Business, Free News Articles, Home and Garden

Time-Sensitive Treatments for Spotted Lanternfly Need to Be Scheduled Now in Early Fall

HUNTINGDON VALLEY, Pa. -- Adult Spotted Lanternfly are swarming area trees in a record-breaking year for the invasive insect. Not only do Spotted Lanternfly pose a risk to the health of trees and plants, they also cause some really gross problems for homeowners.

As the bugs feed on trees, they drip sour-smelling, sticky excrement called "honeydew." It coats everything underneath where the insects are feeding. The tacky honeydew is difficult to remove from hardscapes, decks, cars, and other valuable objects on the property.

What's even worse is that the tantalizing honeydew, along with the black, sooty mold that grows from it, attracts stinging wasps. Wasps will swarm a property, and that's especially a problem if there are children playing in the yard.

Treatments Need to be Carefully Timed

Spotted Lanternfly has only been in the US since 2014, but the insect has multiplied rapidly. To determine the best way to control this new invasive pest, researchers at Penn State and the PA Department of Agriculture recommend a control program that targets the pest during the Adult stage. This stage occurs between July and November.

The Adult stage is when Spotted Lanternfly is most vulnerable to treatment. By September through November, the Adults can be found everywhere on the host trees. 1-2 sprays are needed on the trunk, limbs and foliage. This spray kills the insect on contact and the residual kills any Spotted Lanternfly that walk over or feed on the tree for up to 30 days.

Like many Tree companies battling Spotted Lanternfly, Giroud Tree and Lawn is seeing a very high interest in the control program this year.

"We're confident that these treatments will do the job," says Rodney Stahl, Jr, Giroud's Plant Healthcare Manager. "The problem is that our schedule is filling up. Homeowners, who want to have their trees treated, need to get on a program now before it's too late."

Call an ISA Certified Arborist to evaluate the property for treating valuable trees and plants when the Spotted Lanternfly Adults emerge.

For more information, visit https://www.giroudtree.com/spotted-lanternfly/

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. 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.

Related link: http://www.giroudtree.com

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved.

Business, Free News Articles

Tick Hot Spots in the Yard

HUNTINGDON VALLEY, Pa. -- While some bugs are just annoying, ticks carry a variety of diseases that can pose serious risks to people and pets, says Giroud Tree and Lawn. Fortunately, there are many actions homeowners can take to protect the property from these dangerous insects and the illnesses they can carry. It all starts with knowing where ticks love to hang out in the yard.

Where ticks love to hide:

The best way to control ticks is to target their habitats and make the yard a place where they don't want to hang out. They love dark, shady spots. Oftentimes, we think of ticks jumping down from above. But they also hang out in high grasses, underbrush, and weedy areas.

How Homeowners Can Control Ticks on the Property:

Clean Up the Yard: Ticks are shade lovers and can't survive in the sun! Cleaning up overgrown vegetation will give ticks fewer places to hang out. Additionally, pruning tree branches and shrubs around the lawn edge will let in more sunlight.

Mow the lawn regularly: Keeping the grass tidy will prevent ticks from traveling across tall grass. Mowing on schedule will also prevent clumps of grass, which ticks love to hide in.

Choose plants that deter ticks: Ticks are deterred by mint, lavender, rosemary, marigolds and citronella grass. An added bonus is that mosquitoes and fleas also hate these strong-smelling plants, so start planting!

Keep Deer Off the Property: Deer are the primary carrier of ticks through the yard. Use Deer Repellent treatments to deter deer from feeding on valuable plants and carrying ticks into the yard. Go a step further and check the landscape to identify and remove plants that are attracting deer to the yard.

Tick Control Treatments: Many companies offer both 100% organic and traditional chemical based treatments to control ticks. Choose a reputable company with the proper certifications to assess the property for tick "Hot Spots." They will suggest a treatment plan to attack ticks where they gather.

Keep ticks from biting people and pest with these tips:

Wear light and neutral colored clothing: Insects are attracted to things that mimic nature like the colors in flowers, foliage or animals. Plus, tiny ticks are easier to spot on a white shirt than a dark article of clothing.

Cover up: Wear lightweight clothing, long sleeves, long pants, and socks. Tuck pants into socks when walking through high grasses or underbrush. Always wear a hat and pull back loose hair that hitch-hiking insects can latch on to.

