Lawn Care Services in Milwaukee

Integrated Pest Management Lawn Program

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American Landscape is proud to offer our new Integrated Pest Management Program for all your lawn care needs. We believe in treating problems at the source with as little environmental impact as possible, as opposed to simply throwing products onto your lawn. Our goal for every client is a healthy, green, weed-free lawn.

Pre-emergent Weed Control

Does your lawn struggle with unsightly weeds? If you have a historic problem with keeping your yard free of weeds, then our Pre-Emergent Weed Control service is for you. Our technicians will apply this treatment before weeds arrive in the spring, keeping your yard clean and reducing the amount of herbicide required throughout the season.

Early Spring Treatment

As turf emerges from dormancy, it needs proper fertilization to thrive. Our first granular fertilizer treatment also comes with a pre-emergent crabgrass preventer. If you typically struggle with a crabgrass problem, a split-rate application will be applied for Round 1 and Round 2.

Spring Treatment

Our late spring application consists of a custom-blended organic fertilizer with micronutrients for promoting root development and long-lasting deep color. Biologically active soil is the key to turf health. Our fertilizer is designed to not only feed your turf, but the soil itself. This application also includes post-emergent weed control, to eliminate weeds before they can take over your lawn.

Spring Grub Preventative

japanese beetles

Due to hot, dry summers and mild winters over the past several years, Japanese beetle populations have become a major issue. Within a matter of days, grubs can devastate your lawn if left unchecked. To prevent catastrophic damage to your yard, we offer a granular grub control treatment, applied in May. Our treatment utilizes the safest, longest-lasting product on the market, with the smallest environmental footprint.

Summer Treatment

Summer is a difficult time for cool-season turf. Its roots struggle in high heat, and often, grass goes dormant and turns brown. While this is a perfectly natural function of turf, it is possible to keep your lawn green and healthy during this time. Along with proper mowing and watering, our fertilization application can keep your turf and soil well-fed. Weed control will also be applied as needed.

Summer Grub Curative

During summer, Japanese beetles lay their eggs in turf. When they hatch, grubs begin feeding on the roots of your grass, causing widespread damage in a short amount of time. Affected turf will pull out of the ground with little effort, as its roots have been eaten away. To combat this, a granular curative treatment will be applied. If you have an active grub infestation, it is vital to treat as quickly as possible. Call us to schedule a treatment if you are experiencing active grub damage.

Late Summer Treatment

As temperatures begin to decline and rainfall returns, turf begins to emerge from summer dormancy. It is important to make sure turf is properly fed to help it recover from the heat. Our custom-blended organic fertilizer will keep your soil thriving and your grass green. We will also apply weed control to keep your yard weed free.

Aeration

Compaction is an often-overlooked problem in turf health. It reduces root development and nutrient uptake, restricts oxygen flow to the roots and soil microbes, and promotes the effects of stress, heat, fungus, and weeds. To relieve compaction, we recommend core aeration. This can be done either in the spring or fall, though fall is preferred. We utilize the latest technology to ensure even the most compacted soil is properly aerated. An overseeding option can also be added. We use only genetically superior grass seed that can root up to 4 feet deep, allowing it to withstand extreme temperatures as well as insect damage. Our grass seed germinates quickly and requires less water and fertilizer to stay healthy once established. A waxy coating on the leaf surface helps lock in moisture, and a naturally deep-green color will ensure you have a showcase yard all season long.

Fall Treatment

Our winterizer treatment is one of the most important applications of the year. Potash builds cell structure within the turf, and helps it to survive the stress of winter. This treatment will also assist with faster green-up once spring arrives.

Soil Conditioning and pH Adjustment

Soil pH is everything when it comes to turf health. Too acidic, or too alkaline, and the plant will not feed properly. No lawn can thrive without properly balanced, microbially active soil. Fertilization, excessive watering, and decomposing organic matter can naturally acidify a lawn over time. To rectify this, a granular soil amendment can be applied to adjust soil pH to a healthy range. If you have poor soil, or no topsoil, a granular amendment can be applied to stimulate soil microbes which break down organic matter and covert it to humus. Call us at 262-252-4260 to assess your soil needs.

We would be happy to provide you with an accurate assessment and estimate for our comprehensive lawn care program. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

June Landscaping Checklist

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Flowers

  • Continue planting annuals and vegetables.
  • Direct seed annuals and vegetables into the garden early in the month.
  • WATER! Annuals and veggies need regular water due to their shallow root systems. Remember that fewer, deeper waterings are more beneficial than frequent, shallow waterings.
  • Fertilize as needed. Perennial beds can use a slow-release fertilizer or can be fed along with annuals with a liquid like Miracle Gro. Vegetables can also be treated this way although many people have moved towards organic methods like compost to enrich the soil in the vegetable gardens.
  • Deadhead annuals and perennials for enhanced appearance and improved blooming.
  • Stake or trellis newly planted things like vines and tomatoes right away to avoid damaging the plant later.
  • Get on a regular weeding schedule. It’s easier to keep up a little at a time than to let things get out of control.

