Utility Specialist (Des Moines)

Questions?

Details about this Career

The Utility Specialist at Weller Brothers is responsible for a variety of lawn and landscape maintenance tasks, including fertilization, chemical applications, irrigation installation and repair, landscape bed maintenance, and pest control. The role requires strong technical knowledge in turf care, horticulture, and irrigation systems, as well as the ability to handle power equipment and chemicals in compliance with safety and regulatory standards. The team members are expected to provide excellent client service by assisting clients promptly and courteously, answering questions, and providing information as needed. A Utility Specialist will perform and ensure all team members are executing all job responsibilities in a safe, timely, and efficient manner.

Job Summary and Responsibilities

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty and competency satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required to perform this job.

Perform day-to-day tasks including, but not limited to fertilization and chemical applications, lawn mowing, power raking, irrigation installation and repair, landscape bed maintenance, perimeter pest control application, lawn cleanups, landscape enhancement projects and other lawn and landscape maintenance tasks.
Stay up-to-date in knowledge of chemical application regulations and techniques.
Maintain a good standing state-specific chemical applicator license.
Must be legally licensed or able to obtain a state-specific chemical applicator license.
Acquires and stores pesticide and herbicide solutions; mixes or dilutes specified chemicals or materials according to directions and applies them at the recommended rate.
Instruct team members, as required, in applying sprays, dust, and other materials.
Maintains records on chemical application activities in compliance with EPA, OSHA, and State and Federal regulations.
Install and maintain irrigation systems.
Trouble-shoot to identify problems within an irrigation system and perform repairs promptly.
Able to use outdoor maintenance and power equipment, a variety of hand tools, and legally operate a motor vehicle.
Willingness to work as part of a team or alone, in all weather conditions.
Ability to perform moderately heavy physical labor daily.
Able to communicate with clients to maintain a positive client/company relationship.
Use knowledge of turfgrass, horticulture, irrigation, and other landscape industry knowledge to inform and educate clients.
Develop relationships with existing clients and educate them about additional services and/or enhancement opportunities when possible.
Installs, adjusts, and performs minor repairs on equipment.
Oversee crew members performing day-to-day tasks when applicable.
Commit the hours necessary to make sure the job is done to satisfaction.

Maintain a clean appearance and conform to the Weller Brothers dress code.

Make decisions that are in the best interest of the company.
Assist in maintaining all Weller Brothers equipment.
Assist with Snow Removal in Winter.

Other duties as needed to help drive and fulfill the Weller Brothers Mission, including referring new team members for employment.

Required Skills/Abilities

Strong communication skills.
Superior work ethic.
Ability to manage and train new team members.
Timely input of hours on LMN software to ensure accurate payroll processing.
Detail-oriented, with considerable attention to order and cleanliness.
Hold team members accountable for being to work on time and doing their respective duties
Hold team members accountable for proper care of company-issued tools and equipment
Ability to manage multiple tasks
Strong attention to detail

Education/Experience

Minimum of one year experience in industry or related field.
Must be 18 years or older
High school diploma/GED
A valid driver’s license and a clean driving record are preferred.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a team member to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Team members must be able to perform the following tasks during a typical 8+ hour day.

HEAVY WORK: Lifting up to 100#; frequent lifting or carrying objects weighing up to 80#.

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time non-exempt position. Specific schedules will be determined based on the weather and general needs of the business.

Compensation and Available Benefits

Benefits Available after 60 Days of Service

Health Insurance Available
Dental Insurance Available
Vision Insurance Available
Short Term Disability
Long Term Disability

Benefits Available After 6 Months of Service

Paid Paternity/Maternity Leave

Benefits Available After 1 Year of Service

401K with Company Match Up to 4%

Benefits Available at Start of Employment

Paid Holidays and Paid Time Off
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Cell Phone Reimbursement
Year Round Employment
Ample overtime during peak seasons
Positive and Motivated Work Environment

Disclaimer: The specific statements shown in each section of this job description are not intended to be all-inclusive. They represent typical elements and criteria considered necessary to perform the job successfully. The company recognized that an individual with a disability may require an accommodation to enable him/her to successfully perform a job function. Consideration will be given to reasonable accommodations. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at-will” relationship.

