Tree & Shrub Care Guide for Mequon & Milwaukee

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By GardenScapes
 9404 N 107th Street Suite B, Milwaukee, WI 53224
 (262) 226-3662 |  gina@garden-scapes.net
 www.garden-scapes.net

SPRING (March–May)

  • Inspect for Damage: Look for broken limbs, frost cracks, or salt damage.

  • Prune Trees & Shrubs: Focus on dead, damaged, or crossing branches (except spring bloomers).

  • Fertilize Roots: Apply a slow-release fertilizer or compost around the drip line.

  • Mulch Properly: Add 2–3″ of mulch around base, keeping it away from the trunk.

  • Monitor Budding: Early growth can help diagnose pest or disease issues.

SUMMER (June–August)

  • Deep Watering: Water trees/shrubs every 7–10 days during dry spells.

  • Watch for Pests: Look for curled leaves, sticky residue, or holes in foliage.

  • Avoid Major Pruning: Sap loss and heat stress can weaken the plant.

  • Support Young Trees: Stake if needed, especially after storms.

  • Inspect Evergreens: Look for yellowing needles or browning tips.

FALL (September–November)

  • Final Prune (if needed): Light shaping is okay for most non-blooming trees.

  • Water Before Freeze: A deep watering in late fall helps roots overwinter.

  • Plant New Shrubs & Trees: Fall is ideal for root establishment before spring.

  • Leaf Cleanup: Remove leaves from beds to prevent disease buildup.

WINTER (December–February)

  • Protect from Snow & Ice: Tie or wrap vulnerable shrubs (boxwoods, arborvitae).

  • Avoid Salt Runoff: Use salt alternatives near trees and landscape beds.

  • Inspect for Wildlife Damage: Look for gnaw marks or bark wounds from rodents and deer.

  • Plan Preventative Pruning: Winter is a great time to shape trees while dormant.

 COMMON TREE & SHRUB ISSUES IN MEQUON

  • Emerald Ash Borer (EAB)

  • Japanese Beetles

  • Apple Scab & Leaf Spot

  • Salt Burn

  • Girdling Roots (from poor planting)

 GARDENSCAPES TREE CARE TIPS

  • Never “volcano mulch” around a tree trunk — it invites rot and pests.

  • Water newly planted trees weekly for the first two years.

  • Keep shrubs spaced well to allow airflow and light penetration.

 TREE HEALTH STARTS AT THE ROOT

Whether you’re planting new ornamentals or managing mature trees, GardenScapes has the expertise to keep your landscape thriving.

 9404 N 107th Street Suite B, Milwaukee, WI 53224
 (262) 226-3662 | ✉️ gina@garden-scapes.net
 www.garden-scapes.net

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