Professional Landscape Services for Northern Kentucky
WhiteHouse Landscapes LLC provides comprehensive, science-based landscape care backed by professional credentials and nearly a decade of local experience. From seasonal maintenance to custom design, every service we offer reflects our commitment to plant health, proper horticultural techniques, and long-term landscape success.
Serving Florence, Union, Burlington, Walton, and Richwood, Kentucky since 2016.
Our Complete Service Offerings
Seasonal Cleanup Services
Professional spring and fall cleanup goes far beyond raking leaves—it’s comprehensive property care that addresses seasonal transitions, prevents problems, and prepares your landscape for optimal performance year-round.
Spring Cleanup Services
What’s Included:
- Complete landscape bed cleanup removing winter debris, fallen leaves, broken branches, and dead plant material
- Professional ornamental shrub pruning for plant health, flowering promotion, and proper size maintenance
- Landscape bed edging creating clean definition between beds and lawn areas
- Pre-emergent weed control application timed to prevent germination before weeds start
- Fresh mulch installation for moisture conservation, weed suppression, and finished appearance
Why Spring Cleanup Matters:
As an ISA Certified Arborist and Master Gardener, spring cleanup is when I’m evaluating your landscape coming out of winter dormancy—identifying winter damage, assessing plant health, noting early signs of disease or insect issues, and making recommendations that prevent small problems from becoming expensive crises.
Timing is critical. Pre-emergent weed control must be applied before soil temperatures trigger germination (typically by March in Northern Kentucky). Miss this window, and you spend the entire season fighting established weeds with less effective post-emergent treatments.
Proper pruning timing varies dramatically by species. Spring-blooming shrubs (forsythia, lilac, azalea) must be pruned immediately after flowering ends to avoid sacrificing next year’s blooms. Summer bloomers (crape myrtle, rose of Sharon, butterfly bush) get pruned in late winter for maximum flower production. Generic “trim everything in March” approaches sacrifice flowering and demonstrate lack of horticultural knowledge.
Early Booking Advantages:
Plan ahead and save significantly:
- 10% discount for approving quotes within 10 days of issuance
- Additional 5% discount for choosing priority scheduling weeks
- Combined savings up to 15% for early commitment
- New clients receive FREE year-round weed control (March and September applications—a $190 value) with complete spring service
Spring schedules fill quickly. Homeowners who book in late fall or winter secure preferred timing and maximum savings. Those waiting until March often face limited availability and full pricing.
Learn more about spring cleanup services and early booking benefits →
Plant Health Care Programs
Your landscape represents significant investment—typically $15,000-$50,000 in combined value from mature trees, established plantings, hardscaping, and years of care. Comprehensive plant health care programs protect that investment through proactive monitoring, preventive treatments, and early intervention.
Program Components:
Seasonal Monitoring & Inspection Regular property visits detect early signs of disease, insect pressure, nutrient deficiency, or environmental stress while problems remain manageable and treatment costs stay reasonable.
Soil Health Management Professional core aeration, appropriate fertilization, soil amendments, and pH adjustment maintain the foundation healthy plants require. Healthy soil grows healthy plants that naturally resist problems.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) As a Licensed Pesticide Applicator since 2010, my approach prioritizes cultural controls, beneficial organisms, and targeted treatments only when necessary—not calendar-based spray schedules that waste money and harm beneficial insects.
Disease & Insect Treatment Professional diagnosis identifies specific problems accurately. Wrong diagnosis leads to wrong treatment, wasting money while issues worsen. Proper identification ensures appropriate solutions.
Preventive Applications Pre-emergent weed control in landscape beds, dormant oil applications for overwintering insects, fungicide treatments timed for disease prevention rather than reaction—proactive care costs less and works better than constantly fighting established problems.
The Economics of Prevention:
Plant health care programs typically represent 1-3% of landscape value annually but prevent problems costing 10-50% of landscape value when replacements become necessary.
Real numbers: A $15,000 landscape served by a $300-$500 annual PHC program maintains value and appearance for decades with minimal plant loss. The same landscape without ongoing care typically requires $1,500-$3,000 in replacements and crisis treatments every 3-5 years while declining in appearance and value.
Time You Can’t Recover:
When you lose an established plant to preventable problems, you lose the years it took to grow. A 12-foot Kousa dogwood that dies from treatable anthracnose took 10-12 years to reach that size. Replace it with a 6-foot specimen, and you’ve lost a decade of growth—time you can never recover.
Plant health care protects your time investment as much as your financial investment.