The Weller Brothers Way

Our Mission and Roots guide us in our decision and actions every day. They are not just written words; they are our culture.

Why Work Here?

You can work anywhere. So why work at Weller Brothers?

You can be somebody here, and we believe that we are the best employer in the Midwest.

Des Moines

Lawn Maintenance Technician (Des Moines)

Questions?

(605) 205-8679

recruiting@wellerbrothers.com

Details about this Career

The primary responsibility of the lawn maintenance technician is to maintain the lawn health and maintenance of our clients through services including, but not limited to mowing, trimming, edging, and fertilization. This position will perform various tasks about lawn health that improve the property’s functional and/or aesthetic value. All Weller Brothers team members are expected to provide excellent client service by assisting clients promptly and courteously, answering questions, and providing information as needed.

Job Summary and Responsibilities

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty and competency satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required to perform this job.

Professionally communicate with clients. Use knowledge of turfgrass and landscape industry to inform and educate clients.
Able to use outdoor maintenance and power equipment, a variety of hand tools, and legally operate a motor vehicle.
Willingness to work as part of a team or alone, in all weather conditions.
Ability to perform moderately heavy physical labor daily.
Assess what needs to be done on the routed sites each day.
Set goals for your crew each day.
Hold crew accountable for their productivity.
Keep the production manager/account manager informed regarding crew member productivity and efficiency.
Acknowledge and solve personnel issues among crew members
Timely input of hours on LMN software to ensure accurate payroll processing.
Follow uniform policy and all policies as specified in the Team Member Handbook. Hold crew members accountable for following policies.
Hold crew members accountable for being on time to work, and doing their respective duties.
Hold crew members accountable for the way they treat company property.
Mandate a ½ hour lunch and (2) ten-minute breaks when time allows.
Commit the hours necessary to make sure the job is done to satisfaction.
Maintain a clean appearance and conform to the Weller Brothers dress code.
Make decisions that are in the best interest of the company.
Assist in maintaining all Weller Brothers equipment.
Assist with Snow Removal in Winter
Other duties as needed to help drive and fulfill the Weller Brothers Mission, including referring new team members for employment.

Required Skills/Abilities

Strong communication skills.
Superior work ethic.
Ability to manage and train new team members.
Timely input of hours on LMN software to ensure accurate payroll processing.
Detail-oriented, with considerable attention to order and cleanliness.
Hold team members accountable for being to work on time and doing their respective duties
Hold team members accountable for proper care of company-issued tools and equipment
Ability to manage multiple tasks
Strong attention to detail

Education/Experience

Minimum of two years of professional lawn care experience
Minimum of two years of leadership experience
Must be 18 years or older
High school diploma/GED
A valid driver’s license and a clean driving record is required

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a team member to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Team members must be able to perform the following tasks during a typical 8+ hour day.

HEAVY WORK: Lifting up to 100#; frequent lifting or carrying objects weighing up to 80#.

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time non-exempt position. Specific schedules will be determined based on the weather and general needs of the business.

Compensation and Available Benefits

Benefits Available after 60 Days of Service

Health Insurance Available
Dental Insurance Available
Vision Insurance Available
Short Term Disability
Long Term Disability

Benefits Available After 1 Year of Service

401K with Company Match Up to 4%

Benefits Available at Start of Employment

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Year Round Employment
Ample overtime during peak seasons
Positive and Motivated Work Environment

Disclaimer: The specific statements shown in each section of this job description are not intended to be all-inclusive. They represent typical elements and criteria considered necessary to perform the job successfully. The company recognized that an individual with a disability may require an accommodation to enable him/her to successfully perform a job function. Consideration will be given to reasonable accommodations. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at-will” relationship.