Use Repellents: Of course, DEET is the go-to chemical repellent. But there are natural alternatives. Often sold in health food stores, non-toxic, botanical repellents should be reapplied about every thirty minutes to remain effective. Repellents containing soybean oil protect for about ninety minutes-comparable to DEET.

Always perform a full body tick check after being outside. It's important to note that ticks are everyone outside, even in the backyard. When it comes to these insects and the diseases they transmit, quick removal is vital! Be sure to do a full check on the kids and pets, too.

For more information, visit https://www.giroudtree.com/blog/where-ticks-hide-in-your-yard/

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. 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.

Related link: http://www.giroudtree.com

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved.

Business, Free News Articles

Time-Sensitive Treatments for Spotted Lanternfly Need to Be Scheduled Now Before the Adults Emerge

HUNTINGDON VALLEY, Pa. -- Adult Spotted Lanternfly will be emerging a few short weeks, and it's expected to be a record-breaking year for the invasive insect, says Giroud Tree and Lawn. Not only do Spotted Lanternfly pose a risk to the health of trees and plants, they also cause some really gross problems for homeowners.

As the bugs feed on trees, they drip sour-smelling, sticky excrement called "honeydew." It coats everything underneath where the insects are feeding. The tacky honeydew is difficult to remove from hardscapes, decks, cars, and other valuable objects on the property.

What's even worse is that the tantalizing honeydew, along with the black, sooty mold that grows from it, attracts stinging wasps. Wasps will swarm a property, and that's especially a problem if there are children playing in the yard.

Treatments Need to be Carefully Timed

Spotted Lanternfly has only been in the US since 2014, but the insect has multiplied rapidly. To determine the best way to control this new invasive pest, researchers at Penn State and the PA Department of Agriculture recommend a control program that targets the pest during the Adult stage. This stage occurs between July and November.

The Adult stage is when Spotted Lanternfly is most vulnerable to treatment. Adults tend to stay in one place and attack favorite host trees, as opposed to the younger nymphs that quickly hop from plant to plant. As a result, there is much more success in killing the adults when trees are treated at carefully timed intervals.

The first treatment of the 2-part control plan recommended by Penn State should be done between July and September. This is a basal trunk spray that kills the pest on contact. It's also absorbed up through the tree's vascular system and kills the bugs as they feed on the tree. The treatment lasts for up to 60 days.

By September through November, the Adults can be found everywhere on the host trees. 1-2 additional sprays are needed on the trunk, limbs and foliage. This spray kills the insect on contact and the residual kills any Spotted Lanternfly that walk over or feed on the tree for up to 30 days.

Like many Tree companies battling Spotted Lanternfly, Giroud Tree and Lawn is seeing a very high interest in the control program this year.

"We're confident that these treatments will do the job," says Rodney Stahl, Jr, Giroud's Plant Healthcare Manager. "The problem is that our schedule is filling up. July is already booked and August is beginning to fill up. Soon, we'll have more requests for treatments than we can handle. Homeowners, who want to have their trees treated, need to get on a program now before it's too late."

Steps Homeowners Should Take Now
1. Check for nymphs now on trees, plants, flowers, and any surface in the yard. If these early stage insects are seen, that's a clear warning sign that the property is at risk once they turn into adults.
2. Use sticky bands wrapped in chicken wire to capture any nymphs walking up the tree trunk.
3. Call an ISA Certified Arborist to evaluate the property for treating valuable trees and plants when the Spotted Lanternfly Adults emerge.

For more information, visit https://www.giroudtree.com/spotted-lanternfly/

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. 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.

Related link: http://www.giroudtree.com

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved.

Business, Free News Articles, General Editorial, Home and Garden

How to Combat the Spotted Lanternfly Now in the Nymph Stage

HUNTINGDON VALLEY, Pa. -- The Spotted Lanternfly is a destructive insect that has invaded the Philadelphia area. All winter long, their eggs lay waiting for the warm weather, carefully encased in a protective, hardened layer of secretion. Now that they've emerge as nymphs, it's time to take action!

How to Identify Spotted Lanternfly Nymphs

Spotted Lanternfly goes through several identities during its life cycle. Adult females lay eggs in the fall, and they cover the egg masses in a secretion. This secretion dries hard and camouflages to look like dirt or clay. The young nymphs that emerge from the eggs in spring are black with white spots. In early summer, they gain red markings on their bodies. Later in midsummer, they become adults and shed their skin to form wings on their backs.