Professional Pruning Services
Proper pruning is both art and science—requiring understanding of plant biology, growth patterns, flowering timing, and correct technique. Poor pruning damages plants, sacrifices flowering, creates disease entry points, and often costs more to correct than proper pruning would have cost initially.
Why Professional Pruning Matters:
As an ISA Certified Arborist, every pruning recommendation follows established standards:
- Correct timing based on bloom period and growth patterns
- Proper cuts that promote healing and prevent decay
- Strategic removal enhancing plant health and natural form
- Species-specific techniques accounting for growth habits
- Safety considerations for overhead hazards and structural issues
Pruning by Plant Type & Season:
Spring-Blooming Shrubs (forsythia, lilac, azalea, flowering quince) Pruned immediately after flowering ends (typically May-June) to preserve next year’s flower buds while addressing size and form.
Summer-Blooming Shrubs (crape myrtle, rose of Sharon, butterfly bush, spirea) Pruned in late winter (February-March) before new growth begins for maximum flower production and vigorous growth.
Evergreens (boxwood, holly, yew, juniper) Pruned during active growth periods for rapid wound closure and dense regrowth—timing varies by species.
Ornamental Trees Structural pruning during dormancy (winter) for most species, with species-specific exceptions for trees susceptible to disease transmission during dormant pruning.
What Professional Pruning Delivers:
- Enhanced flowering and fruiting through proper timing
- Improved plant health by removing dead, diseased, or damaged wood
- Better structure and form following natural growth patterns
- Managed size without constant shearing battles
- Extended plant life through proper care and maintenance
- Early hazard identification preventing property damage or injury
Pruning is often incorporated into comprehensive spring cleanup services for efficient scheduling, though significant work may be quoted separately based on scope and timing requirements.
Core Lawn Aeration
Professional core aeration is one of the most impactful—yet most overlooked—services for overall landscape health. By relieving soil compaction and creating pathways for air, water, and nutrients to reach root zones, aeration benefits every living plant in your landscape, not just turf.
How Core Aeration Works:
Professional-grade aerators remove small plugs of soil and thatch (approximately 2-3 inches deep, ½-¾ inch diameter), creating thousands of channels throughout your lawn. These channels allow:
- Air to reach suffocated root systems
- Water to penetrate compacted soil layers
- Nutrients to move freely through the soil profile
- Roots to explore and develop in improved soil conditions
Unlike spike aeration (which actually increases compaction), true core aeration physically removes soil, relieving compaction and creating space for root expansion.
Why Soil Health Drives Everything:
Most landscape problems start underground. Compacted soil suffocates roots, prevents water infiltration, blocks nutrient movement, and creates perfect conditions for disease and stress.
Northern Kentucky’s clay-heavy soils are naturally prone to compaction even without traffic. Add foot traffic, mowing equipment, heavy rain, and years of settling, and compaction becomes severe enough to significantly limit plant performance.
The Landscape Connection:
Tree and shrub roots extend far beyond drip lines—often 2-3 times canopy width—which means they’re growing directly beneath your turf. Compacted lawn soil stresses woody plants just as severely as it stresses grass.
When we aerate your lawn, we’re improving growing conditions for your entire landscape, not just creating prettier grass. Healthier soil supports healthier plants across the board, reducing problems and maintenance requirements throughout your property.
Signs Your Property Needs Aeration:
- Heavy thatch accumulation (more than ½ inch)
- Water pooling on surface after rain instead of soaking in
- Thin, struggling grass despite adequate fertilization and water
- Hard, crusty soil surface difficult to penetrate
- High-traffic areas showing wear and compaction
- Clay soil properties (virtually all Northern Kentucky landscapes)
Optimal Timing:
Fall (late August through October) is ideal for cool-season grass aeration in our region. Moderate temperatures, adequate moisture, and active grass growth allow rapid recovery while maximizing root establishment before winter dormancy.
Spring aeration works but offers shorter establishment periods before summer stress. Professional timing delivers better results.
Investment:
Core aeration services are priced per thousand square feet of turf area, with most residential properties ranging from $150-$400 depending on lawn size and site conditions.
Learn more about core aeration and soil health benefits →
Custom Landscape Design & Installation
Professional landscape design and installation is where expertise matters most—mistakes made during design and planting follow you for decades, while proper planning creates landscapes that improve with age rather than becoming maintenance nightmares.
