Giroud Rebuilds Drought Stressed Lawn

Scorching heat and minimal rainfall through the summer months have left many PA lawns in horrible condition. As grass turned brown and thinned, patches of bare dirt became the perfect breeding ground for opportunistic weeds and crabgrass to invade and take over many lawns.
If more than 50-60% of your lawn is covered with weeds, crab grass or other undesirable vegetation, the best solution is to start from scratch with a complete renovation. Mike Taraborrelli, Giroud Lawn Care Manager, shows how to evaluate the condition of your lawn and the steps Giroud uses in a renovation to create a healthy, thick, green lawn.

Lawns Damaged by Dry, Hot Summer

The damage is glaringly apparent on area lawns. The dry, hot summer has taken its toll and many lawns are exhibiting brittle, brown grass, insect and disease problems.

Turf expert, Nancy Bosold, Penn State Cooperative Extension, sums up the situation, "As great as last year was for grass-growing, this year has been horrendous. Renovations will be important." She recommends:

• Soil test if you haven't done it in the last three years.
• Before reseeding, dethatch, mow low and remove dead material and clippings
• Choose the right grasses for the site, topdress and if site is compacted, use a core aerator
• Optimum seeding dates are now through mid-October.

"You can do the above steps yourself if your lawn damage is minimal," advises Mike Taraborrelli, Giroud Lawn Care Manager. "More extensive renovations may require professional help." To see Ms. Bosold's full article go to: Bosold-Penn State Coop Ext Lawn Report

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.

Organic vs. Traditional Lawn Care

Which approach is right for you?

1. Traditional: This approach produces the greenest lawn with the fewest weeds at the lowest price. Giroud minimizes chemical usage by monitoring the lawn throughout the growing season and only treating specific problems.


2. Organic: Giroud’s program is 100% organic.No herbicides, fungicides, or synthetic pesticides are utilized. Instead, Giroud relies on non-chemical strategies to address any problems.


3. Hybrid: If you prefer organic but your lawn is thin or weed infested, you can jump start with our traditional program to make your lawn thick and healthy. Then, shift to our 100% organic program to keep it green and chemical free.

How to get a healthy, green lawn

Sign up for Giroud Lawn Care Today!

Now the trust, integrity and quality that you count on for your trees is available for your lawn.

Beginning this Spring, Giroud is offering a lawn care program to keep your lawn green and healthy. Giroud Lawn Care includes:

• Free evaluation
  
• Fertilizer Treatments
• Insect and Disease Control
• Weed Control
• Seeding
• Aeration

Choose Giroud and Save $25! Call our office today at 215-682-7704 to schedule a free evaluation and ask how to save $25 on our Annual Lawn Care Program.