We're a professional, family-owned lawn and tree care service in the Chicago area.

We test your soil in order to formulate treatments tailored to your lawn's needs.

We use a variety of tools and techniques to care for your trees. Here, a technician uses an air spade to excavate the soil.

Our experienced technicians inspect your lawn for issues to determine the best solution for making your yard green and healthy.

Slice seeding is a superior way of reseeding and eliminates the mess and expense of tilling or tearing out your existing lawn.

We primarily use natural mineral- and organic-based fertilizers on your lawn. 100% organic fertilizers are an option too.

We use the same high-quality materials on your lawn that are used by championship golf courses.

Killing all the insects in your yard is a little like using a sledgehammer to crack a walnut. You want to eliminate harmful or disease-carrying pests such as mosquitoes or cockroaches, but you don’t want to get rid of those insects that help, such as bees and dragonflies. This lizard needs a steady supply of insects to stay healthy. By eating those in your yard, he is keeping the population of all insects in balance. That is vital for the health of your yard and our planet.

Corn gluten is a great lawn fertilizer – it gives our grass a nice natural dark green hue and can improve its disease resistance too. Corn gluten also has some natural weed control properties as well. We don’t want to oversell this quality, but if applied repeatedly (over a 3 year period) and at the correct time of year, corn gluten’s pre-emergent weed control properties can help reduce populations of many weed species. Formecology, LLC

Protect Your Beautiful Fruit Trees Apple scab and Pear Trellis Rust are very common diseases, and two of the most aesthetically damaging diseases of fruit trees. Very susceptible trees become defoliated by mid-summer, which weakens the trees over time and can even cause death. Fungicides must be applied preventively to successfully manage Apple Scab and Pear trellis Rust. Spores are released so early in the growing season, fungicide sprays must begin when the first green leaf tips emerge in spring. A series of three treatments performed approximately 7-10 days apart are recommended for best control. Call today to get your free quote.

Blending a modern sensibility with traditional architecture, this garden features a front yard meadow with native grasses (Carex praecracilis) and wildflowers. Poured-in-place concrete pavers in a meandering pattern slow the approach from the sidewalk to the entry. The modest backyard has been maximized for entertaining with outdoor dining and seating areas. Native plants, herbs, and edibles share the back garden beds, and a raised pond brings the garden to life.

Trusted | Proven | Reliable est. | ProScapes | 2001 Proudly serving Skagit, Whatcom, Island and Snohomish Counties
Inspiration for a large craftsman hillside stone retaining wall landscape in Seattle.

Trusted | Proven | Reliable est. | ProScapes | 2001 Proudly serving Skagit, Whatcom, Island and Snohomish Counties
Photo of a large craftsman hillside stone retaining wall landscape in Seattle.

