Author Archives: Katie Fling

Echos of Sustainability: A Heart-Centered Project

Earth Day has come and gone again. 

 

On that day, your ILT Vignocchi team sat in the corporate office discussing upcoming projects and what lies ahead.

 

This led us to reminisce on a past project where a commercial client expressed a strong commitment to sustainability for their property, and we were delighted to assist in bringing their vision to fruition. This particular property was known as Tetra Pak at the time, and is located in Vernon Hills. 

 

Among the various aspects of the project, we developed a comprehensive tree preservation plan, adhering to tree preservation measures and silt fencing to protect the existing trees on site. Additionally, we oversaw the tree clearing operation, ensuring it was conducted with precision and care. 

 

 

Utilizing resources efficiently, we also repurposed bark mulch created from the grubbing operation, storing it for future use in naturalizing transition areas between native habitats. Moreover, we carefully dug up and preserved native trees for relocation within the property, ensuring not to disturb the ecological balance. 

 

Complementing these initiatives, we meticulously implemented the landscape blueprint, integrating features like boulder retaining walls strategically positioned to preserve as many trees as possible. Additionally, we crafted a paver walk complete with granite curbing and metal hand railing, guiding employees from the parking lot to the main building entrance.

 

Another unique aspect of this project was that the construction of the building was initiated from the interior, minimizing the presence of heavy machinery around the exterior, thus preventing damage to tree roots. Upon project completion, there was only a three-foot gap between the building’s edge and the surrounding forest. 

 

Overall, it was a win for sustainability and a testament to the power of nature-inspired design.

 

Yet one of the most significant achievements of the project was the seamless collaboration across various operations, as experts came together to strategize and implement a landscape plan centered around preserving the existing plant material.

 

 

It’s safe to say that it was a heart-centered project, fueled by genuine care and a collective commitment to excellence. 

 

You see, sustainability isn’t just about large corporations eliminating harmful practices; it’s about turning our individual care and concern about this beautiful planet into actionable steps to preserve its integrity. 

 

And here are a few simple tips to get started, no matter how big or small your property is: 

 

  • Mulch and compost: Utilize recycled landscape waste to protect root systems and enrich the soil, conserving water and promoting plant health.

 

  • Plant a tree: Each tree serves as a vital ally in the fight against climate change, absorbing pollution, sequestering carbon, and providing habitat for wildlife.

 

  • Start a vegetable or herb garden: Whether you have acres or a balcony, growing your own food reduces reliance on pesticides and transportation while fostering a deeper connection to nature.

 

  • Introduce houseplants: Indoor greenery not only enhances air quality but also brings a touch of nature into our homes, fostering a sense of calm and well-being.

 

We hope this information has inspired you and helped you see what’s possible.

Give us a call at 847.487.5200 (ext: 2220) or send a message to get started.

 

As always, if you’re ready to link arms with a knowledgeable team that can turn your vision into a lasting landscape, you know where to find us!

 

Unexpected Beauty: Managing Your Property’s Premature Awakening With Confidence

Spring has an elegant way of ushering in a season of renewal and awakening, often bursting with color and the sounds of new life.

A tale as old as time and as true as it ever was: “The early bird catches the worm.” However, this year, Mother Nature seems to have added a little pep to her step.

Perhaps lately you’ve found yourself saying, “Wow, my property is unseasonably colorful.”

Or maybe even “Look at how many trees and flowers have already bloomed, it’s like looking at a Bob Ross painting!”

As we take a moment and marvel at the beauty unfolding around us, the different scents and flavors dancing in the breeze, ILT Vignocchi wants to remind our fellow community members to be aware of the implications of “premature blossoming.” 

The early warm-up followed by the late frosts ahead poses unique challenges for property owners, so let’s dive in!

THE FASHIONABLY “LATE FROST”

A unique obstacle, commonly known as a “late frost,” occurs when temperatures drop below freezing after the growing season has already begun. This phenomenon happens during the transitional period, when plants start to emerge from dormancy and new growth has begun. “Late frosts” cause ground temperatures to plummet when cold air masses settle into the area as the heat radiates away from the ground. 

