Giroud Lawn Soil Testing and Aeration

A soil test and aeration are the first steps to building a healthy, green lawn. Giroud Arborist, Mike Taraborrelli, explains how a soil test reveals problems that impact your lawn's health and beauty. The next step is aeration which can benefit every lawn by fracturing the soil and allowing your lawn's roots to get air, water and nutrients.

Tree Spotlight: Franklinia

Discovered by the Bartram's in 1765, the Franklinia was named in honor of their friend, Benjamin Frankilin. A multi-stemmed tree with year-round interest, its creamy white fragrant flowers bloom from late July into September. The dark green leaves turn orange and red in the fall, often in combination with a few late flowers. Subtly striped branches and persistent seed capsules add winter interest. Sometimes this plant will try to grow as a shrub, but it can usually be trained into tree form.

Bartram's Garden recommends the following tips for planting and caring for your Franklinia:

• Proper site selection and pre-planting preparation are crucial.
• Plant a Franklinia in a site with excellent drainage, acidic soil enriched with organic matter with a pH between 5-6, and protection from strong winds.
• The Franklinia tolerates full sun as well as dense shade, but fares best in partial shade (about a half day of sunlight).
• Apply mulch lightly over entire root area and make sure it has adequate water in the summer, and through the fall when it still growing and flowering.

How to Stop Ticks!

Ticks spread Lyme Disease! These shade lovers are usually found around the fringes of your lawn in high grasses, underbrush, shrubs and woods. Deer are one of the primary ways that ticks are carried to your property.

In the video below, Scott Slousky, ISA Certified Arborist, explains how Giroud stops ticks by: cleaning up shady tick habitats, spreading wood chips and using monthly tick and deer repellent treatments.

If you're worried about ticks, ask your Giroud Arborist to inspect your property to determine the best ways to stop ticks from invading your property.

Giroud Evaluates Lawn Health

Learn how Giroud evaluates lawn health. ISA Certified Arborist, Mike Taraborrelli, explains the steps to develop a lawn care program that produces a healthy, thick, green lawn.