on healthy growth.
Preparing for Summer: Thinning and pruning allow the tree to grow strong and beautiful during the warmer months.
Disease Prevention: Pruning lowers the risk of diseases because infected parts of the tree are removed, allowing air to circulate more freely.

Spring is the perfect time for sanitary and shaping pruning, especially for trees that have suffered winter damage or storm damage.

*Before and after tree trimming pictures*

How to Care for Trees in Different North Shore Cities and Northwest Suburbs?

Tree care can differ depending on the area. Here are some tips for various North Shore cities:

Evanston: In this area, old oaks and elms require special attention. If you have older trees, it’s a good idea to reach out to a local arborist in Evanston to ensure proper pruning.
Winnetka and Wilmette: These areas feature a lot of ornamental trees that often require more care in terms of shaping and form. Taking care of these trees will help preserve their aesthetic appearance.
Highland Park and Lake Forest: In these regions, large trees are common and can suffer from wind damage during the winter. Pruning and checking for damage will help ensure the safety and health of your trees.

Northwest Suburbs

Schaumburg: Many fast-growing species benefit from crown thinning and selective pruning to prevent overcrowding.
Round Lake: Trees near lakes and open fields may experience wind damage — regular spring inspection is essential.
McHenry: This area has a mix of old-growth trees and new landscaping — both benefit from fertilization and pruning to ensure longevity.

Our local arborists work with each client individually to determine the best tree care strategy.

Types of Spring Tree Care You Should Perform

Here are some of the main tree care services that need to be done in spring:

Trimming & Pruning: This process removes extra branches so that the tree can grow evenly and beautifully. Proper pruning helps maintain the structure of the tree and encourages healthy growth.

Removing Dead Branches: Damaged branches can become a safety hazard, so it’s important to remove them to prevent them from falling. This is crucial for keeping your yard and property safe.

Checking for Diseases and Pests: Inspect your tree for signs of fungi, pests, or diseases that could damage it. Early detection can help prevent further issues and keep your tree healthy.

Fertilizing: Spring is the perfect time to fertilize your trees, especially if they need extra nutrients to encourage healthy growth after winter.

Branch Cabling: If your tree has weak or poorly structured branches, cabling can provide extra support to prevent them from breaking during storms or high winds.

Tree Removal: In some cases, a tree may be too damaged or diseased to be saved. If a tree is posing a danger to your property or nearby structures, removal might be necessary. Professional tree removal ensures safety and prevents any potential risks.

Examples of Our Work

Check out our photos and videos to see how we help trees recover and look great.

Here’s how our team performed tree pruning in Buffalo Grove.

Buffalo Grove Tree Cleanup | Advanced Tree Care Crew in Action!
🌳 Keeping Buffalo Grove Clean & Safe! 🌳 After trimming trees for the Village of Buffalo Grove, our cleanup team—Joseph, Florencio, and Oliver—works hard to ensure every last branch and leaf is cleared away. Their dedication keeps properties looking great and streets safe! Why cleanup matters: – Prevents leftover branches from causing hazards – Keeps yards, sidewalks, and streets neat – Ensures a polished, professional finish A huge thank you to Joseph, Florencio, and Oliver for their hard work and attention to detail! 👏 Your efforts make a real difference in keeping our community safe and beautiful. 📞 Need professional tree care? Call us at 847-587-8500—we’re happy to help! #AdvancedTreeCare #BuffaloGrove #TreeTrimming #TreeService #ProfessionalCare #SafeAndClean #IllinoisTrees #TreeCare #Arborist #TreeRemoval #TreePruning #CleanUpCrew #ProfessionalService #HealthyTrees #UrbanForestry #EcoFriendly #SafetyFirstPosted by Advanced Tree Care on Wednesday, April 16, 2025

Why It’s Important to Hire Certified Arborists

A professional arborist is someone with the experience and knowledge to properly care for your trees. Here’s why you should hire a pro:

Safety: Pruning trees without the proper skills can lead to safety hazards for you and your property. Professionals work safely.
Tree Health Assessment: Only a certified arborist can accurately assess the condition of your tree and determine whether it needs additional care.

Preserving Tree Health: Professional care ensures that your tree remains healthy and beautiful, without harm.

Contact Us for a Free Consultation

Ready to take care of your trees this spring? Advanced Tree Care offers free consultations for residents of Evanston, Glenview, Highland Park, Northbrook and other North Shore cities and Northwest suburbs. Our experts can help with pruning, trimming, fertilizing, treating diseases and pests, tree removal and other services to keep your trees healthy.

Call us at 847-587-8500 or fill out the form on our website to schedule your free consultation. Let’s work together to ensure the health of your trees!

Midwest’s Extreme Temperatures and How They Affect Your Trees

January 28, 2025 by Sofiia Protasova

healthy trees affected by extreme Midwest temperatures.

Recently, the entire Chicago suburbs experienced extremely cold weather, with temperatures dropping to -9°F in some areas. Every homeowner should know that severe frost can cause significant damage to the trees around us.

A sharp drop in temperature causes physical changes to both the appearance and the internal structure of trees, leading to stress for many species and reducing their ability to regenerate.