The Weller Brothers Way

Our Mission and Roots guide us in our decision and actions every day. They are not just written words; they are our culture.

Why Work Here?

You can work anywhere. So why work at Weller Brothers?

You can be somebody here, and we believe that we are the best employer in the Midwest.

Des Moines

Lawn Maintenance Foreman (Des Moines)

Questions?

(605) 681-9962

recruiting@wellerbrothers.com

Details about this Career

The primary responsibility of the maintenance foreman is to maintain the lawn health and maintenance of our clients through services including but not limited to mowing, trimming, edging, and fertilization.This position will perform a variety of tasks in relation to lawn health that improve the functional and/or aesthetic value of the property. All Weller Brothers team members are expected to provide excellent client service by assisting clients promptly and courteously, answer questions and provide information as needed. A maintenance foreman will perform and ensure all team members are executing all job responsibilities in a safe, timely and efficient manner.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty and competency satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required to perform this job.

Oversee day-to-day crew tasks including but not limited to lawn mowing, power raking, landscape bed maintenance, spring and fall cleanups, fall leaf removal, and other lawn and landscape maintenance tasks.
Oversee your maintenance crew, making sure they are on track and being productive
Communicate with clients in a professional manner. Use knowledge of turfgrass and landscape industry to inform and educate clients.
Able to use outdoor maintenance and power equipment, variety of hand tools, and legally operate a motor vehicle.
Willingness to work as part of a team or alone, in all weather conditions.
Ability to perform moderately heavy physical labor on a daily basis.

Required Skills and Abilities

Strong communication skills.
Superior work ethic.
Manage and train new team members.
Timely input of hours on LMN software to ensure accurate payroll processing.
Detail oriented, with considerable attention to order and cleanliness.
Hold team members accountable for being to work on time and doing their respective duties
Hold team members accountable for proper care of company-issued tools and equipment
Ability to manage multiple tasks
Strong attention to detail

Education and Expereince

Minimum of two-years of professional lawn care experience
Minimum of two-years of leadership experience
Must be 18 years or older
High school diploma/GED
Valid driver’s license and a clean driving record is required

Physical Requirements

HEAVY WORK: Lifting up to 100 pounds; frequent lifting or carrying objects weighing up to 80 pounds.

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time non-exempt position. Specific schedules will be determined based on weather and general needs of the business.

Compensation and Benefits

Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Paid Holidays and Paid Time Off
401K with Company Match Up to 4%
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Cell Phone Reimbursement
Year Round Employment
Ample Overtime During the Summer Work Season

Disclaimer: The specific statements shown in each section of this job description are not intended to be all-inclusive. They represent typical elements and criteria considered necessary to perform the job successfully. The company recognized that an individual with a disability may require an accommodation to enable him/her to successfully perform a job function. Consideration will be given to reasonable accommodations. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” relationship.

The Weller Brothers Way

Our Mission and Roots guide us in our decision and actions every day. They are not just written words; they are our culture.

Why Work Here?

You can work anywhere. So why work at Weller Brothers?

You can be somebody here, and we believe that we are the best employer in the Midwest.

Des Moines

A Low-Maintenance and Accessible Outdoor Retreat

Landscape design in Rochester, MN featuring a screened porch

A Low-Maintenance and Accessible Outdoor Retreat

Design by

Michael Blazing

When landscape designer Michael Blazing first met Bob, he was looking for inspiration for his new outdoor space on the Weller Brothers website. Bob’s goal was clear: he wanted a patio that was accessible, cohesive with his home, and, most importantly, low maintenance.

Bob’s existing outdoor space didn’t suit his mobility needs, nor did it match the style of his home. So, when he came to Michael, he knew he needed a design that would address both of these issues while offering a seamless extension of his living area.

