Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

Friends of Trees nears 50,000th planting, mostly in rights of way

On a recent Saturday morning, which alternated between sunshine and wind-blown rain, Kristin Jost planted a free tree in the front yard of her house on Southeast Brooklyn Street and maybe made a neighborhood friend or two.

Jost and husband Branden Jost have lived in their Powellhurst-Gilbert house for seven years, and theyve thought about planting a tree or two out front. But both work full-time, and then there are daughters Julia and Katie, 3 1/2 and 2 years old, respectively.

Theres just no time, and money became a big part of it. Trees arent cheap, Jost says.

In September, a Friends of Trees canvasser knocked on the Josts door and offered a deal. The four or five feet of their front yard closest to the street was public right of way, Kristin was told. In most city neighborhoods, that right of way is defined by a planting strip between the street and the sidewalk, but even without a planting strip, the city retains control.

The Josts were told that as part of a citywide initiative to plant trees in the public right of way they could get a free tree and, in January, join a crew of volunteers going house to house planting the free trees in their neighborhood.

Jost also was given information about the value of street trees. First, they absorb stormwater. They also provide needed summer shade and habitat for birds and squirrels. In addition, studies have shown that on streets with big tree canopies overhead, a tunnel effect induces drivers to slow down.

Jost chose a black tupelo in November, when Friends of Trees showed her a list of trees that would thrive in her space. She liked the description of its black bark and orange and red autumn foliage, and the fact that tupelos are drought-resistant, so their tree shouldnt require too much care and feeding.

On Saturday, Sheila Grayson joined in as well. Shes only been in her house for a year and especially liked the volunteer activity that allowed her to meet more Powellhurst-Gilbert residents. She was a little puzzled that more of her neighbors on Southeast 111th Avenue didnt take up Friends of Trees on their offer. She said virtually none of the houses on her long street currently had trees near the road, and all her neighbors had been given the same offer as she, but none had said yes.

Im getting a $180 free tree, she said. Who wouldnt want to live on a tree-lined street?

More here:
Psst. Hey buddy, want a free tree?

Philadelphia PA (PRWEB) January 23, 2014

In the war between squirrels and homeowners, squirrels often emerge the victor using amazing feats of acrobatics to feast on bird feeders or invade homes. While the bird feeder battle can be frustrating, squirrels inside a home are dangerous and pose fire, health and safety hazards. Giroud Tree and Lawn provides tree trimming and other strategies homeowners can use to humanely solve squirrel problems.

Winter is prime time for squirrels to search for a cozy, warm nest. An opening about the size of a fist is all that a squirrel needs to squeeze inside a home. Holes in dormers, ridge vents, eaves, attic vents, and similar vulnerable areas make easy entry points to attics, walls and living spaces.

Trees are often a launching point for squirrels to get inside a house, says Lou Giroud, President of Giroud Tree and Lawn and ISA Certified Arborist. Trimming trees away from the house is a simple solution to help resolve squirrel problems

To determine how tree trimming can help deter squirrels from gaining access, contact an ISA Certified Arborist at a fully insured tree service company to inspect the trees surrounding the house. The inspection will identify limbs that must be removed or trimmed away from house. Tree trimming should focus on limbs within 6-8 feet of the house. Work should be performed by a tree service professional who is skilled in both side-clearing and ensuring trees retain a healthy beautiful shape.

If squirrels have already gotten inside the home, immediate action is needed. Squirrels can create fire, health and safety hazards by chewing exposed electrical wires, tearing insulation and creating an unhealthy mess from droppings.

The Humane Society of the United States recommends the following steps on its website to ensure humane removal of squirrels from the home.

About Giroud Tree and Lawn Giroud Tree and Lawn specializes in tree service, tree removal and lawn care 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 and traditional and 100% organic lawn programs to keep lawns healthy and green. 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 has been awarded the Angie's List Super Service Award 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 Companys service area. For more information, visit the company website at http://www.giroudtree.com or call 215-682-7704.

Originally posted here:
How to Humanely Solve Squirrel Problems Using Tree Trimming and Other Strategies from Giroud Tree and Lawn to Help ...

Tips for pruning trees

image credit: Courtesy photo

Buried somewhere in the list of challenges and hopes for the New Year are a few issues that we face in our landscapes.

To highlight some of these, the following Top 10 list has been developed from situations I often encounter. Many are repeated year after year to the dismay of arborists.

But first, what will be the impact of the recent prolonged cold temperatures on certain plants, trees and shrubs in our landscapes?

Cold Weather Damage

Most of our native trees and shrubs can withstand freezing conditions. However, the more exotic plants, like those with palm-like leaves, will either be damaged or killed by extended cold temperatures.

Plants or small trees that are planted in pots or containers may have been damaged or killed. While they might normally withstand such conditions, they lacked the insulating soil that normally protects the roots when planted in the ground.

As spring approaches, the damaged tissue on the tips of branches and twigs will begin to darken and shrivel up. New growth will not emerge as usual. Then decisions must be made to either bury the victim or attempt to apply gardener first aid.

If new growth begins to develop below the damaged portion of a plant, the dead part can be removed for aesthetic appearances. Eventually, the tree or shrub may recover its former shape with some patient TLC.

Read the rest here:
Follow these Top 10 tips and keep trees healthy | Evergreen Arborist

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