Lawn

  • Apply fertilizer and broadleaf weed control. 4-6 weeks after your prior application is best. Avoid using weed control on newly seeded areas.
  • Monitor for disease and insect problems and consult a professional if needed.
  • Keep grass cut at about 2 ½” to 3”. Cutting the grass shorter will allow more heat and light to penetrate to the roots causing stress. It also creates more openings for weeds to take hold.
  • Water as needed. Remember that fewer, deeper waterings will be more beneficial than frequent, shallow waterings. Lawns require about an inch of rain per week.
  • Newly seeded or sodded areas will require more water than an established lawn.

Trees/Shrubs  

  • Monitor for disease and insect problems and consult a professional if needed.
  • Prune spring blooming shrubs right after they are done blooming.
  • Trim boxwood, yews and other evergreens.
  • Fertilize roses and pre-treat with fungicide if they are prone to disease issues.
  • Trees and shrubs planted within the last year should be monitored for water. They will need it before your established plants do. If it’s hot and dry and we’re receiving less than an inch of rain per week, give them a good long drink.

Download Checklist

May Landscaping Checklist

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Flowers

  • Remove spent flowers and foliage (once yellowed) on spring flowering.
  • Plant tender annuals after the last expected frost date, approximately May 15.
  • Set flower supports early. Let plants grow through them.
  • Over-wintered tender annuals or tropicals such as hibiscus, gardenia, mandevilla and geranium may be pruned, cleaned, fertilized and gradually introduced to a protected location outdoors once night temperatures reach 50°F.
  • Begin pinching top 1-2 inches of new growth on chrysanthemums to encourage full bushy plants.
  • Prune sage, butterfly bush, Russian sage and Caryopteris back to the point of new growth.
  • With sharp spade, edge flower beds.

Lawn

  • Fertilize with a slow-release nitrogen fertilizer and apply a broadleaf herbicide for weed control.
  • Make sure you are mowing at the proper height.  Never remove more than 1/3 of the turf height at one time.  We recommend keeping your grass at a length of approximately 3”.
  • Re-seed or repair damaged turf areas. Keep newly seeded or sodded turf areas well watered.

Trees/Shrubs  

  • Prune spring flowering shrubs right after they are done flowering.  These plants use the growing season to develop next year’s flowers, so pruning them late in the season will prune off next year’s blooms!  These include:  Forsythia, lilac, viburnum, fothergilla, kerria, mockorange and weigela.
  • Start monitoring your plants for pest infestations. Insects in moderation are a natural and necessary part of the environment, but excessive groups of them or excessive damage from them sometimes warrants treatment.  Contact your landscape professional for identification and a treatment plan.
  • Apply systemic insecticides to trees and shrubs (for example birch & viburnums) prone to borer right after they are done blooming.
  • It’s still a good time to apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to shrubs and perennials.

Download Checklist

Time to Do Some Fall Landscape Clean Up!

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The air has turned chillier, the leaves are changing colors, and it’s time to tackle your fall landscaping chores! Set yourself up for springtime success by doing some fall landscape cleanup. Here are a few items that should be on your “to-do” list.. 

Plant Fall Bulbs

Fall-planted flower bulbs are a great way to add color to your garden come spring, and Midwestern cold winters are perfect for planting them. For the best strategies and tips on planting these bulbs, check out our blog post. 

Clean Up Your Lawn

The colorful leaves on trees are a telltale sign of fall and colder weather. While they look pretty on the trees and on your lawn when they fall, mulching the leaves helps return nutrients to the soil. If that’s not an option for you, raking the leaves and keeping your lawn clear of debris can prevent your lawn from being smothered and stunting new grass growth. 

Cut Back Perennials 

After the first frost, it’s time to trim your perennials. Cut the tops and stems down to the crown of leaves at the base of each plant. Once you’re done, make sure you rake the beds and dispose of dead plant material so your garden still looks fresh during the winter months. 

Apply Fertilizer and Herbicide 

Fertilize your lawn before the first freeze to ensure it looks its best come warmer weather. Once the weather begins to warm up, the grass will draw on the nutrients. Spraying perennial weeds (dandelions, clover, etc.) before the first freeze as well allows the weeds to take in the herbicide to prevent a weedy garden. Fertilize your trees and shrubs too, since it encourages root growth which leads to fewer dead branches and increased spring growth. 