How to Get Rid of Spotted Lanternfly Nymphs

The experts at Giroud Tree and Lawn have been working closely with Penn State University's Department of Entomology and Cooperative Extension to determine the best treatments and techniques for combating Spotted Lanternfly in each of the life cycle stages. Chemical spray treatments are only recommended if there are high populations of nymphs on a specific plant or tree.

Chemical Control Treatments During the Nymph Stages

Research shows that the best time to control Spotted Lanterfly is at the adult stage. However, there is an exception. Nymph control may be warranted if the population is high enough to cause feeding damage (wilting stems). Or, if Nymphs are focusing heavily on individual plants. In these cases, homeowners should have an ISA Certified Arborist evaluate the situation and determine if targeted treatment is required.

Control of Spotted Lanternfly Nymphs is usually not warranted because nymphs love to move around. The young insects don't stay on a single plant for long. To reach all the plants that might attract nymphs, the entire yard would have to be treated with a long, residual contact spray insecticide. Even with these treatments, nymphs can still invade from other locations!

Also, although insecticide will kill Nymphs, it can also kill beneficial insects and pollinators, such as bees and butterflies. The insect experts at Giroud prefer to use these types of sprays for targeted control, not broad scale treatments.

What's the Solution for Controlling Spotted Lanterfly Nymphs?

Ultimately, the best way to combat Spotted Lanternfly during the Nymph Stage is with manual methods. Sticky bands, Circle Traps, and good old fashioned squishing are key to getting ahead of these awful insects before they reach adulthood.

Sticky bands can be found at most hardware stores and also on Amazon.com. They are easy to install, but they should be changed weekly for the best results. However, it is important to be aware that these sticky bands can accidentally trap other insects and also small animals and birds. To avoid this problem, Penn State recommends cutting the sticky bands lengthwise so the surface area is not as broad. Spotted Lanternfly Nymphs are small and climb up the tree. They will get trapped at the bottom of the sticky band, so there is no need to have such a tall band. Penn State also urges homeowners to wrap the outside of the tree with chicken wire over the area of the sticky band. This will prevent squirrels, birds, and other small animals from becoming stuck to the band.

If homeowners are concerned about trapping small animals and other wildlife in sticky bands, Penn State offers an alternative solution:

"Recent research has shown that an entirely different kind of type of trap is also very effective and can dramatically reduce the chances of capturing other creatures. This new style trap is made of plastic-coated insect screening and does not use any sticky material at all. It is basically a tunnel that SLFs walk into. When they move upward in the trap, they end up in a dead-end collection container where they die." -extension.psu.edu

Nymphs Are a Warning Sign to Take Action

Equally important, recognize that the Nymphs are an early warning sign to get prepared for the swarms. By July or August, the Nymphs will turn into Adults. That's when the real trouble begins. It's also the time when control is most effective. Adults don't move around as much and tend to attack specific trees. As a result, an ISA Certified Arborist can target the high risk trees and protect them from Spotted Lanternfly.

Researchers are anticipating a major infestation of Spotted Lanternfly this season. Once the adults begin to swarm, the demand for treatment will surge so homeowners should have the arborist evaluate the entire property for problem areas as soon as possible.

For more information, visit https://www.giroudtree.com/spotted-lanternfly/

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. 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.

Related link: http://www.giroudtree.com

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved.

Business, Free News Articles, Home and Garden

Proper Lawn Mowing Technique is Important for Successful Grass Growth

HUNTINGDON VALLEY, Pa. -- If a homeowner's lawn looks uneven and just plain ugly in some spots, how the grass is being mowed might be affecting its appearance, says Giroud Tree and Lawn. From how to set the mower height to how soon after the rain falls the grass is cut, good mowing practices are important for keeping a lawn looking vibrant, healthy, and green all season long.

Start with Clean, Sharp Blades

Before mowing the lawn, homeowners should make sure the mower blades are sharp and ready to give an even cut. Always clean mower blades between each mow to prevent the spread of fungus and diseases.

Lawn Mowing Height

Grass should always be cut at 3-4 inches or higher, especially during the warmer months. Taller grass will provide a canopy to retain soil moisture and will prevent unsightly browning, shade weed and crabgrass seeds, and facilitate deep root growth. Giroud recommends that no more than 1/3 of top growth be removed per cutting.