Understanding the Vision

To start, Bob shared some of his favorite Weller Brothers projects — specifically those that featured water elements and natural stone — giving Michael a clear direction for the design. With this insight, Michael crafted a plan that would suit Bob’s needs and preferences.

Designing an Accessible Patio

The first step was designing the patio itself. Michael and the team selected large, tile-sized pavers to create a smooth and stable surface. This choice not only enhanced accessibility but also reduced the risk of issues that could arise with smaller, uneven stones.

To make the space level and usable, we added a short retaining wall with built-in seating. The wall was constructed using the same stone that adorned the exterior of Bob’s home, ensuring the patio felt like a natural extension of the house rather than a separate area.

Landscape Project in Rochester, MN before photo

Adding Functionality

Once the patio was in place, our team turned their attention to enhancing the space’s functionality. Bob wanted a fire pit that was both easy to use and low maintenance. We opted for a gas fire pit, which allowed him to enjoy the warmth and ambiance of a fire without the hassle of chopping wood or cleaning out ashes. The gas firepit became a central feature, adding both elegance and serenity to the space.

The Challenge: Designing the Perfect Water Feature

While the patio and firepit came together smoothly, the real challenge lay in incorporating a water feature. Bob wanted the peaceful sound of flowing water to be audible from both the patio and the screened porch. Michael knew the water feature needed to be placed near the house to achieve this, but the real challenge was to make it visible and enjoyable from both areas.

After experimenting with several designs, Michael had a solution: two small water features, placed strategically to flow together. One feature would face the house, while the other would face the patio. This clever design ensured the water could be enjoyed from both locations and created a calming, harmonious flow that added ambiance to the entire space.

A Low-Maintenance Solution

The result was a beautiful and functional outdoor retreat that exceeded Bob’s expectations. Not only did the design enhance the home’s overall aesthetic, but the low-maintenance features were a huge win for Bob. Thanks to regularly scheduled maintenance visits from our team, Bob doesn’t have to worry about upkeep.

The Final Project

The final result transformed what was once just a house with a patio into a beautiful, functional home with an outdoor living space that Bob can enjoy for years to come — without the worry of constant lawn maintenance. It’s the perfect balance of accessibility, style, and functionality.

At Weller Brothers, we turn visions into realities while ensuring your experience is as enjoyable as your completed project. Are you ready to bring your vision to life? Let our landscape design team in Sioux Falls, SD, Rochester, MN or Des Moines, IA help you.

Designed

the Weller Brothers Way.

View More Tours

Short Game Goals and Cozy Nights

From “Very Plain Slab” to “Above and Beyond”

A Neglected Space Reimagined

Modern Elegance With a Prehistoric Flair

Historic Charm Meets New Outdoor Kitchen

“Jump In” To This Backyard Party

Des Moines Rochester Sioux Falls

Short Game Goals and Cozy Nights

aerial view of backyard landscaping with a patio, fire pit, and putting green

Short Game Goals and Cozy Nights

Design by

Chad Kasten

Every backyard tells a story, and for this recent project, that story began with potential hidden beneath outdated elements.

When our clients came to Weller Brothers, their existing outdoor space consisted of a weathered paver patio, a tired seat wall, and minimal landscaping. Their vision? A modernized, functional retreat that included a fire pit, better screening for privacy, and lush landscaping to soften the space. They also dreamed of a putting green and a practical way to store firewood.

We couldn’t wait to bring their vision to life.

From Concept to Creation

Great landscape design is about more than just aesthetics — it’s about functionality, balance, and bringing our clients’ dreams to reality. For this project, we focused on blending modern design with purposeful features to meet every need.

Creating Privacy

We began by tackling privacy. The clients wanted more screening from their neighbors, so we designed a custom wood storage structure that doubles as a visual barrier. By placing it strategically near the fire pit, we created a functional and visually pleasing element that seamlessly integrates into the space.

