Did You KNOW??

• In the early 1900's Hawks salespeople relied on training booklets – like the one shown here– as "teaching guides" for their work.

• Titled How to Sell More Ornamentals, the booklet contained 16 pages filled with lessons, facts, and practical advice on boosting sales.

• This particular copy was generously shared with us last year by Mary Murray-Woods, Historian at the Black River Falls Public Library.

• Many of the passages in the booklet were written by A.C. Hanson, then Manager of Hawks' Sales and Landscape Department. He later rose to vice-president in 1926 and became president in the mid-1930s – while also serving as Mayor of Wauwatosa.

• Under A.C. Hanson's leadership, Hawks navigated the economic challenges of the Great Depression. With declining demand from farmers and reduced urban expansion, the company shifted strategy: transitioning from large-scale tree and fruit-stock operations to ornamental landscaping services for both homeowners and businesses. This pivot helped sustain the business during difficult times.

• The back cover of the guidebook features glowing testimonials from satisfied Hawks customers. Many of these endorsements came from some of Milwaukee's most prominent businessmen, including L. M. Alexander, President of Merchants' & Manufacturers' Bank; L. J. Petit, President of Wisconsin National Bank; Otto H. Falk, Vice-President of Falk Co.; and leaders from Pawling & Harnischfeger.

Fertilizing your lawn in early fall greatly improves turf density. The grass develops new shoots and stems, improves root structure and sets up food stores for winter. Choose quality fertilizers that contain micro-nutrients as these are essential to the overall health of the grass plant. A controlled-release or slow-release formulation is best around Labor Day. For grass growing in the shade, apply half the label rate. You should also apply an herbicide to your established lawn to control broadleaf weeds. Fall is the best time to apply herbicides for weed control. Do not apply herbicides to lawns planted in August or September. Toward the end of September, start cutting your lawn a little bit shorter. A good target height should be 2.25 inches by the end of October.

If you have over-seeded your lawn in late August to fill bare spots and increase density, don't forget to water lightly and frequently until the grass seeds have germinated. After germination, water less frequently, but for a longer period of time to drive moisture deep into the ground. This will promote better root growth. Core aerate actively growing lawns if the thatch layer is over one-inch thick, or if the soil is compacted (see article below). Note that mid-August to mid-September is the best time to establish a lawn in Wisconsin.

A thick healthy lawn takes a great deal of work; aerating your lawn is a big part of your lawn's success! Aeration, often called core aeration, is the act of physically removing plugs of soil and grass from the lawn. These plugs, approximately 3/4" in diameter and 2-3" deep, are removed from the lawn with a machine and left behind to decompose back into the turf. Aeration has taken the place of de-thatching, a practice that was more common in years past. Most people don't realize aeration is a beneficial practice in achieving a beautiful lawn. The benefits of aeration are numerous, including:

• Enhanced soil water uptake
• Improved fertilizer uptake and use
• Reduced water runoff and puddling
• Stronger turf grass roots
• Reduced soil compaction
• Improved bacterial breakdown of thatch
• Enhanced heat and drought stress tolerance
• Improved air exchange between the soil and atmosphere

Aeration is generally done one time per year, but can be done twice a year if the soil is heavily compacted. It can also be done anytime during the season, but preferably in either spring or fall, avoiding the heat and stress of summer. After aerating your lawn, it's important to continue basic lawn care practices such as proper fertilizing, mowing and watering.

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! We are especially looking for experienced Landscape Construction Foremen. 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!