How Often to Mow

When mowed infrequently, tall, wet grass may leave clumps pf clippings that can smother turf and provide an opening for weed infiltration. Mow on a regular schedule, about every 7-10 days. However, homeowners should also be mindful of the weather! If there experience a dry spell, mow less often to give the grass a chance to grow. If there is a lot of rain, grass will surely grow faster; but be careful about mowing when grass is wet. Clumps of dead, wet grass left behind after a lawn mowing can lead to lawn fungus issues.

Lawn Mowing on Slopes

If the yard has a slope to it, homeowners should be careful about mowing in that area. Always mow slopes sideways to prevent scalping. Not only does this prevent damage to the lawn, but it's also a safer practice for operating the lawn mower.

Still Seeing Lawn Problems?

If homeowners find that the lawn still doesn't look good, there might have an underlying issue with the grass or soil, such as diseases or insect infestations. Call a certified Lawn Care company for a complete Lawn Evaluation.

For more information about good lawn mowing techniques, please check out https://www.giroudtree.com/blog/how-to-mow-your-lawn-the-right-way/

For more information, visit the company website at http://www.giroudtree.com or call 215-682-7704.

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. 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.

Related link: http://www.giroudtree.com

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved.

Business, Free News Articles, General Editorial, Home and Garden

Tips for Growing Grass in Shade

HUNTINGDON VALLEY, Pa. -- When it comes to growing grass in the shade, the process can be incredibly frustrating for homeowners. The Lawn Care Experts at Giroud Tree and Lawn have several strategies homeowners can try to combat bare spots on shady areas on the lawn.

Grass needs a few vital elements to thrive- sun, water, and a great root system. Trees are in a constant battle with grass for all three of these, so homeowners need to even the playing field.

Pruning Trees to start to good grass growth

The branches and leaves of trees can block sunlight from reaching the grass. Also, much of the rain that falls will run off the leaves of the tree before it filters down to the lawn, leaving grass roots dry. Homeowners should have trees evaluated by an ISA Certified Arborist to see how they can be pruned back. This will allow sunshine and water to reach those blades of grass and promote healthy, green growth!

Keep it clean

Dead leaves, pine needles and other debris fall from trees' branches and litter the ground, blocking sun and rainwater from reaching the lawn. This same debris can lock in moisture without airflow, making the lawn area more susceptible to fungus and disease. It's important to rake up the areas under trees so the grass isn't smothered and festering with infection.

Mow higher in the shade

If grass is having trouble growing in the shade, homeowners should mow a little higher in that area. This grass will need as much help as it can to reach the sun rays!

Check the soil pH

Anything that filters down into the soil can affect its acidity, so trees contribute to pH level issues. The soil should have a pH of 7 in order to grow healthy, vibrant grass.

Alternate ground cover

If all else fails, there are other options for ground cover in the shady areas under trees instead of grass. Shade-friendly plants, such as pachysandra, can be hearty additions to any landscape. Add in some Bleeding Hearts and Thyme for seasonal color and interest and homeowners will have a lovely garden area!

How to Get Started on a Lawn Care Program

Now is the time for homeowners to schedule a full lawn inspection with an experienced lawn service. The lawn care expert will walk the entire property and create a custom plan to combat any issues on the lawn. Homeowners should choose a lawn service that does a mid-season check-up that includes a pH Soil Test. Maintaining a healthy pH is vital to producing great results for the lawn. Lime applications may be recommended to decrease the acidity in the soil, so the grass will grow healthy and strong!

For more information, check out Giroud Arborist Rob Nagy's demonstration of a pH Soil Test.

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. 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.

Links:
- https://www.giroudtree.com/lawn-services/
- https://youtu.be/HJJHpguMdgs

Related link: http://www.giroudtree.com

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved.

Business, Free News Articles, Home and Garden

How to Capture and Destroy Spotted Lanternfly Nymphs in 2020

HUNTINGDON VALLEY, Pa. -- The Spotted Lanternfly is a destructive insect that has officially invaded Philadelphia, Bucks and Montgomery Counties! All winter long, their eggs lay waiting for the warm weather, and the Spotted Lanternfly Nymphs have already started to emerge. The experts at Giroud Tree and Lawn share what to look for and how to capture and destroy these destructive insects.

