Grounds Services

The Grounds Department is responsible for many different aspects of our campus landscape, maintenance, and general appearance year round. Utilizing full-time gardeners and student workers, the grounds crew strives to create a safe and pleasant atmosphere that makes a lasting impression on campus visitors as well as the entire UWM population.

Lawn mowing, planting and watering, tree trimming, and outdoor garbage maintenance are only some of the daily responsibilities of the Grounds crew.

Green Lawn Care

In 2014, the Grounds department initiated a new “green lawn care” program.  Spot treatments are rare, yet do continue as necessary.  The goal is to proceed as follows:

  • The process begins with aerating all 23 acres of lawn space
  • Then the crew applies organic compost and the Milwaukee-made fertilizer called Milorganite

Snow and Ice Removal

During the winter months, the Grounds department is responsible for all snow and ice removal in parking zones and inter-building walkways.

  • Coming to work at the height of a snow storm (often in the middle of the night) is a regular occurrence for our Grounds crew.
  • The Grounds crew prioritizes snow removal during the winter months. Their goal is to have snow removal taken care of before 7:00 a.m.

Moving Services

Moving services are also offered through our Grounds department.

  • Services include office-to-office moves and general furniture relocation
  • To request moving services, please fill out a “chargeable work order request” through iServiceDesk.
  • Please email servicerequest@uwm.edu for estimates on moving services.

Surplus

Surplus pick up and delivery are also services performed by Grounds.

  • To have surplus items picked up, fill out the “Surplus Declaration Form”.
  • There is a flat-rate charge.
  • Regular moving charges are applied to furniture relocation from the Surplus department to your department. This service can be requested through iServiceDesk.

Campus Events

Grounds is instrumental in setting up and breaking down campus events.

  • Grounds supplies extra garbage and recycling containers to your event location.
  • Tables, chairs, and other supplies are available for event delivery and set up.
  • To request assistance for your next event, please submit a request through iServiceDesk.

Lapham Hall New Landscaping

Goal: To redesign and plant the eastern beds in front of Lapham Hall, along Maryland Avenue, to retain healthy pollinator plants that are also easy to maintain and are salt tolerant.  The design seeks to maintain appropriate scale, bring color to all seasons, and create an appealing walkway to greet visitors.

Activity Timing Who
Design Layout Approved Plan Complete Native Roots
Site Prep Harvest Rare Plants ASAP Paul/Native Roots
Cut all Plant Debris Back/Round Up Mid-Late October UWM Grounds
Rototill Late Fall UWM Grounds
Pre-Emergent Spread Spring (Weather Dependent) UWM Grounds
Grading Soil Spring (Weather Dependent) UWM Grounds
Planting Order Plants Early Spring UWM Grounds/Native Roots*
Planting May UWM Grounds/Native Roots/Volunteers (?)
*Native Roots oversight, UWM Grounds Contract