Ash Rust Puts More Stress on Ash Trees

Already plagued by serious problems like the fatal Emerald Ash Borer, Ash trees now have a new adversary: Ash Rust. "Ash Rust infects White, Green and sometimes Black Ash," explains Lou Giroud, President of Giroud Tree and Lawn and ISA Certified Arborist.   "Symptoms start as small yellow to yellow-orange spots on leaves beginning in Mid-May.  Wart like-swellings may also erupt and leaves often become distorted.   By July, heavily infected Ash Trees may have significant leaf loss."

Preventative treatment is the best control but is not recommended since the disease only occurs sporadically. Giroud Tree and Lawn recommends the following tree service actions:

1. Schedule Ash Tree Inspection Now: Have your Giroud ISA Certified Arborist evaluate overall health of the tree and determine the best actions to protect tree health.
2. Reduce Tree Stress:  In the fall, deep root fertilization, soil amendments, vitamins and nutrients can help to boost the tree’s immune system.

3. Emerald Ash Borer Treatment:  A fatal pest, treatment is the only way to protect Ash Trees from Emerald Ash Borer.  If the Ash Tree is valuable to the landscape, Emerald Ash Borer treatment is critical. 

4. Regular Monitoring: Because Ash Trees face formidable health issues, it is important to have professional inspections regularly to catch emerging issues early.

Happy Arbor Day!

Celebrate Arbor Day by getting outside to see how your trees are doing.  How did they stand up to the fierce winter?  Do you see new growth and buds on branch tips or signs of decay and deadwood?  

Below is a list of our Top Spring Warning Signs of Tree Problems:

Maple is leafing out later than
 other Maples which is a sign
of health issues. 

1. Delayed or Partial Leaf Out: When a tree leafs out later than others of the same type, has lack of new growth, dwarf leaves or only some sections of the tree leaf out, the tree may have health issues.
2. Damaged Leaves: Chewed, yellowing or discolored leaves may be signs of insect activity or disease.
3. Borers: One of the biggest concerns is Emerald Ash Borer which recently invaded our area. Emerald Ash Borer is 100% fatal to Ash trees. Professional treatment is the only way to protect Ash from this deadly pest.
4. Decay: Mushrooms and shelf fungi are symptoms of decay when growing out of the root system or trunk of a tree. Another sign of decay is a cavity. If the decay is extensive, then the tree may be hazardous.
5. Excessive deadwood: Dead branches can be a serious safety hazard to people and property. Brittle branches tend to break more easily in storms.

If you spot any of these problems, get a health inspection by your Giroud Arborist!  He will check your trees for hazards, insects and disease issues and let you know the best actions to take.

Big Truck Day at Glenside Library

Giroud's Bucket Truck was a hit at the annual Big Truck Day recently held at the Glenside Library in Glenside PA. Joe Hock, Matt Giroud and Taylor Klein volunteered to show kids how the bucket truck works and explain  the important tree service jobs it does. See more!

Squirrel Problems

Keeping Squirrels Out of Your House

Winter is prime time for squirrels to search for a warm, cozy home.  We want to help make sure it's not in your attic or walls. That's where squirrel problems begin.

Once inside your house, squirrels chew exposed electrical wires, tear through storage,  furniture and other materials and leave droppings.  Besides creating a mess, this crafty member of the rodent family poses a serious fire, health and safety hazard.

Tree limbs often serve as an easy launch point for squirrels to leap on the roof and possibly into your house. Tree trimming is a simple solution that can deter squirrels from gaining access to your house.  Your Giroud Arborist can evaluate the trees surrounding your house and determine how tree trimming or removal can help.