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

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.

Big Trees in Trouble

Many Oaks, Ash and Sycamore are suffering from serious health problems. Giroud Arborists are particularly concerned about a growing incidence of fungus diseases such as Anthracnose and Bacterial Leaf Scorch. The warning signs include: early leaf drop, die back in the crown and off color or contorted leaves. If you spot these symptoms, please call us for an inspection.

(pictured right) Sycamore suffering from Anthracnose shows sparse leaf development and die-back in the crown.

Top 5 Pests of the Season!

Here are Giroud's Top 5 Pests for Summer

Ticks: Protect your family and pets from Lyme Disease. Giroud can help with pruning, perimeter clean-up and spray treatments now and again in the Fall.

Aphids: (pictured) Attack a variety of trees including Hemlocks, Spruce and Tulip Poplars. A professional diagnosis is critical before treating the tree.

Scale: Is a real heavyweight for damage. With 12 varieties of Scale, we must first identify the type of Scale to determine the best time for treatment.

Japanese Beetles: Swarms start in late June. If you are concerned about beetles, get on our schedule now. That way, we’ll be able to treat your property at the first sign of an outbreak.

Bagworms: Often mistaken for harmless cones, bagworms are irregular, loosely woven bags that harbor destructive pests. June is the best time for treatment.

Find out more at: www.giroudtree.com/seasonal.htm