Designing the Patio

For the patio, we selected sleek Techo-Bloc slab pavers to achieve the modern look our clients wanted. Their clean lines and contemporary style complemented the home’s existing stone veneer and brick exterior, creating a cohesive, polished feel.

Addressing the Slope

One of the bigger challenges— and opportunities — was the sloped lawn beyond the patio. To maximize usable space, we designed a block retaining wall to flatten the yard, transforming it into the perfect area for yard games.

The Final Touches

For an added touch of personality, we included an artificial turf putting green, complete with a connecting walkway from the patio. Large boulders around the green provide seating for spectators or a spot to relax after practicing that perfect putt.

Finally, we updated the landscaping with a mix of perennials, shrubs, small trees, and upright evergreens. This combination softens the hardscape and adds year-round color and interest, making the backyard inviting in every season.

A Backyard Designed for Living

While the entire design came together beautifully, the putting green quickly became a favorite feature. As a golfer himself, landscape designer Chad says it was rewarding to create a space where the family can practice their short game while enjoying their new backyard retreat.

Our clients were thrilled with the results. They now have a backyard that truly works for their lifestyle — a cozy fire pit for relaxing evenings, a modern patio for entertaining, and a multi-functional lawn perfect for both play and practice. They shared how much they love having an outdoor space where they can host friends, make memories with their family, and unwind after a busy day.

At Weller Brothers, we take pride in turning visions into realities while providing an experience that’s as enjoyable as the finished product. If you’re ready to reimagine your outdoor space, we’ll help you bring your dream landscape to life.

Designed

the Weller Brothers Way.

View More Tours

A Low-Maintenance and Accessible Outdoor Retreat

From “Very Plain Slab” to “Above and Beyond”

A Neglected Space Reimagined

Modern Elegance With a Prehistoric Flair

Historic Charm Meets New Outdoor Kitchen

“Jump In” To This Backyard Party

Des Moines Rochester Sioux Falls

From “Very Plain Slab” to “Above and Beyond”

Byron, MN, homeowners enjoy their backyard patio

From “Very Plain Slab” to “Above and Beyond”

Design by

Michael Blazing

When landscape designer Michael Blazing first met Missy and George at their new home, their outdoor space was nothing but an 8′ x 10′ concrete pad.

“It was definitely an afterthought to their beautiful home,” Michael says.

But our clients wanted more for their home. They had a vision of a functional and attractive patio that complimented the size of their home and utilized the space as fully as possible.

“They knew the style they had in mind,” Michael says, “and felt that Weller Brothers was most likely to create that vision. So we got to work!”

The Design Process

Typically, our landscape designers create a design and work with our clients through revisions as needed. But not this time! Missy and George had no revisions to Michael’s initial design, which allowed our team to break ground quickly.

This backyard patio design includes

“My favorite thing?” asks George. “That’s an easy one – the grill. It opens up a lot of opportunities for us to entertain.”

While George is firing up the grill, you’ll find Missy admiring the view.

“I love the block and the materials,” she says, “and how the clean lines go so well with our home. I love it visually from out here and from inside the home.”

Michael adds that they also had some fun with the paver design to provide some interest in the firepit space.

“Overall, the design was kept pretty simple and clean, incorporating matching colors,” Michael says. “I also suggested landscape lighting for this project, which helps bring life to the space in the evening.”

The Result

“It’s just something that’s invaluable,” Missy says. “We’ll enjoy it for years; it’s good for resale. It was above and beyond what we could have asked for.”

George and Missy specifically noted the quality communication they received from the Weller Brothers team.

“They answered any questions we had throughout the process. They completed it right on schedule and kept us informed throughout the entire project.”

Michael also enjoyed designing this outdoor living space, particularly matching their home’s style with the vision for functionality. He says that his favorite part is the gas fire feature.

