Best brush chipping pros near Henry, IL

In general, you can prune up to one third of the height of most shrubs without damaging them. There are a few exceptions to this rule: Pine shrubs, for example, can’t be trimmed below the point of new growth without damaging them.

Trees that provide a habitat to bats and an abundance of bugs—their main food source—will attract bats to your yard. Because the North American landscape has changed so much in recent years, bats have a harder time finding trees with cavities to shelter in. If your yard has a dead or dying tree with a lot of sun exposure, bats will likely be drawn to it because trees with those features are less common.

We always recommend wearing a protective mask when blowing leaves (as well as goggles if possible). Blowing leaves creates a lot of dust, and in many cases that dust contains a bunch of allergens that can make those sensitive very miserable. Even worse, moldy leaves can contain fungi and bacteria that could make humans as animals very sick. Mask up before starting your leaf project, and if anyone is helping you collect the leaves it’s a good idea if they wear a mask, too.

Leaf removal isn’t always necessary, and what you should do with leaves in your yard depends on the number of trees you have. Leaving a small amount of leaves to decompose on your property can add nutrients to the soil and help grass, plants, and trees thrive. However, large accumulations of leaves can promote mold and fungal growth, so you should do at least two fall cleanups if you have many trees on your property.