5 Fall Warning Signs of Tree Problems

Trees with Health Problems Change Color or Drop Leaves Too Early - Giroud Tree and Lawn Urges Homeowners to Be Alert for Fall Warning Signs of Sick Trees /ScoopCloud/ -- Tree service is needed for trees that change color too early or drop leaves prematurely. Most trees should be in full leaf and green through September; Giroud Tree and Lawn provides the top five Fall warning signs and actions Philadelphia homeowners can take to keep trees healthy and safe.

Trees with fall colors are not a good sign in September. Sycamores, Oaks, Maples and other hardwoods should be in full leaf and green through September. When a tree is under stress, its leaves will change color early as the tree shuts down for winter before other trees of the same type. Giroud Tree and Lawn provides the top five Fall warning signs for trees and the tree service actions Philadelphia homeowners can take to keep trees healthy and safe.

This fall, Philadelphia homeowners need to be on the alert for the five major warning signs that a tree's health is in jeopardy.

1) Leaf Issues: Leaves of the same type of tree should change color and drop at about the same time. Changes before late September may be a sign of health problems. Last year's drought is having a big impact on many trees. According to the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, "negative effects of drought on plant growth and health may continue to be a problem for years to come."

2) 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.

3) Disease: With so much rainfall this summer, fungal diseases are rampant. In particular, Bacterial Leaf Scorch (BLS) has affected many Oaks and other hardwoods. If BLS is identified in the Fall, the tree should be treated with a Biostimulant now and treated with an Antibiotic the following Spring.

4) Insects: When a tree is in trouble Borers such as Bronze Birch Borer and other bark beetles often move in. One of the biggest Borer problems is Emerald Ash Borer. A 100% fatal pest, professional treatment with a Tree-age trunk injection is the only way to protect Ash from Emerald Ash Borer.

5) Excessive deadwood: Dead branches can be a serious safety hazard to people and property. Brittle branches tend to break more easily in wind, snow and ice.

The following are the key Fall tree service actions Philadelphia homeowners can take now to protect tree health and safety.

1) Start with a professional tree inspection
Spotting problems or hazards early is the main purpose of the inspection. An ISA Certified Arborist will check for cracks, decay, excessive deadwood and other problems that may require action.

2) Prune now for health, beauty and safety
Fall is a great time to prune most trees. Tree trimming should include deadwood removal, elimination of crossed branches and establishment of a healthy growth pattern.

3) Install cable supports in weak limbs
Trees with multiple trunks or included bark often require tree cable supports to keep from splitting apart. The hardware must fit the specific problem and be installed at the proper height and tension.

4) Treat destructive pests
Fall treatments are available for pests such as Emerald Ash Borer, Spider Mites, Lace Bugs, Hemlock Adelgid and Scale. Treatments must be completed before cold weather hits.

5) Fertilize trees
Many trees are showing signs of health problems from last year's drought. A Fall injection of time-release fertilizer stimulates root growth, improves root absorption capability and provides vital nutrients to help the tree get through the winter and have a strong start in the spring.

6) Stop Deer Damage
Fall and winter are prime times for deer damage. An Arborist can determine the best deer repellent for the property.

7) Prevent Winter Burn
Cold wind sucks moisture from leaves and needles on evergreens. Anti-desiccants provide a protective coating that prevents moisture loss.

"Homeowners who want healthy and safe trees, need to get outside and look for warning signs of health problems," says Lou Giroud, ISA Certified Arborist and President of Giroud Tree and Lawn. "If there's a concern, the best place to start is for an ISA Certified Arborist to inspect the tree and ensure it gets the tree service needed to make it through the winter and emerge healthy and strong next Spring."

About Giroud Tree and Lawn

Giroud Tree and Lawn specializes in tree service, lawn care and mosquito and tick control programs that make customers love doing business with the company since 1974. Serving Bucks, Montgomery and Philadelphia Counties, the company offers professional tree and lawn evaluation, tree pruning, tree removal, insect and disease control, fertilizing, stump removal, traditional and 100% organic lawn programs and mosquito and tick control. Giroud Arborists are certified by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) and have the knowledge and experience required to properly diagnose, treat and maintain trees and lawn health.

The company is Accredited by the Tree Care Industry Association and Better Business Bureau. Giroud has also been awarded the Angie's List Super Service Award(r) every year since 2005. The "Giroud Treework for Charity" program donates free tree care services to parks, historical sites and other non-profit organizations located in the Company's service area. For more information, visit the company website at http://www.giroudtree.com or call 215-682-7704.

Media Contact
Jeanne Hafner
Giroud Tree and Lawn
215-682-7704
Jhafner@giroudtree.com

News from Giroud Tree and Lawn

Tree service is needed for trees that change color too early or drop leaves prematurely. Most trees should be in full leaf and green through September; Giroud Tree and Lawn provides the top five Fall warning signs and actions Philadelphia homeowners can take to keep trees healthy and safe.

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