What Signs Indicate Frost Damage on Your Trees?

Frost damage is primarily caused by extremely low temperatures and sudden temperature changes. These conditions can lead to frost damage on branches, cracks in the bark, and root damage. Even though it may be cold, the bark of the tree will be warm to the touch from the sun heating it up. As soon as the sun sets, the water within the tree flash freezes, causing splitting.
Weakened trees also become more vulnerable to biotic (living) factors, such as fungal infections and pests, which often enter through frost cracks. To protect your trees, it is crucial not only to prevent abiotic damage but also to address biotic issues promptly.

After or even during a frost event, you may notice several signs of damage:

Bark Cracks (“Frost Cracks”)

Vertical cracks in the trunk are caused by the rapid contraction of tree tissues due to sudden temperature drops.

Cracked tree trunk showing damage from extreme winter temperatures.

Branch Frosting

If ice builds up on branches, it’s an early sign they might break eventually. Damaged branches may sag or appear unstable.

Branches with icicles formed due to extreme winter temperatures and freezing conditions.

Ice in the Soil Around the Tree

Frozen soil indicates that roots may be suffering from restricted access to water and nutrients.

Exposed tree roots on a snowy surface, illustrating the impact of winter weather on tree health.

What Trees Are the Most Vulnerable?

Certain tree species are more sensitive to extreme cold. These include:

Illustration showing various tree species sensitive to extreme cold, including Japanese Red Maple, Norway Maple, and fruit trees.

Japanese Red Maple: These ornamental trees have thin bark that is easily damaged by frost.
Norway Maple: Often suffers from bark cracks and frostbite.
Peach and Cherry Trees: Their buds and thin branches are especially sensitive to sudden temperature changes.
Young Trees: Regardless of species, young trees lack sufficient protective bark and robust root systems.

To protect vulnerable trees, mulch the soil around their roots and insulate their trunks before winter. Prevention is the best defense!

How to Care for Trees During Extreme Cold

Proper care can help trees survive the cold months and stay healthy. Here are some essential tips:

Water Deeply in the Fall

Provide trees with sufficient moisture before frost sets in. Moist soil helps roots better tolerate freezing. This is especially important for young trees that are not yet established.

Mulch to Protect Roots

Mulch acts as a natural insulator. Create a 3-4 inch layer of mulch around the base of the tree to retain heat and moisture. Leave a small gap between the mulch and the trunk to prevent rot.

Protect the Trunk from Frost

To prevent cracks, wrap the trunks of young trees with special protective materials.

Pruning

Prune dead, weak, or diseased branches before winter to reduce the risk of them breaking under the weight of snow or ice. However, avoid pruning during severe frosts, as this can cause additional damage.

Fertilizing and Soil Health

Apply fertilizers in the spring and fall to strengthen the root system.

Winter can be challenging, but with proper preparation, your trees will not only survive but
thrive in the spring. Take care of your greenery, and it will reward you with longevity and beauty.

Not sure about the health of your trees after extreme weather? Schedule a free consultation with one of our certified arborists!

Summer Tree Care Checklist

June 1, 2023 by admin

When summer’s hot days arrive, who isn’t glad for the shade of trees? We find relief from summer scorchers—and protection from UV rays—underneath their leaves. It’s the time of year we spread picnic blankets under their branches or seek out the leafy route for runs and bike
rides.
Summer can bring harsh conditions for trees, though. From high temperatures and periods of drought to sudden storms, summer can be a season of extremes. That’s why it’s important to give your trees the right care to help them thrive during this season.

To help, we’ve created a summer tree care checklist to keep your trees healthy this season.

Summer tree pruning

Most deciduous trees should be pruned in the dormant season, but routine pruning can be done at any time all year. In fact, it should be—diseased or damaged branches can pose a danger to people and property, and even the tree itself.

Summer pruning is ideal for removing dead branches, or high-risk limbs—those that could be broken off during a summer storm, for example. Summer is also the season for some gentle shaping and trimming for aesthetics, as you can see shrubs and trees in full leaf or flower. Gentle is the operative word here: minor cuts and trims are fine now but hold off on any more major pruning until dormancy unless your goal is to reduce growth this season.

There are also certain trees you should not prune in the summer. These include elms and oaks, as open pruning wounds can make them vulnerable to certain diseases. Oaks can be susceptible to oak wilt, which can be fatal. Elms can succumb to Dutch elm disease. It’s a good idea to consult a certified arborist before any necessary safety pruning of elms and oaks, as well as whenever you’re unsure whether summer pruning is a good idea.

Inspect your trees and shrubs

Summer is a good time of year to assess the overall health of your trees and shrubs. You can do this as they come into full leaf and grow during the early weeks of the season. Look for signs of insect infestation, fungus, blight, or dead branches. And, if you notice something that seems off, be sure to call a certified arborist or professional tree care company. Sometimes, catching infestation or disease early gives you the best chance of saving your tree or shrub.

Fertilize your trees and shrubs

Fertilizing your trees and shrubs adds nutrients and minerals for growth that might be missing from your soil. Trees need more nitrogen-based fertilizer during the growing season (spring and summer), so this is an ideal time to ensure your trees have what they need to thrive.

