Landscape design on a slope, April garden tasks, mulch and lawn care, Bob Bertog on WGN, mosquito control, summer annuals, and notes from the President's desk.
Some people see slopes and scratch their head. We see slopes and seize the opportunity. Instead of living with a difficult-to-mow incline, this stylish landscape maximizes outdoor living space on two levels.
The steep grade incorporates tiered retaining walls and wide, natural stone steps with undercap lighting. In-ground and raised garden beds add color and layered texture with plants and shrubs.
The enormous open space above features a compact outdoor kitchen, with plenty of room for cooking, dining and conversation.
Take the stairs to the lower level where you'll find a more intimate patio. It offers a seating area with outdoor lighting and easy access to the interior of the home.
A narrow water wall and linear gas-lit fire table complement the home's architecture and set the scene for serene comfort.
Fresh mulch acts as the foundation around trees and in garden beds. Mulch provides a clean, fresh backdrop for plants and shrubs that make vibrant greens and early spring colors really pop.
Bertog's premium organic mulch blends improve soil's structure over time. As it breaks down, mulch feeds plants by adding vital organic matter back into the ground.
Combined with our maintenance service plan, Bertog provides precise installation and deep edging to define garden beds with sharp, architectural lines.
A lush, resilient lawn requires more than regular mowing. It needs TLC that comes from Bertog's comprehensive Turf Protection Plan. We build deep, healthy root systems your lawn needs to thrive.
Our proactive approach helps your grass naturally resist pests and diseases. Strengthening the foundation helps your turf stand strong against invasive weeds.
Bertog's plan feeds your lawn the nutrients it needs to withstand heavy foot traffic and summer heat. Curb appeal? It's a bonus.
Whether you're eyeing patches in the lawn or wondering which shrubs to prune, Bob Bertog has the answers. During his latest "Gardener's Toolbox" segment on the WGN Midday News, Bob shared five essential tips for waking up the landscape.
From mastering the proper technique to level out a bumpy lawn and knowing which hydrangeas to leave alone so you don't prune away spring color, this segment covers critical steps to take right now. Bob also explains why a simple soil test is the secret to working smarter, not harder, this season. Watch it here.
For more expert landscaping advice, listen to Bob on WGN Radio with host John Williams during the 1 p.m. hour on Wednesdays. Bring your questions! Bob may answer yours on-air. Listen to recent and past segments here.
Don't let uninvited guests ruin your evening patio sessions. Bertog's Organic Mosquito Barrier creates an invisible shield around your property so you can enjoy the outdoors in comfort.
We take a strategic approach to pest management. The program targets areas where pests hide and breed, stopping them before they become a nuisance.
Enjoy summer with less swatting. Applications are precise and effective, allowing your family and pets to use the yard after treatment.
We treat summer annuals as your landscape's high-fashion accessory. Bertog's designers craft custom floral combinations that thrive in the intense mid-season sun.
Like art in the garden, floral displays add an infusion of life and movement to porches, poolsides and walkways. All of our in-ground and container designs are custom to fit your needs. Plus, we craft the arrangements for you on-site, ensuring that the height, texture and plants' trailing color fit just right.
Our professional white-glove service keeps your landscape looking runway-ready all season! You simply enjoy the show.
The shift from winter to the warmer days of summer is underway.
As the environment changes, there are many subtle cues that signal the arrival of spring.
Below are some of my favorite springtime observations, in no particular order:
If your "Outdoor Living Spaces" could use some improvement, we are here to help. Contact us for a consultation.
Keepin' it green! Bob Bertog
"April hath put a spirit of youth in everything." — William Shakespeare
— Bertog Landscape
Now booking — Fall 2026
Pumpkins, mums, cornstalks and gourds, arranged at your front door. We design it, install it, and pick it all up after Thanksgiving — you do nothing.
See Fall Displays →Reserve by Oct 16
