Why Do Leaves Change Color?

Ever wondered what makes leaves change color in the Fall?  The most common answer is colder temperatures.  But leaves actually begin to turn before the cooler days of Fall arrive.

So what gives us the beautiful display of fall colors?  The answer is a combination of less sunlight, colder temperatures and the production Chlorophyll, a green pigment.  Less sunlight and colder temperatures slows chlorophyll production and leaves lose their green color.  The result is a real treat.  We get to see the reds, yellows and oranges that are normally hidden by the overpowering presence of green Chlorophyll.  Want to learn more?  Check out this video from The Weather Channel.

  

Tree and Lawn Treatments Resume After Hurricane Irene

Tomorrow we’re sending out Tree Service Technicians to spray Beech trees with fungicide to combat Bleeding Canker. What’s Bleeding Canker?! It’s a bark disease and a noticeable symptom is reddish ooze coming from small cracks in cankers on trees. If untreated it can cause branch die back and eventually kill the tree.

We’re also going to be treating Hemlocks in the Philadelphia area for Scale and Adelgid, serious pests which can cause significant damage.

The Lawn Care Department will be super busy tomorrow with routine lawn fertilizations as well as the start up of lawn aeration and seeding jobs!

Are your trees targets for winter damage?

Splits, cracks and other structural defects make trees prime targets for winter storm damage. Cable systems create a safety net for your trees.

When the wind hits, cables reduce the strain on weak limbs and hold them in place. For cracked trunks, a bolt that goes through both sides of the trunk helps to keep it from splitting further.

Now is a great time to order tree care! Ask about our $50 Winter Tree Care discount when you call our office.

If you are concerned about the structural safety of your trees, or, had a cable system installed before 2009, please call our office at 215-682-7704 to schedule a free inspection. Don't wait until a storm hits to take action!

Trees Damaged by Drought and Record-breaking Heat

What did the dry, hot summer do to your trees? “Dead limbs, leaves falling off or changing color too early and insect or disease damage are just a few of the signs that your trees are under stress," says Rob Nagy, Giroud Representative and ISA Certified Arborist.

"Assess the damage," recommends Rob. Have your Giroud Arborist do a root to crown inspection. If your trees are stressed, a deep root injection of fertilizer is the best way to strengthen the tree and rebuild its root system. Additionally treatment needs to be scheduled for serious insect and disease problems.”

Warning Signs of Tree Problems

Trees often advertise their problems as clearly as a billboard on I95. Are the leaves changing color too early? Are the branches bare at the tips? Do you see a lot of deadwood? These are just a few of the ways your tree can advertise that it’s in trouble.

Trees of the same type usually change color and drop their leaves at about the same time. For example, if you have three Maples in your yard and one begins changing color before the others, that tree probably has health issues.

Top 5 Fall Warning Signs
1. Die-back or deadwood
2. Decay
3. Early leaf drop or color change
4. Peeling bark
5. Leaves eaten or discolored

If you see any of these signs, please schedule an appointment with your Giroud Arborist. He will do a complete inspection to determine if action is necessary.