“It’s a pretty unique design specific to this project,” Michael says. “Missy and George weren’t sure about that feature at first, but they have expressed how much they have used it due to the ease of use.”

What Are You Dreaming Of?

Would you like a more functional and attractive backyard?

Whether you want to grill for the family, tend to a raised garden, or share laughs around the fire pit, we can help – just like we did for George and Missy.

Schedule your landscape design consultation today in Sioux Falls, Rochester, or Des Moines.

Designed

the Weller Brothers Way.

View More Tours

A Low-Maintenance and Accessible Outdoor Retreat

Short Game Goals and Cozy Nights

A Neglected Space Reimagined

Modern Elegance With a Prehistoric Flair

Historic Charm Meets New Outdoor Kitchen

“Jump In” To This Backyard Party

Des Moines Rochester Sioux Falls

How To Protect Your Plants from Animals During Winter

Watering an evergreen tree before the winter season.

How To Protect Your Plants from Animals During Winter

As winter approaches, we face a new challenge: keeping plants safe from hungry animals looking for food. This can be a difficult season for animals with the snow and frigid temperatures.

Whether it is deer, rabbits, squirrels, or even domestic pets, the colder months can bring a host of critters eager to nibble on your garden.

Here’s a guide to how Weller Brothers can help you protect your plants from animal intruders in Sioux Falls, SD, Rochester, MN, and Des Moines, IA.

Understanding the Threats

Different animals have varying habits and preferences when it comes to foraging. Below are the three most common types of furry friends that damage your Midwest vegetation.

Deer: Often roam in search of food and munch on buds, stems, side branches, fruits, and flowers of small trees and shrubs. They can also damage tree bark by scraping their antlers and heads on tree trunks.
Rabbits: Love to eat twigs, buds, and plant stems. When feeding on these plant stems, they may girdle the branches. Rabbits remove the bark completely around the trunks and stem of your trees, which disrupts the flow of nutrients from the leaves to the roots, leaving your trees struggling to stay healthy.
Rodents: Mice and voles can tunnel underground, damaging roots and bulbs. Their trails can be seen as raised trails through the snow.

Physical Barriers

At Weller Brothers, we suggest utilizing physical barriers to dissuade animals from finding dinner within your landscaping. The fall season, before snowfall, is the best time to install the physical barriers. You can remove the barriers once the snow begins to melt and your regular spring yard maintenance begins.

Which type of barrier should you use?

That depends on what plant material you need to protect and from which animals. For example:

Fencing: When installing fencing for your plants, it is important to consider what animals you are trying to deter. For rabbits and rodents, the fence should be a minimum of 4 feet tall. It should also be buried a few inches under the ground to prevent burrowing. For deer, the fence should be a minimum of 8 feet tall.
Netting and Cloth: Use netting or burlap to cover vulnerable plants. Newly planted juniper shrubs, delicate perennials, and annuals.
Tree guards: Are used to prevent wildlife from nibbling or rubbing bark off of the base of your tree.

Proper Fall Cleanup

Before the cold winter months hit, it is important to properly clean your yard. Fall cleanup removes leaves from your yard, makes space for new growth in the spring, and rids your yard of dangerous pests and diseases.

Leaf clutter and debris in the fall can be dangerous because they block vital nutrients to your lawn and attract many pests such as spiders, snakes, and rodents seeking shelter in the debris. A detailed fall cleanup will remove these pests from your yard and keep you and your lawn safe.

Contact Us To Protect Your Plants This Winter

Protecting your plants from animals during winter requires a combination of strategies.

Our Weller Brothers team understands the specific threats in our area and can implement effective deterrents so you can enjoy a thriving landscape when spring arrives In Sioux Falls, SD, Rochester, MN, and Des Moines, IA.

Des Moines Rochester Sioux Falls

A Guide to Winter Watering For Newly Planted Trees

The first step to improving your home’s curb appeal and aesthetics is ensuring that the Midwest winters do not ruin your newly planted trees and shrubs.

