July Landscaping Tips for Wisconsin

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The hot, dry weather of July in Wisconsin calls for careful tending of all the elements of your landscape. We’ve got some tips to help you avoid dry, brown lawns and drooping flowers during the heat of July!

Flowers

  • Water flower beds at least once a week during dry spells.
  • Remove old lily blooms.
  • Peony bushes may be mulched (if needed) and seedpods removed.
  • Fertilize container plantings.
  • Divide iris and daylily when done blooming. Cut leaves back to about 8″.
  • Deadhead flowers to encourage additional blooming.
  • Don’t let weeds go to seed. “A year of seeding equals 7 years weeding.”

Lawn

  • Mow and water as necessary. Raise mowing height to 3 ½”-4” during hot, dry times.
  • Irrigate lawn adequately to keep it from going dormant.
  • Monitor for fungal diseases and treat as necessary.

Trees/Shrubs  

  • Water newly planted trees weekly if needed throughout the summer and apply a mulch (3″ or less) to maintain even soil moisture.
  • During dry spells, water all trees deeply every 2-3 weeks.
  • Prune yews, junipers, and arborvitae by mid-July.
  • Scout for insect pests on trees and shrubs, especially aphids, elm leaf beetle and viburnum beetles.
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May Landscaping Tips

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The growing season is upon us and it is the perfect time to make sure your flowers, trees/shrubs, and your lawn are being cared for properly.  Our expert landscaping tips are tailored for the conditions we experience in Wisconsin gardens and landscapes.

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.

We are happy to help with all your landscaping needs, from regular lawn maintenance to hardscape projects, our team of experts can help you have an outdoor space that will be the envy of your neighbors! Get in touch today!

Download May Landscaping Guide

What to Ask When Looking for Landscape Companies in Milwaukee

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Hiring a professional landscaping company

is the way to go to create a stunning outdoor space that perfectly blends with your home and reflects your personality. If you’re in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, you’ll find plenty of landscape companies to choose from. However, not all landscape companies in Milwaukee are created equal.

Your home is your biggest investment, and landscaping is a significant part of the equation. It’s a place where you can relax and recharge inside and out. It’s where you’ll spend most of your downtime, enjoying time with friends and raising a family.

Building an outdoor retreat is a great way to enjoy the beauty of nature and create a space that is uniquely your own. Finding a landscaping company that meets your outdoor needs is up to you. Researching your options and asking the right questions will help you find the right landscaping partner to bring your outdoor dream space to life.

Before taking that first step in your investment, you’ll want to consider the following factors and make sure you’re asking the right questions.

Let’s get started.

5 Things to Consider Before Hiring a Landscape Company in Milwaukee

When researching different landscape companies in Milwaukee, you must closely examine each company to determine who best meets your needs. You want to find a well-established company with a strong reputation for providing quality work. Here are five important things to consider when looking for landscape companies in Milwaukee, WI:

1. Your Budget

Building an outdoor retreat is a rewarding experience that will provide you and your family with years of enjoyment. However, it’s important to be realistic about the cost of your project and find a company that can work within your budget.

The cost of your landscaping is influenced by many factors, including:

  • Site conditions: including the size of your property, the topography of your property, and the condition of your soil.
  • Materials needed: Involves selecting the plants and materials that best suit your needs, determining the extent of desired stonework, and considering incorporating water features into your landscaping plans.
  • Per-service or per-hour charges: landscaping companies charge different rates for their services, so be sure to ask about these charges before hiring a landscaper.

Don’t be afraid to ask for a detailed breakdown of the costs when reviewing quotes. This will help you understand the costs associated with your project and whether or not they fit within your ideal budget.

2. The Type of Landscaping Services You Need

Do you need help with lawn maintenance, tree trimming, or landscape design? Before diving into the online abyss and beginning your research, ensure that you have a comprehensive list of requirements for your landscaper and their team/services.

By conducting thorough research, you can ensure that you select a contractor who can meet your specific requirements. This will not only save you time and effort, but also enable contractors to provide you with accurate quotes for their services.

3. The Landscaper’s Reputation

Doing your due diligence and researching the landscaping company’s reputation before hiring them can help you avoid potential issues down the road. Unfortunately, there are many contractors out there that are unscrupulous and/or unqualified. Checking their reputation before hiring them can help you avoid issues such as poor workmanship, unprofessional conduct, and/or poor customer service. A good reputation is a sign of a reliable and trustworthy company.

