Problem Symptoms

Tree Problems

Many tree insect and disease problems such Anthracnose, Hemlock Adelgid and Emerald Ash Borer can be controlled through targeted treatment. Additionally, tree trimming may be required to remove diseased or dead limbs. If the tree is deemed hazardous, tree removal may be the only solution.

Early detection is the key to successful insect and disease control. If you have a sick tree at your property in Montgomery County PA, Bucks County and Philadelphia, get a free evaluation by one of Giroud Tree’s ISA Certified Arborists. Your Giroud Arborist will thoroughly inspect the tree for safety and health and provide a written estimate for the tree insect and disease control cost.

The top 5 tree symptoms or warning signs of insect and disease problems are:

Excessive Deadwood: Large limbs or major sections of dead branches in the crown
Leaf Problems Deformed or Discolored Leaves: Tree is late to leaf out in spring or drops leaves earlier than other trees of the same kind in late summer or fall
Decay such as in the root system or cavities in the trunk.
Signs of insects feeding on leaves or exit wounds in the trunk
Mushrooms growing from the roots or trunk

If you spot any of the above problems on your trees, call Giroud to get a professional tree service inspection by an ISA Certified Arborist.

See what problems our Arborists are finding now, check out our Tree Problems Video Playlist on YouTube.

Damaging Insects

Insects damage plants by chewing leaves, sucking sap, or boring into wood. Careful monitoring and targeted treatment are essential to controlling harmful pests and a key part of our tree service program.

Treatment options depend on the pest. In all cases, treatment should only be applied to the specific plant that has a problem. Blanket sprays of all plants is a bad practice that kills beneficial insects and promotes unnecessary chemical usage.

View Our Insect Library!

Treatment Options for Damaging Insects Include:

Injections: Successfully used to treat numerous pests including Aphids, Soft Scales, most leaf-eating caterpillars, Saw Flies, Lace Bugs and Leafminers, injections offer many advantages. Directly injected into the tree, the chemical stays in the tree much longer giving the tree more protection. It’s better for the environment because the material doesn’t have to be sprayed in the air. Injections also tend to be more effective because all parts of the plant are covered.
Pesticide Alternatives: Horticultural oils, soaps, and natural pesticides effectively control a wide variety of pests by interfering with an insect’s respiratory or digestive systems. The release of beneficial insects such as ladybug beetles or nematodes may also be introduced to feed on harmful pests.
Mechanical Control: Some problems can be solved through mechanical means. Cocoons, egg masses or the insects themselves may be removed by hand.

Timing is everything in controlling harmful pests. Treatments must be applied at the most vulnerable time in a pest’s life cycle. Giroud Arborists monitor pest and weather reports to determine the best time each year to treat each insect.

Infectious Tree Diseases

Bacteria, fungi, nematodes, and viruses are infectious diseases that can damage and in some cases kill a tree. The first step to controlling or curing a disease is professional confirmation of the problem. While symptoms of certain diseases such as Anthracnose and Bacterial Leaf Scorch can be similar, the treatment is different for each disease.

Your Giroud Arborist will evaluate the tree to determine what is causing the problem and the best tree service options for treatment.

View the Disease Library!

Tree Disease Treatment Actions can Include:

Disease Treatment: Many diseases can be successfully controlled through treatments targeted to the specific disease and tree. An ISA Certified Arborist will determine the best treatment protocol and dosage.
Tree Pruning: Thinning the tree’s crown will improve airflow and discourage the growth of fungus and other diseases. Additionally, diseased limbs should be removed and properly destroyed to prevent further spread.
Tree Fertilization: With the exception of trees infected with Fireblight, an annual injection in the spring or fall will stimulate root growth, replenish nutrients lost through defoliation and strengthen the tree’s immune system. For best results, the fertilizer should be a time-release formula that provides a steady stream of vital nutrients for 12 months.