NORTH SHORE LANDSCAPING


Kinnucan Tree Experts & Landscape Company specializes in landscape design, construction, and maintenance to keep your North Shore home’s outdoor landscape looking great. The North Shore suburbs like Lake Bluff, Highland Park, and Wilmette take pride in the abundance of trees and public flower gardens. Being located along Lake Michigan, the North Shore suburbs are thriving and vibrant communities that appreciate beautiful landscapes. Kinnucan Tree Experts & Landscape Company can help enhance your home’s stature and appearance with North Shore landscaping.

North Shore Landscaping Services
Kinnucan Tree Experts and Landscape Company is your one-stop shop for North Shore landscaping. We offer solutions and experts that will help you design, construct, and maintain your home’s outdoor landscape. We have a team of friendly and knowledgeable staff that is cross-trained and dedicated to serving our clients. In addition to landscaping services, we also offer:
- Tree Care
- Plant Health Care
- Lawn & Fertilization
- Snow & Ice Management
- Holiday Lighting & Decor

Our Landscape Design Process
Our team can help you update or design a new landscape for your North Shore home or commercial property. Our expert designers are leaders in the landscaping industry. They will design something that will elevate your home’s outdoor environment, increase your property’s value, and allow you to enjoy for years to come.
Our design process includes:
- Meeting with a landscape designer to discuss ideas concepts
- A site evaluation noting special requests and budget constraints
- Discussion of timeline, materials, and changes
Start Your North Shore Landscaping Project
Our Kinnucan landscape designers are ready to help you with your landscape design and construction projects. We have a long standing reputation for professional quality landscaping and long-lasting outdoor landscapes. Our work in the North Shore has been one of our specialties and we hope to continue providing the best customer service to all of your clients.

North Shore Landscaping FAQs & Tips
1. What are the best plants for North Shore landscapes?
North Shore properties benefit from native and hardy plants that can withstand lakefront microclimates. Top picks include:
- Serviceberry (Amelanchier) – Great for multi-season interest.
- Annabelle Hydrangeas – Thrive in partial shade and bloom reliably.
- Prairie Dropseed – A low-maintenance ornamental grass perfect for formal or naturalistic beds.
2. How often should I fertilize my North Shore lawn?
For North Shore turf, apply fertilizer three to five times a year, with core aeration in early fall. Kinnucan offers both mineral and organic fertilization programs that are pet- and kid-safe.
3. How do you control pests in North Shore landscapes without harming the ecosystem?
We use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) to monitor and treat issues early using eco-friendly techniques. This minimizes chemical use and supports pollinators and beneficial insects.
4. What’s the best way to prep my landscape for winter in the North Shore?
Install winter interest pots with evergreen boughs, berries, and lighting. Also, prune trees (especially oaks) before snow load causes damage. Kinnucan offers storm-safe pruning and dormant tree care.
5. Why is Bur Oak Blight a concern in North Shore landscaping?
Bur Oak Blight has been increasing in North Shore suburbs like Lake Forest and Glencoe. Early diagnosis and treatment by certified arborists are key to preserving these signature trees.
6. What landscaping trends are popular in Evanston and Highland Park?
In Evanston, homeowners love symmetrical, architecturally-aligned landscaping that matches the collegiate and historic vibe. In Highland Park, we see demand for erosion control landscaping that works with ravine views—think natural stone walls and native plant buffers.
7. What should I plant in my North Shore garden for seasonal impact?
Use rotating seasonal pots: tulips and daffodils for spring, tropicals and vines in summer, ornamental kale and mums in fall, and evergreen decor in winter. These work especially well in Wilmette and Kenilworth’s high-visibility front yards.
8. How do I keep my landscape looking great through all four North Shore seasons?
North Shore landscaping demands a seasonal strategy. Kinnucan offers year-round maintenance—think spring bed cleanups, summer pruning and fertilization, fall aeration and planting, and winter snow/ice management with optional holiday lighting and décor.
9. When should trees be pruned in the North Shore for optimal health?
Dormant pruning in late winter is best for most trees in this region. It helps reduce disease risk and shapes growth before spring. This is especially important for oak trees, which should be pruned only in the dormant season to prevent oak wilt.
10. How does proximity to Lake Michigan affect landscaping?
The lake creates a unique microclimate, often cooling summers and warming winters slightly. However, it also brings high winds and salt spray—meaning plants near the lake should be salt-tolerant (like junipers or bayberry) and mulch should be used strategically to protect root zones from erosion.