So, how can you research a company`s reputation? Things you can look for include:

  • Reviews from previous clients
  • Their website and their portfolio of work
  • Reviews from sites like Angie’s List, Google Business Profile, and Facebook

residential landscape award

Upscale Rural Farmhouse: 2020 WLCA Gold Award of Excellence for Residential Landscape Design & Construction

4. Their Experience

Look for a company that has been in business for several years and has experience working on projects similar to yours. An experienced team will be better equipped to handle unexpected issues and ensure that your project is completed on time and within budget.

5. Insurance

Finally, make sure that any landscaping company you hire is properly insured. This will protect you in the event of any accidents or damage that may occur during the project. A reputable landscaping company will happily provide proof of their insurance.

5 Questions to Ask When Looking for Landscape Companies in Milwaukee

Knowing what to look for in a landscape company can help you make an informed decision and get the best service possible. Below are five of the must-answer questions you’ll want to have ready when interviewing potential landscape companies:

1. What Landscaping Services Do You Offer?

Understanding the full range of services provided by the landscaping company you are considering is essential. Specialized services may vary from one Landscaping company to the next. While one company may focus specifically on landscaping or hardscaping, the other may offer a broader range of services. Make sure that the company you choose can provide the specific services you require for your project.

2. Can You Provide References?

A reputable landscaping company should be willing to provide references from previous clients. These references can be valuable in assessing their work quality and customer service level. Don’t be afraid to follow up with contacts and ask detailed questions about their experience working with the company.

3. Can You Demonstrate Relatable Work Experience?

Experience is a vital factor to consider when choosing a landscaping company. Be sure to ask whether each company can demonstrate or otherwise prove they have relatable work experience.

  • What is their work history like? (i.e., projects completed, project types, and project size)
  • Do they have a portfolio of completed projects?
  • Do they have a list of satisfied clients that you can contact?

A company with experience in your specific project can help them navigate any unique challenges that may arise. Additionally, you can ask to see photos or examples of similar projects they have completed.

4. What Is Your Timeline for Completing the Project?

When considering a landscaping project, it is essential to establish a clear timeline for completion. This will help you and the landscaping team coordinate efforts effectively and avoid potential delays.

A well-defined schedule allows for proper budgeting and ensures all parties expectations are aligned. Discuss the desired timeline during initial consultations and regularly review progress throughout the project to ensure milestones are met and any adjustments are made promptly.

landscaping maintenance

5. Do You Offer Maintenance Services after the Project Is Completed?

Choosing a company that offers maintenance services can ensure your outdoor space looks beautiful and well-maintained for years. You should inquire whether the company offers maintenance services post-project completion. This may include regular lawn care, tree trimming, or other ongoing maintenance tasks.

Additional Factors to Consider

With a little research and planning, finding the best landscaping company in Milwaukee for your project will be a breeze. You can narrow down your list of potential landscaping companies by addressing the questions and factors above.

Want to further refine your search for the best landscaping companies in Milwaukee? Then you’ll want to check out these additional considerations:

Communication

Good communication is key when working with a landscaping company. A company that communicates well will help ensure that your project runs smoothly and that you’re satisfied with the end result.

“The achievements of an organization are the results of the combined effort of each individual.” – Vince Lombardi.

Open communication between you and your landscaping company will ensure that your project runs smoothly – but it’s vital to remember that communication is a two-way street. Make sure you choose a company that values communication and transparency.

Look for a contractor who is responsive to your questions and concerns and who provides regular updates on the progress of your project. This will ensure that your project runs smoothly from start to finish and that you are always in the loop!

Alternatively, ensure you are responsive to your landscaping company and provide them with any relevant information needed to complete the job. Your landscaping project needs to be seen as a group endeavor, with both parties working together to reach a common goal.

Materials and Equipment

The materials and equipment used by a landscaping company can greatly impact the quality of their work. Look for a company that uses high-quality materials and modern equipment. This will help ensure that your project is completed efficiently and to a high standard.

Their Design Process

Whether you’re looking for a sleek and modern look or a cozy and rustic feel, your contractor should be able to bring your dream to life! Don’t settle for a cookie-cutter design! Look for a company that takes the time to understand your unique vision and works with you to create a custom design that perfectly meets your needs.

