Summer 25 OP Newsletter

PARKWAY TREES

Other Tree Information

Spread mulch under trees, shrubs and throughout planting beds to a recommended depth of 3 to 4 inches for medium to coarse textured materials.

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Mulching Mulching is one of the most important things you can do for your trees. A layer of mulch is necessary and has many benefits for newly planted trees. Mulch will conserve soil moisture, reduce competition from other plants, decrease soil compaction and help prevent erosion. Also, soil temperatures will be cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, which will help to protect tree roots. Tree roots begin to die at temperatures greater than 90 and less than 20 degrees. Fresh mulch will also help trees to withstand insects, disease attacks and drought. Mid-to-late spring and fall are the best times to put down mulch.

Pull mulch away from the bases of tree and shrub trunks, creating a donut hole. Do not pile it up against the trunk (“volcano mulching”). Excessive mulch on the trunk causes moisture to build up, creating ideal conditions for insect pests, diseases and decay. Ideally, the mulched area around a tree should extend to the drip line of the branches, or at least cover a 4 to 5 foot diameter area around the trunk. The larger the mulched area, the more beneficial.

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Listed to the right are additional mulching tips. For more information on proper mulching, visit mortonarb.org

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Disposing of Yard Waste with Waste Management Waste Management offers yard waste pickup in the Village of Orland Park from April 1 through the second full week of December. Residents can utilize this service to dispose of tree branches, weeds, leaves and other green materials. All yard waste must be placed at the curb no later than 6 a.m. on the day of service and must follow these pickup guidelines: • Must be separate from garbage and recycling. • Must be placed in a biodegradable paper yard waste bag available at local retail stores or in a CLEARLY identified container that is no greater than 35gallons and weighs no more than 50 pounds. • ALL reusable containers for green waste must be labeled “Yard Waste Only.” Container labels can be obtained from Waste Management at no charge. Waste may not include sod, dirt, boulders or rocks. • Brush and branches must be contained, bagged, bundled or tied. All pieces must be cut into 4-foot lengths or less. Branches should be less than 2 1/2” in diameter.

orlandpark.org | Summer 2025 |

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