Why Design Expertise Matters:
The #1 landscape mistake is ignoring mature plant size. That 3-foot shrub becomes 12 feet wide in 8 years. That “small” tree towers 40 feet high in 15 years. Improper spacing creates crowding, disease pressure, maintenance problems, and eventual need for removal and replacement—wasting both money and irreplaceable growth time.
As an ISA Certified Arborist and Master Gardener with nearly a decade observing plant performance in Northern Kentucky’s specific conditions, I know what plants become at maturity because I’ve watched thousands of them grow. This prevents expensive mistakes before they’re planted.
Professional Design Process:
Phase 1: Site Analysis & Consultation During your free 30-minute landscape evaluation, we discuss your goals, preferences, budget, and timeline while conducting detailed site analysis—evaluating existing conditions, identifying opportunities and constraints, and considering how your property relates to its surroundings.
Phase 2: Concept Development Based on consultation and site analysis, I develop comprehensive landscape designs addressing your specific needs while respecting horticultural realities and professional standards:
- Plant selection based on site conditions, mature size, and design intent
- Proper spacing calculations ensuring long-term success
- Seasonal interest planning for year-round appeal
- Maintenance requirement forecasts aligned with your preferences
- Phasing options if budget suggests staged installation
Phase 3: Design Presentation & Refinement Detailed explanations of plant selections, placement rationale, and long-term expectations. Opportunity for questions, modifications, and ensuring the design aligns with your vision.
Phase 4: ANSI-Standard Installation Installation follows American National Standards Institute protocols throughout:
- Proper hole preparation and dimension (typically 2-3 times root ball width)
- Correct planting depth with visible root flare at or slightly above grade
- Root ball preparation and circling root correction
- Appropriate backfill composition (usually native soil with minimal amendments)
- Professional mulching techniques (2-4 inches depth, mulch-free zones around trunks)
- Staking only when necessary, installed correctly with proper removal timeline
Phase 5: Establishment Care Guidance Detailed care instructions specific to your new plantings: watering requirements during establishment (typically 1-2 years), monitoring guidelines, and maintenance recommendations.
What Proper Installation Prevents:
- Deep planting (plants buried too deep decline 5-7 years post-installation)
- Circling roots that eventually strangle plants
- Improper backfill creating “container effect” limiting root exploration
- Excessive staking preventing proper trunk taper development
- Mulch volcanoes causing trunk rot and rodent damage
Return on Investment:
Quality landscaping returns 100-200% of investment in increased home value according to the National Association of Realtors. A $10,000 landscape investment potentially adds $10,000-$20,000 to sale price while reducing time-on-market.
More importantly, properly designed landscapes require less maintenance, fewer replacements, and lower ongoing costs compared to poorly designed alternatives—saving money every year while looking better.
Investment Range:
Most comprehensive residential landscape projects range from $5,000-$25,000 depending on scope, plant selection, site conditions, and complexity. During initial consultation, we discuss budget parameters guiding design development.
Learn more about professional landscape design and installation →
Free 30-Minute Landscape Evaluation
Our complimentary landscape evaluation isn’t a sales pitch disguised as consultation—it’s genuine professional assessment designed to give you the information you need to make informed decisions about your landscape, whether you hire us, handle work yourself, or choose to do nothing at all.
What Makes This Different:
Most landscape companies offer “free estimates”—quick pricing for work you’ve already decided you want. That’s fine if you know exactly what your property needs.
But what if you’re not sure? What if you have questions about plant health, timing, priorities, or whether proposed work is even necessary? That’s where genuine evaluation becomes invaluable.
Your Evaluation Includes:
Step 1: Discussion of Your Concerns & Goals We start by discussing what prompted your call—specific problems, changes you’re considering, questions about landscape performance, budget priorities, and how you use your outdoor space.
Step 2: Comprehensive Property Assessment Together we walk your property while I evaluate:
- Plant health (tree and shrub vigor, disease or pest issues, stress symptoms)
- Soil conditions (drainage patterns, compaction indicators, erosion concerns)
- Proper spacing and placement for current and future plant size
- Maintenance issues and opportunities for improvement
- Design opportunities delivering disproportionate impact
- Structural concerns and potential hazards
Throughout the walkthrough, I’m answering your questions in real-time with specific recommendations based on your actual property—not generic advice that may or may not apply.
Step 3: Priority Discussion & Recommendations After assessment, we discuss findings and recommendations:
- What needs immediate attention versus what can wait
- Realistic timelines for addressing issues
- Ballpark budget ranges for work you’re considering
- Multiple options at different price points when available
- What you can handle yourself versus what benefits from professional expertise
Step 4: Written Quotes (If Requested) If you’d like formal pricing for services discussed, detailed quotes follow within 2 business days—no pressure, no obligation, just transparent information.
