Tree Spotlight: Umbrella Pine

Handsome shape, rich, dark green color and unusual needle formation make the Umbrella Pine (Sciadopitys verticillata) a stand-out specimen tree. A slow grower at about 6 inches per year, it can achieve height of 25-30 feet tall in the urban landscape. The Umbrella Pine should be planted in moist, slightly acidic soil in a sunny location with good protection from the wind.

The bark of the umbrella pine is brown or grayish-brown, and peels off in long strips. The tree has two types of leaves. Small, triangular, scalelike leaves are scattered along the stems. At the ends of stems, radiating like the ribs of an umbrella, are narrow, glossy, dark green needles. Male cones form in dense clusters while the female cones grow individually at the tips of branches. Over a period of two years, the cones mature and change from green to brown.

See Giroud's stump machine in action. Rob Nagy, ISA Certified Arborist with Giroud Tree and Lawn, demonstrates how Giroud removes a large tree stump.

How to Spot Hemlock Problems

Adelgid and Scale spell serious trouble for Hemlocks. ISA Certified Arborist, Robert Nagy, with Giroud Tree and Lawn in Pennsylvania, explains how to spot the pests on your Hemlocks and provides advice on the best action to take.
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Duck Finds Unusual Nesting Spot

An interesting thing recently happened at a customer's property. We were walking around checking out a few items in the rain. The ground was wet and puddles were everywhere, As everyone knows, it's been raining for what seems like months so there is no shortage of water on properties, streams, ponds etc.

I was inspecting some cables in a large multi-leadered Silver Maple, when I noticed something out of the ordinary. To the customer's and my surprise, I noticed a female duck nesting 5 feet off the ground in the crotch of the tree. She was laying on approximately a dozen eggs. I guess this duck just was trying to stay dry?? Posted by, Rob Nagy, Giroud Arborist, ISA Certified Arborist

Winning the War Against Weeds!

Weeds, including crabgrass (pictured right) and nutsedge, are actively growing in lawns and garden beds.

The best defense against weeds in your lawn is a healthy, thick lawn that leaves little room for weeds to grow. If weed control is necessary, use Sedgehammer or Drive herbicides. Always follow the label and use caution when applying herbicides. If your herbicides contains dicamba, do not use it near trees or shrubs. Never use Round-Up in lawns unless you're doing a complete reseeding.

Weeds in beds may be treated with a non-selective herbicide such as Round-Up. The herbicide will break down into harmless components in the soil . Take care not to let this product come in contact desirable plants.

Rainy Spring Perfect for Fungus

Tree and lawn alert! The past two months of rain and cool temperatures have created the perfect breeding grounds for fungus.

Practically any tree can get fungus. Crabapples, Dogwoods, Ash, Sycamores and Pines are most susceptible. Discolored leaves, leaf loss and trunk or root rot are primary symptoms. (Pictured right: Dogwood leaf infected with Anthracnose)

Your lawn is also vulnerable. Excessive rain has promoted fungal diseases such as Red Thread, Pink Patch and Dollar Spot. Pink or brown patches of grass are a warning sign. (Pictured left: Lawn infected with Red Thread fungus)

Fungus diseases have a tendency to spread quickly so early detection is key. If you suspect your trees or lawn have a fungus, please call us to schedule an inspection.