Pepper plants are a delightful addition to any garden, offering a vibrant burst of color and spice to your culinary creations. However, even experienced gardeners can encounter challenges when growing pepper plants. In this blog, we'll explore some common issues you might face and provide practical solutions to help your pepper plants thrive. 1. Slow or Stunted Growth Issue: Slow or stunted growth in pepper plants can be discouraging, but there are specific steps you can take to address this issue effectively. Solution: a. Soil Health: - Well-Draining Soil: Ensure your pepper plants are in well-draining soil to prevent waterlogged roots, which can inhibit growth. - Organic Matter: Incorporate plenty of organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, into the soil to improve its texture and nutrient content. - pH Level: Test the soil pH and adjust it to the ideal range between 6.0 and 6.8 using lime or sulfur as needed. b. Fertilization: - Balanced Fertilizer: Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer designed for vegetables to provide essential nutrients steadily throughout the growing season. - Compost: Amend the soil with compost to enhance nutrient availability and soil structure. This can promote healthier growth. c. Watering: - Consistent Moisture: Maintain consistent soil moisture levels by watering your pepper plants regularly but avoid waterlogging. Aim for 1-2 inches of water per week, adjusting based on your local climate and weather conditions. - Mulching: Apply mulch around the base of the plants to retain soil moisture and regulate temperature. 2. Yellowing Leaves Issue: Yellowing leaves can be a sign of various underlying problems, but addressing them promptly can restore the vibrancy of your pepper plants. Solution: a. Nutrient Deficiencies: - Balanced Fertilization: Use a well-balanced fertilizer that includes micronutrients to address nutrient deficiencies. - Specific Nutrients: If you suspect a particular deficiency, such as magnesium, iron, or nitrogen, apply the appropriate nutrient supplement following package instructions. b. Pest and Disease Control: - Pest Inspection: Regularly inspect the leaves and stems for common pests like aphids and mites. Remove affected leaves and treat with organic pesticides if necessary. - Disease Management: Look out for signs of diseases like bacterial leaf spot or fungal issues. Apply organic fungicides or bactericides as recommended. 3. Blossom Drop Issue: When pepper plants drop their blossoms prematurely, it can hinder fruit development and lead to disappointment. Solution: a. Temperature Control: - Stable Temperatures: Ensure your pepper plants are exposed to consistent temperatures between 70°F and 80°F (21°C to 27°C) during flowering. Avoid sudden temperature fluctuations by providing shelter or using row covers. b. Pollination: - Assist with Pollination: If growing peppers indoors or in a greenhouse, help with pollination by gently shaking the plants or using a small brush to transfer pollen between flowers. Outdoor pepper plants are usually pollinated by insects. 4. Wilting Plants Issue: Wilting or drooping pepper plants can be a sign of various problems, but proper care can revive them. Solution: a. Watering: - Consistent Moisture: Adjust your watering routine to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water early in the day to prevent fungal issues. - Drainage: Ensure proper soil drainage by amending the soil or using raised beds to prevent waterlogged roots. b. Pest Control: - Pest Inspection: Examine the undersides of leaves for signs of pests like aphids, spider mites, or whiteflies. Treat infestations promptly with biological insecticides. 5. Curling Leaves Issue: Curling or misshapen leaves indicate stress in pepper plants, which can be caused by various factors. Solution: a. Environmental Stress: - Stable Conditions: Ensure your pepper plants are in an environment with stable humidity, temperature, and adequate air circulation. Avoid sudden changes in conditions. - Proper Ventilation: Adequate air circulation can reduce humidity and prevent fungal issues. b. Pest and Disease Management: - Pest Inspection: Regularly inspect your plants for pests and diseases, addressing them promptly with organic remedies as needed. 6. Sunscald Issue: Sunscald can lead to discolored, leathery patches on pepper fruits when exposed to intense sunlight. Solution: a. Shade Cloth: - Sun Protection: Shield your pepper plants from harsh sunlight during the hottest part of the day using shade cloth or by planting them where they receive some filtered sunlight. b. Pruning: - Fruit Shading: Prune excess foliage to allow better fruit shading, reducing the risk of sunscald. Ensure that there's a balance between foliage and fruit. 7. Pepper Plant Pests and Diseases Issue: Aphids, mites, whiteflies, and various diseases can affect pepper plants, but you can manage them effectively. Solution: a. Regular Inspection: - Vigilant Monitoring: Regularly inspect your pepper plants for signs of pests or diseases, paying close attention to the undersides of leaves and stems. b. Organic Remedies: - Pest Control: Use organic remedies like neem oil, insecticidal soap, or diatomaceous earth for pest control. - Disease Management: Apply organic fungicides or bactericides as recommended to manage diseases like powdery mildew or bacterial spot. While growing pepper plants can present various challenges, these common issues are manageable with the right knowledge and care. Regular monitoring, proper soil preparation, and timely intervention can help you enjoy a bountiful harvest of vibrant, spicy peppers. Remember that gardening is a learning experience, and each challenge you face is an opportunity to improve your skills and enjoy the rewards of homegrown peppers in your favorite dishes.

Trusted | Proven | Reliable est. | ProScapes | 2001 Proudly serving Skagit, Whatcom, Island and Snohomish Counties
Photo of a large craftsman courtyard stone landscaping in Seattle.