At Weller Brothers Landscaping, our team is committed to educating homeowners about uncommon practices that can save you money and headaches in the spring.

Below is a simple guide to winter watering in Sioux Falls, SD, Rochester, MN, and Des Moines, IA, to help your newly planted trees thrive through their first winter season.

Why is Winter Watering Vital?

In the fall and winter, trees drop their leaves and become dormant as they prepare for the colder temperatures. However, this does not mean they stop growing this time of year. Newly planted trees experience the greatest growth in their root system during the winter months.

Midwest winters can often be unpredictable, with two or more weeks without snow cover. This leaves roots susceptible to drying out, causing severe root damage. Neglecting to properly water your tree before winter is the largest contributing factor to the mortality of newly planted trees.

Establish Your Watering Routine

It is best to slowly water any newly planted trees with 10–15 gallons of water once a week before putting your hose away for the winter. If the temperatures rise above 40 degrees at any point in the winter, this is a great time to take advantage and let your trees grab a drink.

Before winter: Continue to water your trees until the ground freezes. Slowly give your newly planted trees 10–15 gallons of water.
During winter: If the temperatures rise to 40 degrees, and your tree does not have snow cover, you can water your tree during the winter. We recommend 10–15 gallons of water at midday to ensure the tree can soak up the needed amount of water before evening temperature drops hit.
Following spring and summer: Continue to water the trees once a week with 10–15 gallons of water. The amount of water should be increased when the weather is dry, windy, or during prolonged periods of drought and sunshine.

Additional Winter Tree Care Tips

Young trees, especially thin-barked trees, are susceptible to sunscald and frost cracks because of the drastic winter temperature fluctuations. To prevent bark damage from the outdoor elements, or even your favorite furry friends, you can use commercial tree wrap.

Mulch base is another great way to ensure that your trees have a form of insulation. Mulch will also reduce soil evaporation and improve water absorption, allowing your tree to soak up every drop of water it may need to continue growing.

Contact Us To Prepare Your Trees For Winter

Proper tree care leading up to and during the winter months is crucial for tree health and survival. We know you may not be a tree care professional, but we are! Let the team at Weller Brothers in Sioux Falls, SD, Rochester, MN, and Des Moines, IA, take the guesswork out of winter preparation this season.

Des Moines Rochester Sioux Falls

Wilt-Pruf: Avoid Plant Stress In the Winter

Boxwood experiencing drought, photo credit to Wilt-Pruf

Wilt-Pruf: Avoid Plant Stress In the Winter

Maintaining vibrant and healthy plants can often feel like an uphill battle. During the Midwestern winters, the ground freezes, making it tough for roots to absorb water. With this excessive moisture loss, your plants and trees are under water stress. This stress is often visible in the form of wilting.

What is Wilt-Pruf?

Wilt-Pruf is a product that enhances a plant’s resistance to wilting. It creates a protective layer on plants, sealing in moisture on foliage and stems and reducing water loss during periods of severe plant stress. This is particularly beneficial in the wintertime when plants and trees are under water stress.

Benefits of Wilt-Pruf:

It can provide 3–4 months of protection during the fall/winter.
Vibrant landscapes: Treated plants maintain color and vitality, creating a lush and appealing garden.
Sustainability: Using less water and improving plant resilience contributes to more sustainable landscaping practices.
Enhanced plant health: Healthier plants are better equipped to withstand stress, pests, and diseases.

How to Apply Wilt-Pruf to Your Plants

Choose the right products: There are several products on the market that retain moisture by creating a protective barrier on leaves. At Weller Brothers, we use and trust Wilt-Pruf.
Timing is key: In the Midwest, the best time to apply Wilt-Pruf is in the late fall when there is no new growth; typically mid-to-late November.
Check the weather: Apply on a clear day when no precipitation is expected for at least 24 hours and temperatures are above freezing.

