FVTC Annual Visit Keeps Students on Paths to Careers

Lowney’s Landscaping on Wednesday hosted students who are in the Landscaping Maintenance class at Fox Valley Technical College. The two-hour visit was orchestrated by Lowney’s Maintenance Manager Jeremy Stryhn and FVTC Horticulture Instructor Cat Franzke.

The students watched a presentation in the Maintenance Building, learned from a Q&A session, and took a tour of the grounds, which was led by one of many former FVTC students who now work at Lowney’s. They heard from sales consultants, maintenance workers, the marketing team, and other staff who taught them about how to plan for a great AI-proof career working outdoors.

“It was a pleasure to show them some of our processes and facilities that work for us here at Lowney’s,” Jeremy said. “We look for career-driven individuals to join our team and it was very encouraging to see the number of students in that class and the enthusiasm they have for the industry.”

The top trades that Lowney’s is almost always hiring for include tree workers, construction workers who can handle stone and brick, and landscaping maintenance laborers who are also OK with working in snow removal, which makes it a solid year-round career option. There is opportunity in the design and estimating areas of landscaping as well, the class was taught, even in today’s world that is headed toward AI. Crew experience in the field is very valuable in all areas of landscaping, which was discussed in every presentation.

The tour was led by one of many former FVTC Landscaping students who now work at Lowney’s. Learn about the FVTC Landscaping Maintenance Technician program here. Learn more about Lowney’s careers below.

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Winter is a Great Time for Tree Work

When winter arrives, most homeowners stop thinking about tree work until spring. But for many trees, the dormant season is actually one of the best times to prune or remove them.

Because trees are not actively growing, winter pruning generally creates less stress. Cold weather also means fewer active insects and diseases, and with the leaves gone, our crews can see the structure of the tree more clearly. That makes it easier to identify dead, damaged, rubbing, or crossing branches and make more strategic cuts.

Winter is especially important for certain species. Oaks and elms are best pruned during the cold-weather dormant season, when the insects that spread diseases such as oak wilt and Dutch Elm Disease are inactive. Many fruit trees also benefit from winter pruning, while trees such as maple, birch, and walnut avoid the heavy sap flow associated with spring pruning.

It can also be a smart time for larger removals. Frozen ground can make it easier for equipment to access backyards and other sensitive areas while reducing the risk of lawn damage and rutting.

Lowney’s keeps two tree crews working throughout the winter, which is not typical in our area, so if pruning, removals, or other tree work are on your list, there is no reason to wait until spring. Learn more about why winter can be the right time for tree work and get on our schedule.

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Winter Is Pest-Control Season, Too

When temperatures drop, pests don’t necessarily disappear. Many insects slow down and begin gathering in protected areas around homes, while mice and other pests start looking for warm places to spend the winter.
That can make winter an excellent time to treat your home.

A Lowney’s winter pest-control treatment can include work around eaves, cracks and crevices, the exterior foundation, problem areas farther from the house, and common interior trouble spots such as kitchens, bathrooms and basements.

The bigger picture is year-round protection. Different pests create problems during different seasons, which is why regular spring, summer, fall and winter treatments can help prevent issues instead of simply reacting when pests appear.

Rodent bait boxes and structural insect treatments are separate services at Lowney’s, and depending on the property, a home may benefit from one or both.

If you’re seeing pests now, or simply want to prevent problems before they get worse, winter is a smart time to start.

Learn more about winter pest control and year-round home protection. Browse our maintenance services on this page, then give us a call.

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Final Days of Garden Center Clearance

There’s still plenty of greenery in the Lowney’s Garden Center, but we’d love to see it find a new home before the season wraps up. Right now, all trees and shrubs are at least 20% off, with outdoor furniture and grills 20–30% off.

Whether you’re finishing a Fall landscaping project or getting a head start on next Spring, this is a great time to save on plants and outdoor living products while inventory lasts. We also have a lot of mums remaining.

Stop in and see what’s still available before the season ends.
Garden Center Hours: Monday–Friday | 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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Three Projects to See: Top of GB, Lake in Oshkosh, Appleton Backyard TV Area

From the top of Green Bay to the water in Oshkosh, with an Appleton backyard TV in between, three really cool recent projects are featured in this video. And see if you can spot Lambeau Field!