The Value Proposition:
Professional landscape consultation typically costs $150-$300 per hour. We offer 30 minutes at no charge because homeowners who understand their landscapes make better decisions—whether they hire us or not.
One prevented mistake (wrong plant selection, improper timing, unnecessary removal) easily justifies the value. Multiple prevented mistakes—which is typical—represent thousands in avoided costs.
Common Questions Answered:
“This shrub used to flower beautifully, but now it barely blooms. What’s wrong?” Professional evaluation identifies specific causes (improper pruning timing, pest damage, environmental stress) with actionable solutions.
“Should I remove this tree, or can it be saved?” ISA Certified Arborist assessment determines whether treatment is viable or removal is truly necessary—saving both money and irreplaceable mature plants when possible.
“My lawn always looks terrible. What am I doing wrong?” Soil analysis often reveals simple issues like severe compaction that, once addressed through professional aeration, solve multiple symptoms simultaneously.
“How much should I budget for landscape maintenance this year?” Property-specific assessment provides realistic budget guidance based on actual needs rather than guesses.
No Obligation Means No Obligation:
Many evaluations result in “your landscape is fine, keep doing what you’re doing”—which isn’t exactly aggressive sales tactics. The information has value independent of whether you ever hire services.
Schedule Your Free Evaluation:
Book online or call/text (859) 444-0486
Learn more about our free landscape evaluation process →
Why Choose WhiteHouse Landscapes LLC?
Professional Credentials That Matter:
- ISA Certified Arborist KY-0847A (Since 2013): Comprehensive knowledge of tree and shrub biology, soil science, plant health diagnosis, proper pruning techniques, and installation standards
- Kentucky Master Gardener (Since 2011): University of Kentucky Extension certification in plant science, soil health, IPM, and sustainable landscape practices
- Licensed Kentucky Pesticide Applicator (Since 2010): State licensing for safe, legal, effective pesticide use and environmental protection
Experience in Your Specific Conditions:
Nearly a decade serving Northern Kentucky homeowners, plus over 15 years in professional horticulture. Experience working exclusively in Zone 6b conditions with clay soils, regional pest pressures, and Northern Kentucky’s unique growing challenges.
Commitment to Honest Service:
Not every property needs extensive services. Not every plant problem requires expensive treatment. We provide genuine assessment whether it leads to hiring services or simply better information for managing your landscape yourself.
Science-Based Practices:
ANSI standards, IPM protocols, proper timing and technique—not shortcuts or outdated methods that waste money or damage plants. Every recommendation reflects current research and best practices.
Local Accountability:
We live and work in this community. Your neighbor’s yard might be one we maintain. Reputation matters more than any individual sale—quality results create long-term client relationships.
Service Area
WhiteHouse Landscapes LLC primarily serves Florence, Union, Walton, Richwood, and Burlington, Kentucky, with additional services available throughout Boone and Kenton Counties.
Our local focus ensures:
- Deep familiarity with Northern Kentucky’s specific growing conditions
- Experience with regional soil types, pest pressures, and climate patterns
- Responsive service and convenient scheduling
- Community accountability and reputation built on visible results
- Personal investment in the area where we live and work
Getting Started
Whether you’re interested in comprehensive seasonal maintenance, professional landscape design, core aeration, ongoing plant health care, or simply have questions about your property, the process starts the same way:
Schedule Your Free Landscape Evaluation
Book online or call/text (859) 444-0486
During your complimentary 30-minute evaluation, we’ll:
- Discuss your goals and concerns
- Assess your property’s current condition
- Answer your specific questions
- Provide honest recommendations
- Offer written quotes for requested services (within 2 business days)
No obligation. No pressure. Just professional expertise applied to your landscape and your concerns.
From there, you decide what makes sense for your property, your budget, and your goals. We provide transparent quotes, explain options clearly, and let you make informed decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How quickly can you schedule service?
Current clients on seasonal maintenance schedules receive priority scheduling. New clients requesting spring cleanup who book in late fall or winter can secure preferred timing and early booking discounts (up to 15% savings). Services requested during peak seasons may face 2-4 week lead times depending on demand.
Do you offer ongoing maintenance programs?
Yes. Many clients begin with specific services addressing immediate needs, then transition into ongoing care programs where we handle all seasonal landscape maintenance throughout the year. This integrated approach protects your investment while ensuring professional oversight year-round.
What areas do you serve?
