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Too Much Rain Causing Tree and Shrub Overgrowth

Remember the cool, rainy spring of 2019 in the Naperville area? May set a record, as The Chicago Tribune reported; “A total of 8.25 inches of rain fell last month, up almost 5 inches from the 3.68-inch May average, according to the National Weather Service.”  Overall for spring 2019, Tom Skilling, WGN TV, reports that, “In official Chicago weather records dating from 1871 to the present (that’s 149 springs), the spring just ended was Chicago’s second wettest, with 16.36 inches.” The affects of all that rain can now be seen in our trees and shrubs. If your outdoor landscape looks overgrown, you’re not alone. The quick growth of our trees and shrubs is not only unsightly but can cause damage to houses and other structures on your property. Careful pruning will improve the condition of your landscape material and keep it healthy for years to come.

Tree limbs hanging over your home can break and fall onto your roof. Overgrowth of trees can pose dangers to pedestrians or children playing in the backyard. Trees are also more susceptible to diseases as a result of the wet weather, causing them to be vulnerable to breakage.

Overgrown shrubs can overwhelm other plants in your yard, depriving them of sun. Overgrowth may encourage animals to set up housekeeping in an overgrown bush.

Trees and shrubs should be trimmed to keep their shape, help prevent overcrowding and disease, maintain safety, and allow them to show off their beauty and color. To further protect the health and beauty of landscape material, a layer of fresh mulch around trees and shrubs will help keep soil temperatures steady and allow an even layer of moisture.

Outdoor landscaping is an important investment in our home, providing an entertainment area, family living area and protection against the elements. Keeping landscaping material healthy and maintained will protect that investment. O’Donovan Landscaping has professionals who will prune dead wood and diseased limbs, trim shrubs to maintain proper shape and size, and apply a protective layer of mulch around landscaping beds. We have been landscaping residential and commercial properties in the Naperville area for over 55 years and will keep your landscape looking its best. We can work with you to design and install hardscapes and lighting to expand on your landscape, providing new living space for your friends and family to enjoy for years. Call our Naperville design center at 630-355-3370 or our Plainfield nursery at 815-436-6806 to get started.

Looking For Landscaping Inspiration?

We’re in the heart of the summer season, when the beauty and bounty of trees, shrubs and flowers are at their height. Are you enjoying your home’s outdoor space? You may be thinking about adding a welcoming seating area, outdoor kitchen or other family and entertaining space, surrounded by shade trees and other colorful planted material. With so much to choose from, planning your space can be daunting. We recommend you take time to study outdoor areas that appeal to you and take note of what you like. It will make planning your own space easier and more successful.

Where to begin?

Walk around your outdoor space and determine how you use it. Is it a play area? A place to sit and relax? Is it your entertainment area? Another important factor is a focal point. Is there one feature you’d like to accentuate? Is there a particular place you’d like to designate as your sitting area because of the way the sun hits it, or because it has the best view? These types of considerations will help you start planning your space.

Next, visit local parks and take note of how their landscapes are designed. You’ll be able to determine which hardscape materials you like and how they’re used. You’ll also note where large trees are planted, where lighting has been placed, and other features.

We’re lucky to have access to The Morton Arboretum and The Chicago Botanic Garden, where you can find inspiration around every corner! Not only do these have beautiful displays of gardens with plants that thrive in our area, they also have experts who can answer questions you may have.

Incorporating hardscapes will increase the usage of your outdoor space. People often say they “live” on their patio for up to three seasons of the year if it is well placed and comfortable. Add a stone fireplace or seating wall and you’ll have a beautiful living space for decades. For inspiration, visit Belguard Pavers and Hardscapes’ Inspiration Gallery at https://www.belgard.com/hardscape-ideas . Or, visit the Unilock Project Ideas Page at https://unilock.com/project-ideas/ . You’ll find examples of beautiful patios, fireplaces, outdoor ovens, walkways and much more.

Is your inner landscape designer beginning to get inspired? You may have some ideas of how to design your outdoor space, and now you need expert advice. That’s where O’Donovan Landscaping will help. We’ve been designing outdoor spaces for residences in the Naperville area for over 55 years. We’re family owned and established in the community. Our designers will create the space you want for your family and friends, using the inspiration you’ve found. If you want to start from scratch, no problem. We have the experience and the talent to bring your outdoor space to life.

We have a nursery in nearby Plainfield filled with mature trees, shrubs and other accent plants that will make your outdoor space a welcoming and comfortable space. We also install mulch to help preserve your new plantings.

Having an outdoor living space that fits your needs and brings so much beauty to your home is an investment you will enjoy for years. We’ll work with you to ensure your dreams become a reality.

You can visit our nursery in Plainfield to view our selection and talk to a designer. We recommend you call first at 815-436-6806 (since we might be out in the field!) Or, phone our Naperville design office at 630-355-3370 to speak with a designer. We provide free estimates.