How Spotted Lanternfly Causes Property Damage and Attracts Dangerous Insects

These insects eat tree sap and then excrete droppings of a sweet, sticky substance called Honeydew. The honeydew will coat the tree, the base of the tree, and anything underneath the tree, including cars, hardscapes, and decking. Then, black, sooty mold grows on the secreted substance. The combination of honeydew and black, sooty mold has an unpleasantly sour stench and is very difficult to remove from surfaces.

Even more unsettling, the secreted honeydew attracts stinging wasps! Wasps can't resist the tantalizing smell of the honeydew, and they will swarm a property for a taste. Homeowners are struggling to rid their yards of stinging wasps, and it's particularly a problem for children playing in the area!

How to Identify the Spotted Lanternfly

One of the things that makes this insect difficult to control is the fact that it goes through several identities during its life cycle. Adult females lay eggs in the fall, and they cover the egg masses in a secretion that dries hard and camouflages to look like dirt or clay. The young nymphs that emerge from the eggs in spring are black with white spots. In early summer, they gain red markings on their bodies. Then, midsummer they become adults and shed their skin to form wings on their backs.

How to Capture and Destroy Spotted Lanternfly Nymphs

The experts at Giroud Tree and Lawn have been working closely with Penn State's Department of Agricultural Sciences to determine the best treatments and techniques for combatting Spotted Lanternfly in each of the life cycle stages. According to Penn State, "Currently, the most effective trap for SLF is a sticky band wrapped around the trunks of trees. SLF nymphs and adults are trapped in the sticky barrier as they crawl up from the ground onto the trunks and move upward to feed on the tree."

Sticky bands can be found at most hardware stores and Amazon.com. They are easy to install, but they should be changed weekly for the best results. It is important to be aware that these sticky bands can accidentally trap other insects and also small animals and birds. To avoid this problem, Penn State recommends cutting the sticky bands lengthwise so the surface area is not as broad. Penn State also urges homeowners to wrap the outside of the tree with chicken wire over the area of the sticky band. This will prevent squirrels, birds and other small animals from becoming stuck to the band.

If homeowners see signs of Spotted Lanternfly on the property, they should have their trees inspected by an ISA Certified Arborist.

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. 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.

Related link: http://www.giroudtree.com

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved.

Business, Free News Articles, Home and Garden

Kids Staying Home From School can Keep Busy with a Spotted Lanternfly Egg Hunt in the Yard

HUNTINGDON VALLEY, Pa. -- Spotted Lanternfly are beautiful but destructive insects that have invaded Pennsylvania. The good news is kids can help get rid of Spotted Lanternfly! The experts at Giroud Tree and Lawn share why these are bad bugs, and what kids need to know to go on a Spotted Lanternfly Egg Hunt!

What Is Spotted Lanternfly?

Spotted Lanternfly is a dangerous, invasive pest. Invasive means this insect is from another country and it has invaded the United States. Spotted Lanternfly came from Asia to the United Sates a few years ago. They've been multiplying and spreading all over the country! If Americans don't stop them from spreading, they can cause big problems.

Why Is Spotted Lanternfly Bad?

Spotted Lanternfly are a problem in many ways because they:
* destroy grapes, apples, and other important crops that are grown by farmers in America.
* damage trees when they feed from them.
* make a sticky mess when they are eating, dripping something called "honeydew" down on to anything underneath them.
* attract stinging bees who love to eat the honeydew they drip!

What do Spotted Lanternfly Look Like?

The Spotted Lanternfly go through 4 different life cycles.

1. Nymphs, black with white dots - the insects hatch from their eggs in May.

2. Nymphs, red with white dots and black marks- you can sometimes see little black nymphs and bigger red nymphs at the same time

3. Adults - In July, the insects get wings! The underside of their wings looks a lot more colorful than the top, so it's important to know what the wings look like on both sides!

4. Egg Masses - Starting in late September, the females will lay their eggs and cover them with a protective substance that hardens to look like clay. These egg masses will stay there all winter long until the next generation of nymphs hatches the following May.

How Kids Can Help Stop the Spread of Spotted Lanternfly

Spotted Lanternfly can lay their eggs anywhere, even underneath a slide!