Mulch your trees

Mulch keeps weeds in check and helps trees and other plants retain moisture during hot, dry spells. Include trees in your seasonal mulching. Spread mulch three to five feet in diameter around the tree but leave two inches of space between the mulch and the base of the tree. The
mulch should not touch the tree itself.

Water your trees

Extended periods without rain can stress your trees. Protect them by making up for any lack of rain. Low, slow watering is best, so a sprinkler set on low or a hose set to a low flow for an extended time is best. Also, keep an eye on the weather: hard rains aren’t as good as gentle,
soaking rains for ensuring trees and plants have enough moisture. Check soil regularly and water when dry.

Protect your trees from severe weather

Summer can bring damaging storms, including high winds, torrential rain, and hail. Cabling or bracing branches or portions of your tree can help protect them from damage or disaster during this time. Consult a professional tree care company for more information on how to
identify potential weaknesses in advance of severe weather.

Overview: Summer Tree Care Checklist

To sum it all up, here’s how to take care of your trees this summer:

Prune: do routine pruning, and be sure to consult a certified arborist with any questions
Inspect: look for signs of insect infestation, fungus, blight, or dead branches
Fertilize: in early spring and summer to replenish soil nutrients and minerals
Mulch: 3-5 feet in diameter around the tree but not touching the tree itself
Water: regularly, especially to make up for lack of rainfall
Protect: brace or cable to protect from severe weather

Want to keep your trees healthy this summer? Advanced Tree Care can help. Advanced Tree Care combines top-notch equipment, cutting-edge technology, and well-trained staff to provide emergency tree removal and tree maintenance services. With a presence in nine counties and two states, we work daily to provide unparalleled customer service, safety, and efficiency—as well as the expertise to beautify your landscaping and community. Advanced Tree Care isn’t just our name—it’s also our purpose!

6 Things to Do Before Hiring a Tree Care Service

May 1, 2023 by admin

It’s that time of year again when nature is stirring, and the trees are waking up from a long winter’s nap. It’s also a great time of year to check on the health of your trees. Tree health is essential to curb appeal, as well as to safety on your property. Winter’s ice and snow may have
weakened or damaged your trees, and with spring storms in the forecast, it may be time to call a tree service.

Tree care can be dangerous and high stakes, so it requires skill, proper equipment, and careful technique; therefore, it is very important that you hire a qualified tree service for your tree care needs. It’s not enough to hire a landscaping or lawn care service—leave tree care to the true
tree care professionals. A professional tree care service will have the proper expertise and equipment to care for your trees, as well as the required licenses and insurance.

Wondering where to start? Here are six things to do before you hire a tree care service:

Look for a tree care service with a licensed arborist on staff. A licensed arborist will have expert knowledge regarding the specific needs of your trees. Whether you simply need your tree pruned or removed entirely, an arborist will know how to best approach the job. A certified arborist also has the extensive knowledge to identify and treat disease and infestation if your tree is affected and will make informed recommendations on a replacement tree if necessary.

Review the company’s credentials. While some lawn services may advertise tree services, you don’t want to hire someone lacking the proper knowledge and training to service your trees. Your trees are key to curb appeal. What’s more, a damaged limb or tree can pose a risk to your property or personal safety, so be sure to leave pruning and removal to a professional tree care service.

Verify that they are licensed and insured. Because tree service can be dangerous work, you only want to work with a company that has the proper licensing and credentials, as well as an updated and clearly communicated insurance policy. Do take the necessary time to understand their policies, how they will leave the job site, and what they (or you) are liable for.

Be sure they are professional. A professional tree service will have the proper credentials, licenses, and testimonies to support their quality claims. You do not want to hire a company that cuts corners for the sake of a few more dollars—truly professional tree services will prioritize quality service, employee training, and the safety of their workers and customers. When you are considering hiring a tree care company, review their services—and reach out with questions.

Get a detailed estimate. Ensure you understand the terms, conditions, and estimate of the job you are hiring a tree service to do. Know ahead of time what they will do, how they will do it (and how it will affect your property), and when they will supply these services. Being on the same page before work starts can help a job go smoothly—and boost the chances that you are happy with the result.

Look up reviews and recommendations. First-hand testimonials and reviews are an excellent way to gauge what kind of services a company will provide. Multiple reviews provide a good indicator of a company you want to do business with. Word of mouth recommendations from trusted friends and neighbors can also be an excellent way to find a quality tree service to hire.

Tree care is a vital part of maintaining your property and protecting your family—hiring a high-quality tree care service will have a positive impact on both. Use these six tips to help guide you in selecting a professional tree care service for your needs, from emergency tree removal to planning new plantings.

Advanced Tree Care combines top-notch equipment, cutting-edge technology, and well-trained staff to provide emergency tree removal and tree maintenance services. With a presence in nine counties and two states, we work daily to provide unparalleled customer service, safety,
and efficiency—as well as the expertise to beautify your landscaping and community. Advanced Tree Care isn’t just our name—it’s also our purpose!