Stop Deer Problems!

Are deer ruining your landscape? The prime time for deer damage is now through March. Protect your landscape by having Giroud apply a deer deterrent during the prime months. Giroud's deterrent is biodegradable, rain resistant and has a scent that is despised by deer but not offensive to humans. Ask your Giroud Arborist for more information. (Pictured at left: Deer feeding leaves bare branches on lower trunks of Arborvitae.

Fertilizer Helps Sick Trees

Build Energy Reserves with Fertilizer. A Fall injection of time-release fertilizer with vitamin complex stimulates root growth, improves root absorption capability and provides vital nutrients through the winter to get a strong start in the spring.

Prune trees now for health, beauty and safety

Fall is a great time to prune most trees. The risk of spreading disease is reduced and
the tree’s structure is more visible. A professional should remove deadwood,
eliminate crossed branches and establish a healthy growth pattern. Fall is also a good
time to elevate lower branches and prune trees away from houses, pools, driveways and walks.

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.

Unsightly Webs in Trees

Ugly, silken webs on trees in late summer and early fall are the calling card of Fall Web Worm. Birch, Walnut, Maple, Cherry and Crabapple trees are its favorite hosts. This pest usually eats leaves late in the season and can significantly defoliate a tree through repeated attacks. If your Giroud Arborist is concerned about potential damage, he will recommend treatment.

Early Warning Signs

Is your tree in distress? August is usually a great time to savor the last days of summer. Unfortunately, it’s also a time when trees show the first signs of distress.

Sycamores, Oaks, Maples and other hardwoods should be in full leaf and green through September. If a tree has health issues, fall may appear to come early. Here are the top three signs to watch for:
1. Premature color change
2. Early leaf drop
3. Branch die-back or Flagging

Root problems or diseases such as Anthracnose and Bacterial Leaf Scorch are the most likely culprits. Your Giroud Arborist can diagnose the cause and determine the best treatment.

Solving a tree problem with your neighbor

It’s a common problem. You share a tree with a neighbor. The tree is primarily in your neighbor’s yard but the problems are on your side of the property line. No matter how tempting, it’s always best to get your neighbor’s permission before taking any action on the tree.

Most shared tree problems fall into a few categories:

• Property Damage: The neighbor’s tree falls on your property


• Hazardous Trees: Dead, split or leaning tree that could damage your property if it falls


• Tree debris: Falling on your pool, patio or gutters


• Root encroachment: Roots lifting your driveway or sidewalk


• Eyesore/Poor Maintenance: Tree blocks your view or, puts too much shade on your gardens.

What can you do? “Start with a professional evaluation,” advises Lou Giroud, Giroud President. “As an ISA Certified Arborist, your Giroud Arborist is in the best position to assess the situation and give you a recommendation.” The next step is to reach out to your neighbor. “In working with 1,000’s of tree issues between neighbors,” explains Lou, “I’ve found that the best results are gained through friendly communication.”

• If your neighbor is approachable: Meet with them face to face to explain your concern and let them review your Giroud Arborist’s recommendation.
• If your neighbor is never home, write a friendly letter and ask them to call you.
• If your neighbor won’t respond, send a certified letter or hire an attorney who understands tree law.

For more information on solving shared tree issues, go to our website: www.giroudtree.com/seasonal.