Primary service area includes Florence, Union, Walton, Richwood, and Burlington, Kentucky. We also serve additional locations throughout Boone and Kenton Counties.
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes. WhiteHouse Landscapes LLC is fully licensed (ISA Certified Arborist KY-0847A, Licensed Kentucky Pesticide Applicator) and insured for your protection.
How does pricing work?
Service rates vary by project scope and type. Spring cleanup is typically hourly plus materials. Core aeration is priced per thousand square feet. Landscape design and installation is quoted per project. Every quote includes detailed scope and transparent pricing—no hidden charges.
What makes your services different from other landscape companies?
Professional credentials (ISA Certified Arborist, Master Gardener, Licensed Pesticide Applicator), science-based practices following ANSI standards and IPM protocols, honest assessment focused on actual needs rather than sales targets, and nearly a decade of local experience in Northern Kentucky’s specific conditions.
Can I schedule just one service, or do I need ongoing maintenance?
You can schedule any service individually with no ongoing commitment. Many clients start with free evaluation, proceed with specific services, and choose whether to continue based on results and needs.
Client Testimonials
“I was convinced I needed to remove three large trees—quoted at $4,500. During the evaluation, Michael explained that two were completely healthy with cosmetic issues easily addressed through proper pruning, and only one had actual structural concerns warranting removal. He saved us $3,000 and two beautiful mature trees.” — Florence, KY homeowner
“We’d been fighting drainage issues for three years and spent probably $800 on various DIY solutions that didn’t work. During the evaluation, Michael identified that downspout discharge was causing the whole problem—a $150 fix I could handle myself. Wish I’d called years ago.” — Burlington, KY homeowner
“The spring cleanup revealed winter damage to several shrubs that I’d completely missed. Michael pruned them correctly, explained what happened, and they recovered beautifully. Without that early intervention, I probably would have lost them.” — Union, KY homeowner
“Professional core aeration transformed our lawn. We’d tried everything—fertilizer, overseeding, watering—but the grass stayed thin and patchy. One fall aeration and the following spring our lawn was the thickest it’s been in 10 years. Turns out we just had severe compaction.” — Walton, KY homeowner
Ready to Experience Professional Landscape Care?
Stop guessing about your landscape’s needs. Get expert answers from a credentialed professional who understands plant biology, soil science, and Northern Kentucky’s specific growing conditions.
Schedule Your Free 30-Minute Landscape Evaluation Today
Book Your Free Evaluation Online
Call or Text: (859) 444-0486
No obligation. No pressure. Just honest professional assessment and the information you need to make informed decisions about your property.
About WhiteHouse Landscapes LLC
Professional Credentials You Can Trust
WhiteHouse Landscapes LLC has served Northern Kentucky homeowners since 2016 with professional landscape services backed by genuine expertise and industry-recognized certifications:
- ISA Certified Arborist KY-0847A (Since 2013): Comprehensive certification from the International Society of Arboriculture demonstrating advanced knowledge of tree and shrub biology, soil science, plant health care, and proper installation and maintenance techniques.
- Kentucky Master Gardener (Since 2011): University of Kentucky Extension program certification requiring extensive training in plant science, soil health, integrated pest management, and sustainable landscape practices with ongoing continuing education requirements.
- Licensed Kentucky Pesticide Applicator (Since 2010): State licensing ensuring proper training and knowledge in pesticide safety, application methods, environmental protection, and integrated pest management principles.
Experience That Delivers Results
With nearly a decade serving local homeowners and over 15 years in professional horticulture, we bring real expertise to every property we serve. Our approach combines scientific knowledge with practical experience gained exclusively in Northern Kentucky’s specific growing conditions.
Our Philosophy
We believe informed homeowners make better landscape decisions. Every service we provide reflects this commitment—whether it’s comprehensive seasonal cleanup, professional landscape design, soil health improvement through aeration, or free evaluations helping you understand your property better.
Service Area
We primarily serve homeowners in Florence, Union, Walton, Richwood, and Burlington, Kentucky, with additional services available throughout Boone and Kenton Counties. Our local focus ensures responsive service, deep familiarity with regional conditions, and accountability built on community reputation.
Our Commitment
Every service reflects our commitment to professional excellence: science-based practices, proper techniques, transparent pricing, and landscape care that creates lasting value for your property investment.
Contact WhiteHouse Landscapes LLC
Phone/Text: (859) 444-0486
Licensed • Insured • Locally Owned and Operated
Professional landscape services backed by credentials, experience, and commitment to your property’s success.