Plant treated with Wilt-Pruf, Photo Credit to Wilt-Pruf

Plant not treated with Wilt-Pruf, Photo credit to Wilt-Pruf

Photos courtesy of Wilt Pruf

Lasting Beauty for Your Holiday Greens

Outdoor chill and indoor heating threaten the holiday greens like wreaths, garlands, and swags. Wilt-Pruf acts as a hydration hug, blanketing these decorations to slow down the drying process. Your holiday greens will uphold their freshness longer, keeping the spirit of the season alive well into the new year.

Let’s Keep Your Plants Vibrant and Healthy in Sioux Falls, Rochester, or Des Moines

As you look forward to a cozy season, make sure your landscaping does too. Let us help you make winter a time of rest, not stress, for your cherished greens.

The lawn care professionals at Weller Brothers in Sioux Falls, SD, Des Moines, IA, and Rochester, MN, are ready to Wilt-Pruf your foilage today!

Des Moines Rochester Sioux Falls

Three Methods To Winterize Your Irrigation System

Irrigation specialist performing an irrigation service in Sioux Falls, SD.

Three Methods To Winterize Your Irrigation System

Save your irrigation system and your pocketbook for the spring.

If you have a lawn irrigation system, you need to winterize it before temperatures plunge to the freezing point.

If you do not winterize your irrigation system, you will likely need to repair or replace your irrigation system in the future.

What Is the Risk of Not Winterizing?

Unlike your house, irrigation pipes live below the soil and take on the soil temperature. When Midwest temperatures decide to plunge, the ground also begins to freeze, freezing your irrigation pipes along with it.

As water begins to freeze, it also expands. This expansion can cause your pipes and fittings to burst, ultimately ruining your investment and making it no longer functional.

Winterization Methods

There are three different methods for draining water from your sprinkler or irrigation system:

manual drain
automatic drain
blow-out

The method you use depends on the type of irrigation you have in place.

If you are inexperienced in winterizing your irrigation system yourself, the professionals at Weller Brothers are here to help. Keep in mind that you will not be the only one requesting these services, so plan ahead.

Manual drain method

Some irrigation systems are equipped with manual drainage. These systems allow you to empty excess water from the system by opening a valve.

If you have manual drain irrigation, follow these steps:

Turn off the water supply to the system.
Look for the manual valves at the ends and low points of the piping.
Open all the valves and drain the water from the system.
Drain the backflow device.

Some irrigation systems are equipped with check valves. These devices allow water to only flow one way. If you have check valves on your system, try raising the sprinkler heads. This allows water to drain out of the sprinkler heads. Once the entire system has been drained, close all the valves.

Automatic Drain Method

An auto drain system has valves that automatically drain water from the pipes. This happens only when the water pressure falls below a certain number of pounds per square inch.

To activate an automatic drain function, follow these steps:

Turn off the water supply to the system.
Briefly run one of the sprinkler heads to drop the water pressure.
Automatic draining will begin, clearing the pipes of excess water.

You may still need to drain the water between the shut-off and backflow device. If the sprinkler heads are equipped with check valves, empty them separately.

Blow-Out Method

The final way of draining an irrigation system is the blow-out method. This is the method that Weller Brothers irrigation specialists use to ensure that your system is shut down properly without risk of damage.

To drain the pipes, you force compressed air through the irrigation system. This discharges excess water through the sprinkler heads. This method can be potentially hazardous and damaging if you do not have a system that can handle the pressure. If you have never blown out an irrigation system before, please consult a professional. This will save you from frustration, possible injury, and repair costs.

Contact Us For Irrigation Winterization in Sioux Falls, Rochester, or Des Moines

Before freezing temperatures hit the Midwest region, it is important to plan ahead.

The irrigation professionals at Weller Brothers in Sioux Falls, SD, Des Moines, IA, and Rochester, MN, have the experience to properly shut down your system for the winter.

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