 

EARLY BULB VULNERABILITY

Rest assured that early-blooming bulbs are more robust than they appear. Tulips, daffodils, and other spring blooms are hardier than we give them credit for. Despite the threat of frost, these resilient plants are unlikely to suffer permanent damage. However, a layer of mulch or covering can provide added protection during sudden cold snaps, ensuring your foliage remains intact.

 

BROWNING TIPS, IS IT DYING?

While we’re on the topic of hardiness, frost may cause a slight browning of foliage tips, but it’s nothing to fret over. This natural process, known as “frost damage,” is temporary and poses no significant harm to the plants. So, if you wake up to a frost-covered garden, take a deep breath and trust in nature’s resilience.

 

SOME PLANTS WEAR ARMOR

The dance between winter and spring is epitomized by the magnolia tree. Its fuzzy flower bud covering acts as a protective shield, guarding the delicate petals. However, once this “blanket” falls away, the flowers on the magnolia tree become vulnerable to sudden changes in temperature. While some petals may be lost to a late frost, the magnolia as a whole endures.

 

COMPETITION IS THICK

Early warming temperatures can accelerate weed growth, competing with desirable plants for nutrients and space. Implementing weed control measures can suppress weed growth and preserve the aesthetic appeal of your property.

 

NUTRIENT DEFICIENCIES

Early-blooming plants may exhibit signs of nutrient deficiencies due to imbalanced soil conditions or inadequate fertilization. This occurs because of the constant change in rapid heating and cooling of soil temperatures, which causes water to expand and contract. A targeted fertilization program can correct nutrient deficiencies and promote healthy plant growth.

 

While the early bloom may present challenges, we hope you feel assured about what lies ahead. 

If you are a current landscaping maintenance client, you already know that your team here at ILT Vignocchi is staying on top of this and will be implementing the measures necessary to safeguard your property.

And as you navigate the ebbs and flows of Mother Nature, remember that ILT Vignocchi is here to help guide and support you every step of the way. Our expertise in landscaping design, build, and maintenance ensures that your outdoor spaces remain vibrant and aesthetic year-round. 

You can embrace the early bloom and trust in the beauty of nature’s timing, knowing ILT Vignocchi is just a call away.

If you’re ready to uplevel your outdoor space or hand off the maintenance to a trusted industry expert, call us at 847.487.5200 (ext: 2220) for a consultation, or send a message our way to get started!

Protecting Your Landscape: How to Prepare for and Minimize Damage from Cicadas

As the warm weather approaches, so do the sounds that follow spring air. Early mornings are filled with songs from birds migrating back to their homes, looking for a friend, and looking for a meal. And every 13 or 17 years comes a different type of song that brings back a memory like a photograph. The large oak tree at the end of the street was infested from root to tip. This tree was fully engulfed by hundreds upon hundreds of Cicadas! The neighborhood dogs were going crazy trying to catch them as they zipped by us on our casual neighborhood stroll. But that’s not where it stopped… We were also left with a huge mess on our driveway, our porch, our roof, every crevasse of our yard, spreading across the entirety of our property. 

It’s important to note that there are two types of cicadas: Annual and periodical cicadas. 

The annual cicadas spend 2-5 years underground. Due to the synchronization of their emergence cycles, these cicadas appear yearly across the United States, emerging from July to September.

An Annual Cicada; Image Source: National Museum of Natural History

On the other hand, periodical cicadas burrow beneath the earth’s surface for either 13 or 17 years, and make their appearance as a “brood.”  A brood of cicadas simply means that they emerge in a particular geographic area during a specific year. Each brood is composed of multiple species of cicadas that belong to the same emergence cohort. Their appearance, characterized by vast numbers, typically occurs between late April and June in the Eastern United States. 2024 marks a special year for periodical cicadas in that both the 13-year and 17-year broods will unearth and infiltrate in north-central Illinois!

