Lawn Care Services in Milwaukee

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.

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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!

Dead Grass: How to Spot and Stop it

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The harsh conditions during winter in Wisconsin can attribute to dead grass in lawns. To prevent this it would help to know what grass needs in order to grow and survive. The following factors will allow you to assess, spot and stop your grass from dying.

What Does Dead Grass Look Like?

Any shade of color that isn’t green can suggest there is something wrong with your grass. Grass that is turning brown or pink in small and large patches and mold growth suggests that your grass is dying. Dead grass will likely grow in patches across your lawn. If you suspect your grass is dying, it’s important to narrow down the potential cause.

What Types of Climates are Susceptible to Dead Grass?

For homeowners, lack of water is usually the cause for poor grass quality. While sunshine and warm weather can help keep your plants stay alive, it’s important to provide them with enough water that will allow them to thrive. Cold and dry weather can negatively affect grass and soil quality. With spring around the corner, you can access your lawn’s health to get ready for warmer months.

What Causes Dead Grass?

There are a number of potential causes that can kill your grass:

  • Too little water: Soil needs water to survive and thrive. Too little water affects the soil’s ability to absorb water. On the opposite end, too much water can flood your lawn, causing further issues with draining.
  • Disease: Diseases such as Rhizoctonia Solani cause grass to turn brown while Microdochium Nivale
    causes grass to turn pink.
  • Weeds: The saying “like pulling weeds” is as painful as it sounds. Likewise, an abundance of weeds in your lawn absorbs the essential nutrients that grass needs to be healthy.
  • Using too much or too little fertilizer: If you don’t use enough fertilizer, you won’t preserve your lawn. Whereas if you use too much, you’ll affect the soil quality.

How Do I Fix Dead Grass and Prevent it in The Long Run?

You can revive dying grass by pinpointing the cause and acting fast.

  • You should have professionals assess your lawn if you suspect Rhizoctonia Solani or Microdochium Nivale. However, you can prevent the occurrence of disease by mowing your lawn often and using the right fertilizer. There are a lot of fertilizers out on the market, so be sure to look for a product specified for your intended use.
  • Pull weeds from your lawn as often as possible. It allows grass to grow properly and healthily when weeds do not take up an abundance of nutrients.
  • Water your lawn if the climate is dry. A post from The Ground Guys suggests that you water your lawn in the morning.
  • If you have pets, make sure you clean up after them. Dog urine and feces contain levels of nitrogen that are harmful to the soil.

You should act fast if you see grass starting to turn brown. Assessing the problem before it starts will take you time and money in the long run. Need a hand with maintaining your lawn? American Landscape proudly serves southeast Wisconsin with all of your landscaping needs.

Lawn Care Tips for Winter In Wisconsin

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When snow drops by the tons, you may not be thinking about winter lawn care. Taking care of snow and ice is the foremost priority for homeowners during winter. Knowing some helpful tips will free up a lot of time when spring cleaning comes around. Here are some winter lawn care tips that make spring cleaning a little easier.

Keep the Plants Covered

There are a number of things you can do to preserve your plants during winter. The first thing you should do is take as many plants as you can inside. Place plants in areas that are exposed to as much sunlight as possible. Second, anything you can’t take inside should be covered. A post from The Spruce advises homeowners to use mulch to maintain plants throughout winter. After you get your plants in check, take a look at your trees.

A Little Bit of Tree Service Goes A Long Way

Homeowners can benefit greatly from tree service throughout the year. According to a post from Accurate Tree Services, trimming or removing dead tree limbs puts your tree in optimal condition when warmer weather comes around. Removing weak and dying branches on trees reduces the chance of them scattering around your lawn and causing damage to your home. Homeowners should remove any branches and debris from trees from their roof as well. Keeping your roof clear of debris can improve the drainage system outside of your home.

Make Sure Your Drainage Systems Are In Check

Your drainage system is essential for keeping your lawn well kept all year-round. When drainage systems aren’t working right, they can negatively affect the soil and water quality. Ice dams and blocks of ice that form in your gutter can increase runoff. You can minimize the occurrence of ice dams by removing snow and ice from your roof. When it comes to keeping your lawn protected, homeowners should also be aware of how rock salt affects soil and water quality.

Watch the Salt!

Before you deice your driveway, be sure you know how products can affect your lawn. Calcium chloride or rock salt is generally safe for concrete. Although, rock salt can negatively affect the quality of water and soil. Consider using environmentally safe products such as potassium chloride or urea. For pet owners, be on the lookout for products that are labeled pet-safe. For more information, see our post on the alternatives to rock salt!

A Final Word on Landscaping in Winter

Winter lawn care keeps your home looking great and saves you time and energy when nicer weather comes around. You can also use the downtime to brainstorm projects for spring and summer. For tree trimming and other winter services, give American Landscape a call. We offer a range of services for all four seasons.

 

 

 

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American Landscape - 50 Years of Outstanding Landscaping Service to the Greater Milwaukee Area

(262)252-4260
info@amerlandscape.com

N60 W16073 Kohler Ln,
Menomonee Falls, WI 53051

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