By following these tips, your landscape will be in much better shape once spring comes around. If you need help tackling these fall landscaping chores, our team of experts is always available to help! 

Why You Should Avoid Mulch Volcanoes

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‘Tis the season to get out your shovels and rakes and spread some mulch in your garden beds and around trees. Mulch has numerous benefits to your landscape, but beware! In this case, there can definitely be too much of a good thing and it can be deadly for your trees.

Benefits of Mulch

First, let’s talk about the benefits to establishing a layer of mulch around your trees:

  • eliminates potential injuries from mowers and string-trimmers 
  • separates major root zone areas from nearby sod areas, and 
  • breaks down, enriching the soil and providing nutrients to tree root
  • moderates soil temperatures
  • decreases erosion
  • aids in drainage

Issues with Mulch Volcanoes 

Mulch volcanoes are deep piles of mulch heaped around the base of trees and shrubs. Piling mulch against a tree trunk harms the tree in the following ways:

  • holds moisture against the trunk and roots of the tree, leading to fungal diseases and rot.
  • harbors insects, increasing pest disease; and can also 
  • harbor small rodents who chew on tree bark

Another issue is that mulch volcanoes encourage roots to grow laterally into the mulch. This causes roots to girdle the trunk, which weakens the tree’s support system. 

Correct Way to Mulch 

  • Apply mulch to a depth of 2-3 inches around a tree, leaving a space of 12-16” away from the base of the trunk clear of mulch. 
  • Ensure the mulch is spread level with the root flare (the point at the base of a tree trunk where the trunk expands and transitions into the root system)
  • Extend mulch area to the edge of the tree canopy, or at least several feet from trunk.
  • If mulch is piled against the tree trunk, rake away from the center.
  • Rake up compacted mulch to keep air and water flowing and reaching the roots.
  • In landscape beds containing multiple trees surrounded by sod, join the trees in one mulched bed rather than multiple “circles” of beds to create a more efficient design.

We have a team of certified arborists who can help ensure your trees are properly cared for and last for years. We’d love to help you preserve your valuable investment. Contact us today for a consultation.

How a Rain Garden can Save Your Lawn

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A rain garden provides a healthy solution to drainage problems that can save you time and money in the long run. With winter slowly rolling in, you’re probably already hoping for spring to come sooner. But all the wet weather ahead may be disastrous for your lawn. Heavy snowfall and rain can lead to problems with drainage that impacts your lawn. Here’s how a rain garden can save your lawn!

What is a Rain Garden?

A rain garden is normally decorated with flowers, plants and other vegetation. Essentially, a rain garden is a depressed area in your lawn that mimics the look of a small pond. It is designed to absorb water and filter out pollutants, cleaning the water and soil. Rain gardens offer ecological and economic benefits while adding a touch of elegance.

Conserves water and reduces pollutants

The stormwater that runs off may leach pollutants into your lawn. A rain garden can help reduce the amount of runoff a lawn accumulates. According to a fact sheet from the United States Department of Agriculture, rain gardens can absorb thirty to forty percent more runoff than a regular lawn. This amazing benefit also helps water conservation and blocks the flow of pollutants from runoff into natural waters. The natural look and feel of a rain garden gives a warm welcome to wildlife.

How American Landscape can make your lawn more sustainable

Inhabits wildlife and drives out the pests

Your lawn should be open to all wild inhabitants. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, rain gardens provide a habitable place for butterflies and birds. Of course, you don’t want all the animals flocking to your lawn. Fear not; according to research from Penn State, the rain gardens drainage abilities prevent standing water, which often attracts mosquitoes. Creating a space for wildlife is only part of a rain garden’s ability to add biodiversity.

Biodiversity adds a touch of beauty

The vast amount of vegetation and plants that can be hosted in your rain garden adds beauty to your lawn. The most important part of choosing plants for your rain garden is making sure they can withstand wet and dry conditions. According to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, choosing prairie flowers that are native to Wisconsin may be your best choice; they can withstand long periods of dryness, which works well with our iffy climate.

Rain gardens require little to no maintenance

Taking good care of your rain garden is easy and adds longevity to your lawn. According to a fact sheet from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, simply weeding, watering and trimming your plants is the best practice for maintaining a rain garden. Rain gardens do a great job circulating water, allowing your plants to maintain good health over long periods of varying weather.

A Final Word on Rain Gardens

Rain gardens are fascinating, beautiful and ecologically beneficial. If a plain, green lawn isn’t cutting it for you, a rain garden may spruce up the liveliness of your home. Not sure where to start? American Landscape specializes in sustainable lawn care, and many other services. Give us a call for more information!

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(262)252-4260
info@amerlandscape.com

N60 W16073 Kohler Ln,
Menomonee Falls, WI 53051

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