A Periodical Cicada; Image Source: National Museum of Natural History

How can such harmless insects, known for their loud songs and distinctively bright appearance, commonly seen in Lake County, be such a pain and a harm to your property and landscapes? With their emergence comes the increased potential for damage to our environment and even your landscapes. So let’s explore the impact of cicadas on our natural surroundings and enlighten you about what property owners can do to prepare for and minimize the potential damage that result from their massive uprising.

 

Understanding Cicadas:

Before we delve into how to protect our landscapes, let’s take a moment to understand these intriguingly loud insects. Cicadas belong to the order Hemiptera and are known for their distinctive noises, produced by structures on their abdomens called tymbals. Despite their loud noise, cicadas are completely harmless to humans—they don’t bite, sting, or pose any direct physical danger to people or other animals. Most cicadas spend the majority of their lives underground as nymphs, feeding on tree sap and tunneling beneath the soil. 

 

The Impact of Cicadas on Landscapes:

While cicadas may not pose a direct threat to humans, they can wreak havoc on our landscapes. During their emergence, cicadas lay eggs in the branches of trees, causing damage to young twigs and branches. Additionally, adult cicadas feed on the sap of trees, which can weaken them and make them more susceptible to diseases and other pests. For property owners, this can result in aesthetic damage to trees and shrubs, as well as potential long-term health issues for their landscape.

 

Preparing For The Cicada Emergence (Brooding):

As the anticipation of cicada emergence looms, it becomes imperative for property owners to take proactive measures to shield their landscapes from potential damage and further headache down the road. Here are some actionable steps you can take today so that you are as prepared as possible for what is to come!

Inspect Your Trees: Before the cicadas emerge, do a meticulous inspection of your trees. Look for any signs of damage or weakness, such as dead or damaged branches. Promptly prune these branches to mitigate the risk of cicadas laying eggs in them and causing further harm.

Consider Netting: For smaller trees deemed valuable or particularly vulnerable, the application of fine mesh netting can serve as a formidable barrier against cicada intrusion. By covering these trees with netting, property owners can effectively prevent cicadas from accessing the branches and inflicting damage.

Maintain Tree Health: A robust defense against cicada damage begins with maintaining the health and vitality of your trees. Ensure they receive adequate hydration through regular watering, especially during dry periods. Additionally, provide proper fertilization to nourish the trees, fortifying them against potential cicada onslaughts.

Plant Selection: Some plants are less attractive to cicadas than others. Choosing landscaping plants that cicadas are less likely to feed on or lay eggs in can help minimize damage to your property.

Burn Old Debris: Old branches that are left on the ground and scattered around your property or stacked for firewood can serve as a potential food source for cicadas. By safely burning old unnecessary branches and dead wood, you eliminate this potential food source, making your property less attractive to cicadas.

Ecologically Conscious Introductions: Cicadas have natural predators such as birds, squirrels, and bats. Attracting these seasonal predators to your property through bird feeders, bat boxes, have been shown to greatly help reduce not only cicada populations but other annoying bugs such as mosquitos, wasps, and flies just to name a few.

Consult a Professional: When in doubt, seek the expertise of a professional landscaping company like ILT Vignocchi, Inc. Consulting with experienced professionals can provide invaluable insights and tailored solutions to safeguard your landscape from cicada damage. From comprehensive assessments to personalized recommendations, we can guide property owners through effective cicada management strategies. 

Implementing these proactive measures will significantly reduce the impact of cicada emergence on their landscapes. Seeking guidance from professionals when necessary will save you money and a headache in the long run. Remember, early preparation and strategic planning are key to preserving the health and beauty of your outdoor spaces amidst nature’s cyclical phenomena. 

It’s important to note that cicadas are a natural part of the ecosystem, and their populations are cyclical. In many cases, the best approach is to allow natural processes to occur and focus on protecting valuable or vulnerable plants and allow the professionals at ILT Vignocchi Inc. to take care of all of your landscaping needs. Rest assured that we will be implementing tried-and-true methods to take a proactive approach to the great awakening ahead. 

 

Call us at 847.487.5200 (ext: 2220) for a consultation, or send a message our way to get started!