Now is the perfect time to go on Spotted Lanternfly Egg Hunt! Kids can outside and check all the trees in the front and backyard. If kids find anything that looks like an egg mass, scrape it off with a stick or a card and destroy them by dropping them in a baggy with hand sanitizer or rubbing alcohol.

After kids have checked all the trees on the property, it's time to look for Spotted Egg Masses in other places. The adult females lay eggs pretty much anywhere! They usually lay them in places where the eggs will be out of sight from hungry predator bugs. Look on the underside of outdoor tables and chairs, railings, playhouses, swing sets and slides.

Kids can even make these Spotted Lanternfly egg hunts a part of the Easter celebrations. Just for fun, kids can check out this cool video of a Spotted Lanternfly in a battle with a Praying Mantis! Who will win? https://youtu.be/mfwuhTBr4UQ

For more information about Spotted Lanternfly, please check out https://www.giroudtree.com/spotted-lanternfly/

For more information, visit the company website at http://www.giroudtree.com or call 215-682-7704.

VIDEO (YouTube):
https://youtu.be/mfwuhTBr4UQ

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. 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.

Related link: http://www.giroudtree.com

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved.

Free News Articles, Home and Garden

Giroud Tree and Lawn explains how to identify the difference between mole and vole damage on lawns, trees and shrubs

HUNTINGDON VALLEY, Pa. -- Mole and vole damage to lawns, trees and shrubs is common in Pennsylvania, but identifying the difference between the two can be confusing. Each of these two pests can cause mild to serious damage on a homeowners property, and late winter is when the effects are often seen. The experts at Giroud Tree and Lawn explain how to identify the difference between the two and what homeowners can do to reverse the damage.

How to Identify Vole Damage on a Lawn

Voles, otherwise known as "Meadow Mice", are small rodents with very active lifestyles in the winter. They live under dense shrubs and mulch and other hiding places like wood or rock piles. Voles eat grass, and in winter, the snow provides the perfect cover for voles to venture from their burrows in search of food without fear of predators. Homeowners can identify vole damage after snow melts by the telltale chiseled pathways through the lawn. Voles create these runways under the cover of snow where predators can't catch them.

How to Identify Mole Damage on a Lawn

Like voles, moles can do a lot of damage to a lawn. However, rather than pathways carved into the grass at the surface, moles tunnel underground and leave piles of soil that act as air vents in their tunnels.

"If you have a lawn that is really infested with moles, you can actually feel it as you walk across the grass," explains Giroud Lawn Care Technician, Paul Ruffenach. "The ground will feel soft because the tunnels have been dug through under your feet."

Damage to Trees and Shrubs

Although lawn damage caused by voles and moles is very easy to see, what can often go unnoticed until it's too late is damage to trees and shrubs. These invasive little creatures feast on the bark of certain trees and shrubs.

"Both voles and moles will chew on the roots, trunks and branches of some shrubs because they are feeding on the starches and the sugars to stay alive in winter," explains Drew Slousky, ISA Certified Giroud Arborist and Vice President. "If they chew the bark completely off, they could kill a shrub or a tree."

Single stemmed trees like Dogwoods and Crabapples will likely die if voles or moles have girdled the tree by eating the bark completely around the trunk. Multi-stemmed shrubs like Juniper, rhododendron, Viburnum, Euonymous (Burning Bush) and Azalea can survive. Professional pruning or fertilization will help with recovery.

How to Protect a Property from Mole and Vole Damage

Take away hiding spots! Moles and voles burrow under anything that may act as a cover in order to keep out of the watchful eyes of predators. Snow, underbrush and overgrown ground cover are all perfect hiding spots.

As the weather warms, mulch also becomes a great cover for them. Giroud always stresses the importance of never piling mulch against the trunk of a tree or shrubs because it can lead to girdling roots. Garden pests like moles and voles are just another reason why proper mulching is important. Creating a space for these rodents to burrow is an invitation for them to chew on the bark of trees and shrubs!

Check out this video from Giroud Arborist, Rob Nagy, which shows how he identified that a rodent was causing an ornamental holly to decline: https://youtu.be/8Ogfh-Yi6Mk

Take Action Now to Correct Mole and Vole Damage

The good news is most lawns, trees and shrubs will recover from minimal mole or vole damage. For lawns:
* Rake the debris and excrement from the runways on the lawn to promote growth
* Fill holes and pathways with topsoil
* Fertilize and overseed areas that do not recover

Getting on a great lawn care treatment and fertilization program is a step in the right direction because it will strengthen the grass' roots and give the lawn a fighting chance against attacks from mole and vole damage and also other pests, insects and diseases!