The best way to do this is by asking for a consultation with your top candidates. This will allow you to get a feel for how they work and whether or not you’re a good fit. You’ll be able to discuss your preferences and requirements and inquire into the process and tools they use to help you see their vision for your project.

Sustainability

Sustainability is an increasingly important consideration in landscaping. A sustainable approach to landscaping will benefit the environment and save you money on maintenance costs in the long run. Look for a company that prioritizes sustainability and eco-friendliness in its work. This may include using native plants, minimizing water usage with a rain garden, and reducing waste.

Warranty

Finally, make sure that any landscaping company you hire offers a warranty on their work. Although varying across different providers, a landscaping warranty typically comprises several key elements to ensure customer satisfaction and confidence in the work performed.

Primarily, these warranties cover labor and materials for a specified period. Additionally, they may encompass plant replacement guarantees, coverage for hardscape or irrigation system components, and dedicated support for maintenance-related concerns. Check your contract for specific warranty details.

When Choosing Landscaping Companies in Milwaukee, Trust American Landscape

When looking for the best landscape companies in Milwaukee, thoroughly research before hiring. Ensuring your landscaping company fits your needs will give you quality results. You’ll find a company that will become a long-term partner in your landscaping needs.

American Landscape is a full-service landscape company offering various services to meet the needs of residential and commercial customers in the greater Milwaukee area. With a proven track record of quality work backed by our local clientele and being awarded over 20 accolades in the last three years, you can trust us to exceed your expectations.

Ready to get started? Contact American Landscape today!

How to Create a Monarch Waystation

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When you spot a monarch butterfly, you can hardly help but smile. This is is true now more than ever since monarchs have been in decline over the past decade. Pollinator Partnership estimates that there has been a 90% decline in the monarch population in recent years. Fortunately, we can all help reverse this concerning trend.

We work with several clients to establish monarch-friendly areas in their landscapes. These run from small vignettes in existing garden beds to certified Monarch Waystations.

What is a Monarch Waystation?

How to Create a Monarch Waystation

Monarch Waystations are places that provide the food and habitat necessary for monarchs to produce successive generations and sustain their migration. In many regions, development of neighborhoods and retail or industrial areas have decimated the natural habitat monarchs rely on for survival. Establishing Monarch Waystations is a way to restore their habitat and preserve the ecology necessary for monarch populations to recover.

Make it official! Did you know you can have your monarch habitat certified as an official Monarch Waystation by Monarch Watch? Your habitat will be included in the Monarch Waystation Registry, an online listing of Monarch Waystations worldwide, and you will be awarded a certificate bearing your name and your habitat’s unique Monarch Waystation ID number.

Why Should I Consider Establishing a Monarch Waystation?

How to Create a Monarch Waystation

By creating and maintaining a Monarch Waystation you become part of a wider monarch conservation effort. It is also a wonderful way to incorporate beautiful native plants and native cultivars that will draw more than just monarchs to your garden. You can expect to see a range of pollinators, including bees and birds—all of which benefit and add interest to your landscape.

Expert Advice to Establish a Monarch Waystation

American Landscape designer, Katie Jean Fedorski shares her process for working with clients interested in establishing a Monarch Waystation.

What is the first step when considering establishing a Monarch Waystation?

I always begin with a site visit to analyze the soil, site conditions, and surrounding areas. I actually also consider the whole neighborhood and any other natural areas that surround the site. I work closely with the client to understand the scope of what they are interested in establishing. There are many ways to go about creating a Monarch Waystation. Some clients want a simple version and some want a very elaborate pollinator habitat.  A Monarch Waystation doesn’t have to be a stand-alone garden, we can work them into an existing landscape and still achieve the accreditation.

We consult about options and what is possible for the conditions the landscape site offers. Monarchs need six hours of sun per day, so identifying the right location within the landscape is key. We need to consider any issues, such as drainage or proximity to outdoor living areas. For example, we might not want to locate the waystation next to a patio since it is likely to also attract bees.

What type of plants do you recommend for a Monarch Waystation?
How to Create a Monarch Waystation

Milkweeds are the most important plant to consider. To be certified, you must have at least 10 plants, of two different milkweed species. It’s where they lay their eggs and is their nectar source. Milkweed is the sole food source for developing caterpillars. This type of garden is built with native plants. In Wisconsin there are four different types of native milkweeds, so that is where our plant selection begins.

Other types of plants provide shelter, so we might include evergreens or large shrub or perennial. Conditions on the site (soil, sunlight) will dictate the specific plant selection.

How do design considerations factor into plant selection?

I always take into consideration the wishes of the client. Some prefer a wilder look and others want to keep their garden tidy. In that case I might use cultivars, which are usually more ornamental. For example, purple coneflower has many types we can choose. There is a native species, which is weedier looking, whereas the cultivar (echinachea purporea/sombrero) gives a range of colors (even red!) and a tidier appearance.

How to Create a Monarch Waystation

I can select from several perennials (e.g., coneflower, black-eyed susans, bee balm) to populate the garden.  Then, depending on how much time the client enjoys spending in the garden, we can fill in space with annuals (e.g., zinnias, verbena, marigolds), which typically require a bit more effort from the homeowner.

Another consideration is to use a color palette that complements the client’s landscape and aligns with their wishes.  We need to consider blooming times so we pick a plant palette that will have successions of bloom periods – a Spring, Summer, Fall look. This is aesthetically pleasing and also creates a diverse ecology for the monarchs to thrive. It has the added benefit of having a positive ecological impact by drawing birds, insects, and bees. It’s one reason why I love the monarch waystation because it gives people an easy entry to drawing all types of ecology to their yards.

Lastly, I may suggest a paver walkway through the waystation to make it more interactive.

Design is done. What is next?

We begin with site prep.  We do a lot of soil amendments, with composting and natural fertilizers so the waystation starts off on the right foot. If the soil is amended properly, it is more self-sustaining. Wisconsin has a lot of clay and a lot of plants don’t do well in that type of environment. We amend the soil with compost to break up the clay. It then creates the blank canvas where we can play.

Looking beyond the specific waystation area, I also consider a client’s lawn care program to ensure it will not negatively affect the monarch habitat.  It important to avoid using harmful chemicals. As a side benefit of establishing a Monarch Waystation, often the whole property evolves into using a more sustainable, natural approach, which supports the entire ecology of the property.

Once the site is ready, we install the plant material and finish it with shredded bark mulch to keep weeds out, help with hydration and protect the soil from sunlight.

How do you properly maintain a Monarch Waystation?

First, we provide thorough guidance on plant care and recommendations. Since we eliminate pesticides, maintenance revolves around weed control, thinning and dividing plants as necessary and watering.

Watering is critical.  We offer suggestions on creative ways to water and keep the waystation healthy—from hand watering to soaker hoses laid underneath mulch and wrapped through the garden. I tend to steer clients away from sprinklers because those wet the leaves and can cause fungal issues.  I like to set people up with timers so watering can take care of itself.

How to Get Started Creating a Monarch Waystation

To be a certified Monarch Waystation, a landscape needs 100 square feet in total. This means you can have vignettes of monarch-friendly plants throughout your landscape, provided the square footage adds up to 100. We can help you identify areas within your landscape that would be ideal for a monarch habitat. We have designs ready to go for nearly any size footprint. Get in touch today to schedule time to discuss your wishes for a Monarch Waystation in your landscape.

For more information on the certification program for Monarch Waystations, visit Monarch Watch at monarchwatch.org.

 

2023 Landscaping Trends

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We’re taking a look at what we expect to be the top  FIVE 2023 landscaping trends. Before you know it the growing season and hardscape construction season will be running full steam ahead and we want you to be on top of all the exciting landscaping happenings!

1)  Blurring the Line Between Indoor and Outdoor Spaces

Indoor and Outdoor Landscaping Spaces

The trend of creating fully-functional outdoor spaces is not new, but continues to explode in popularity. In 2023, we will see even more homeowners incorporating outdoor kitchens, grills, bars, sinks and refrigerators.  Interest in built-in patio planters to hold kitchen and herb gardens is also on the rise.  Providing shade through pergolas and extending the outdoor season through fire pits and other heating elements will be a landscaping goal for many this year.

2) Outdoor Lighting

Path lighting for safety, bistro lights for character, up-lighting for aesthetics…the choices of how you can use lighting in your landscape are endless. With new technology comes new products. LED fixtures and bulbs allow for an array of colors at your fingertips.  Bluetooth allows you to control it all with your phone.  Innovative new outdoor lighting designs and lights embedded into pavers and seat walls are cutting-edge and something you will see a lot of in 2023.

3) Rain Gardens

Rain Garden Installation

As development continues to expand and houses are built closer together, green space naturally shrinks. That means it is more important (and necessary!) than ever to find places for the rainwater to go. Rain gardens provide an attractive way to minimize that problem. You can read about the rain garden we installed at a commercial property in Delafield, Wisconsin.

4) Native Plants for Wildlife

It’s a hot and necessary trend to provide welcoming and nurturing environments for birds and pollinators. Incorporating native plants and native cultivars into the landscape can reap huge rewards for the homeowner and the environment. Ornamental grasses and perennial seeds can increase the number of birds coming to the yard and designing eco-friendly landscapes is a growing request of our clients.  From full, certified monarch waystations to creating a special bed or area in the yard dedicated to bees, butterflies and birds, you have many choices in how to encourage more wildlife through your landscape planning.

5) Low Maintenance Landscaping

Most people with their busy lifestyles are not hardcore gardeners that enjoy spending hours each week maintaining their yard. Newer varieties of old favorites are now on the market that stay smaller (less pruning) and still bring impact to your yard. While all yards require some maintenance to keep up a polished appearance, a good landscape designer can help you create a plan that reduces the number of hours you spend working on your yard.

Landscaping Professionals

Landscaping Professionals

Our team has experience in executing all of these five landscaping trends. If you are ready to get started dreaming of your own landscaping project, now is the perfect time to work with our designers. Get your planning done now, so you can hit the ground running when the Wisconsin snow is gone and sunny days re-appear! Contact us here.

 

Plants to Attract Birds in Winter

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We went to the experts for their favorite selection of plants that attract birds in winter. Here are a few ideas you can consider for your own landscape to draw our feathered friends to your yard!

Sparrow eating black chokeberryRyan and John both suggest chokeberry. Older varieties were often large and unruly, but the newer cultivars are smaller and tame. Ground Hug, Low Scape Mound and Low Scape Hedger are three varieties that fit well in the suburban landscape. They are native cultivars and birds love the berries over the winter. Depending on the chokeberry variety you select, the berries will be red or black. If you need more convincing that this plant is a winner, they also deliver flowers that attractive native pollinators and they give your landscape a fabulous pop of fall color. If you’re a bird watcher, chokeberry is a must have in your winter landscape. Watch for cedar waxwings, chickadees and cardinals to visit your shrubs.

Cedar Waxwing Eating Berries

Steve loves to use crabapples trees to attract birds. Crabapples once had a bad reputation because they would drop their fruit and often get fungal diseases. The newer varieties on the market hold their fruit through the winter and are more disease resistant than ever. Cedar waxwings and robins are common visitors to the trees and they rely on them for food as they migrate back in the spring. Best of all, the flowers put on a show every spring and are an important food source for pollinators in the spring.

Finch on Coneflower

Left undisturbed in the garden, the seedheads of various perennials and ornamental grasses provide sustenance for many birds in winter. Wendy likes to leave specific perennials up in the garden over winter to attract birds. Native grasses like little bluestem and native coneflowers and rudbeckias are favorites for seed-collecting birds. Finches, juncos, grosbeaks, and cardinals all enjoy visiting these plants over winter.

Katie Jean takes the novel approach of repurposing annuals left in the garden to help attract birds in winter. Sunflowers, amaranth, tithonia & zinnia are some favorites of the birds. You can either leave them up in your garden beds or gather the stems into a bouquet and attach it to a tree or post in your garden. Clever! These types of seeds are a particular favorite of finches, chickadees and juncos.

To attract a wide variety of birds, we recommend having multiple food sources available to entice whomever might be wintering nearby. A source of water and a nearby evergreen for protection will make your yard the perfect hangout for your feathered friends! And don’t be discouraged if you don’t have immediate sightings. It might take a little time for the birds to find your new plants, but keep an eye out and soon you will see them gathering in the haven you provided!

Our experts are ready to help with all your landscaping needs. Get in touch!

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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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