Hello August! Summer is in full bloom☀️

Proudly celebrating our 149th summer, Hawks is in the midst of another busy season! Our diligent crews have been working hard and gardens are in full bloom. If life has gotten busy for you but you still have a fall landscape project in mind, feel free to give us a call, send us an email or fill out our contact request form. We would love to meet with you before summer is over!

August Landscape & Garden Tips

Make sure all garden plants including your trees and shrubs receive at least 1-inch of water per week. Early morning or late afternoon (not evening) are the best times to water. Water at the base of the plant on younger and new plants, and at the drip line on older plants. Try not to get the foliage wet. A layer of mulch will help conserve soil moisture for your plants.

Stop pruning woody plants and evergreens mid-to-late month. Wait until after the frost to resume pruning should your evergreens need it.

Avoid pruning oaks and elms, as fresh cuts are considered attractive to insects that may carry fungal spores for Dutch Elm disease and Oak Wilt disease. Wait until winter to resume pruning when oaks and elms are dormant.

Stop fertilizing trees and shrubs this month so they can harden off in time for the winter. You can resume fertilizing in late fall, after mid-October.

Mid-August through late September is the best time of the year for seeding or sodding a lawn as the weather is more cooperative.

Plant lettuce, spinach, radishes and peas for a great fall harvest.

Continue to water and fertilize your annuals and vegetables.

Cut flowers and herbs for drying.

If your plants have been getting adequate water, you can start dividing and transplanting perennials in the middle of the month if needed.

Continue to deadhead perennials and roses to get additional colorful blooms.

Please note: the timing of many of these tips is approximate and can vary greatly depending on a variety of factors. If you have any questions, please contact a Hawks Landscape Designer or Maintenance representative at 414-258-5525.

August Turf Tips

It's August, still hot outside, and your lawn is a little thirsty. The end of August is a great time to seed. Whether it's over seeding to thicken your lawn or topdressing with soil and sowing seeds to fill bare spots, starter fertilizer and watering is the key to success. If you are seeding large areas, choose a quality fertilizer product that contains a balanced blend of nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus. These are the most necessary ingredients for a strong beginning. Watering is equally important. Water daily to keep seed and soil damp until you have seed germination. Continue to mow your lawn at the 3-inch level until mid-September and don't forget to maintain your lawn equipment: check the oil, check the tire pressure (pneumatic tires), clear the deck of debris and sharpen the blades. Well maintained equipment improves the finished appearance of your lawn.

Outdoor Kitchens & Living Spaces

Summers in Wisconsin never seem to last long enough to enjoy the outdoors completely. An outdoor kitchen extends your entertaining and eating space and allows you to enjoy your yard beyond the summer months. An outdoor kitchen can be as simple as a grill and table or as elaborate as a fully equipped kitchen with built in appliances and seating. Fire features such as fire pits, fire tables, fire walls and fireplaces are a big trend in outdoor living spaces. They can be designed as simple, authentic wood burning features or be as elaborate as your budget will permit. A well designed outdoor kitchen and living space is a great way to add ambiance, value and versatility to your home and landscape.

Hawks is Hiring!

We are experiencing a thriving season with plenty of job opportunities! If you have a passion for outdoor work, an appreciation for beautiful gardens, and enjoy working with customers, we invite you to join our team! While having a background in horticulture and/or the landscape trade is valued, we encourage individuals to apply who are friendly, diligent and enthusiastic about joining a dedicated group of professionals! Check out Hawks' Employment Opportunities to browse our available positions and access our employment application. Apply today!

HAWKS LANDSCAPE, INC.

12217 West Watertown Plank Road • Wauwatosa | 414•258•5525 | hawkslandscape.com