If homeowners see signs of pest infestation on trees and shrubs, such as chewed trunks and branches, leaf dieback and discoloration, they should have them inspected by an ISA Certified Arborist who may recommend pruning out the damaged branches. Also, a deep root vitamin fertilizer treatment will strengthen the plant and aid in its recovery.

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. 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.

VIDEO (YouTube): https://youtu.be/8Ogfh-Yi6Mk

Related link: http://www.giroudtree.com

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved.

Business, Free News Articles, General Editorial, Home and Garden

Tree Crashes on to Glenside Home because of Hidden Danger Inside Trunk

HUNTINGDON VALLEY, Pa. -- It's late on Friday afternoon, and a Glenside homeowner is out running errands when her cell phone starts dinging with text messages. She checks her phone to find alerts from her neighbors: a tall Hemlock Tree has crashed down onto her house in the 60 mph wind gusts! She rushes home to find the massive tree trunk resting on the side of her roof. This homeowner wasn't expecting to kick off her weekend with storm damage, but thankfully Giroud Tree and Lawn's ISA Certified Arborist, Mike Chenail was able to assess the tree ASAP.

Hidden Danger

The tree originally stood in the middle of a line of other Hemlocks, so what caused this one to fall while the others stood strong against the high winds? As it turns out, this tree was rotted through in the middle of the trunk! It's hard to say what originally caused the decay. Rotted trees can be infected with diseases or infested with insects, or they could even have poor root damage unseen below the surface. However, preventative tree inspections with an ISA Certified Arborist could have alerted the homeowners to a problem before it became a disaster.

Preventing Storm Damage

High winds and icy conditions can strike at any time, and storm damage can be dangerous and expensive! Homeowners should check trees before storms hit. This is the best way to ensure the trees can withstand the crushing force of snow, ice and gusty winds that can send heavy limbs crashing and wreak havoc on the property.

There are preventative measures homeowners can take now starting with a visual check of the trees:

1. Did the trees show signs of stress last summer? Premature fall color change, early leaf drop, abnormally small or pale leaves, or new growth that wilted are all indicators of a potential problem.
2. Does the trunk have a cavity or signs of splitting? Scan the trunk and main leaders for holes (cavities), decay and cracked or split crotches.
3. Is the bark peeling from the trunk? Gently pull on a piece of bark. It should not break off easily.
4. Are twigs and buds developing normally? Scrape either a twig or bud with a thumbnail. It should be a healthy green, not brown or otherwise discolored.
5. Is new growth surviving the strains of winter? Try to bend a twig. Does it snap because it's dry and brittle?

If trees exhibit any of these signs, the homeowner can schedule an inspection with an ISA Certifed Arborist.

Some Trees are More Prone to Storm Damage than Others

If heavy snow strikes, take special care of trees like White Pines, Arborvitae, Bradford Pear and Birch. Before the snow gets too heavy, shake or brush it off shrubs and small trees to prevent breakage. All trees should be inspected, but these trees are more common victims and their branches can easily break under the weight of snow.

Prevent Storm Damage with an Inspection

To keep trees and properties safe, the experts at Giroud Tree and Lawn recommend homeowners do the following:
1. Hazard Inspection: Have an ISA Certified Arborist do a root to crown inspection to identify hazards such as cracks, weak limbs, deadwood or unsafe root systems.
2. Tree Removal: Dead trees are a hazard and must be removed. Winter is an especially good time for removals since the ground is hard and there is less risk of damaging understory plants and lawns.
3. Winter Pruning: Two types of pruning are most critical in the winter: deadwood removal and reducing wind resistance. Selectively thinning branches helps the wind to move more easily through the tree and prevents uprooting. However, never thin more than 25% of a tree's crown at one time. Additionally, dead branches should also be removed since those are the first to break in a storm.
4. Install Cables or Bolts: Trees with multiple trunks or weakly attached limbs are prime targets for splitting. To successfully secure a tree, use a tree service professional with the knowledge required to select the best cable system for each tree's specific situation and install it at the right tension and location in the tree.

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. 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.

Related link: http://www.giroudtree.com

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved.