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Faster Results with Trees and Shrubs

It’s hard to imagine and even harder to wait for that stick of a tree or small potted shrub to grow into a much larger and beautiful addition to the landscape. But we can help speed up the process.

Fast growing species are an option, but unfortunately most tend to be weak wooded and short lived. Proper pruning starting at an early age can help establish a strong structure that is more resistant to storm damage.

Speed up the growth of slower growing trees and shrubs with proper care.  Amend the whole planting bed, not just the planting hole, with organic matter when developing shrub beds and plant borders.

Keep the area around individual plants and throughout the planting beds free of grass and weeds that compete with the trees and shrubs for water and nutrients.

Mulch the soil around the plants and water thoroughly as needed.

A bit more information: Use a low nitrogen slow release fertilizer, like Milorganite, to promote drought tolerant growth without impeding flowering. Let the plant, soil and weather conditions, and your landscape goals act as your guide to how frequently you need to fertilize.

Upcoming
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Sept. 11, 2026
Illinois State Master Gardener Conference
Rockford, IL
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Sept. 12, 2026
2026 Knowledge in Bloom Conference
Urban Ecology Center, Milw., WI
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Sept. 17, 2026
FREE WEBINAR:
Fall Landscape Care and Planting

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Sept. 26, 2026
Pruning Hydrangeas & Other Shrubs
Pasquesi Home & Gardens, Lake Bluff, IL

Oct. 6, 2026
Upper Midwest Invasive Species Conference
La Crosse, WI
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