Spring, Summer, and Fall

Every season in Michigan brings its own form of beauty…..and challenges. Spring, summer and fall are seasons of growth for our grounds crew!

Below are general activities that can be expected during each season:

Spring

Late February through March:

Addressing any lingering snow related issues.
- For more information on winter conditions, see our Snow Removal page.
Addressing any early potholes that can be repaired.
Preparing fields for the spring athletic season by assisting teams in hanging wind screens, early field layout and striping, clearing collected leaves from the winter, repairing field damage caused over the winter by pests, etc.
- Visit our Seasonal Information page for specific information on Spring Athletic Field Use and Baseball and Softball Field Maintenance

April/May:

End of year deliveries
Building perimeter cleanup
Parking lot sweeping
Additional spring athletic field maintenance and repairs
Ongoing field striping and support for athletic programs
Mowing/edging/trimming:
- FHPS employs an outside contractor to maintain all elementary sites, the Fine Arts and Aquatic Center, and Administration
- FHPS Grounds maintains the three high school/middle school campuses, remaining sites and any special grounds repair/improvement projects at all sites
Spring mulch deliveries (as coordinated with our Grounds department)

Summer

June/August:

Seasonal grounds maintenance
Targeted parking lot striping
Preparation for fall athletics programs
Playground surface placement/repairs
Start of school mulch deliveries (as coordinated with our Grounds department)

Fall

September/Early November:

Seasonal grounds maintenance
Ongoing field striping and support for athletic programs
Preparing fields for winter by removing and storing wind screens, clearing collected leaves, preparing athletic fields for winter, etc.

FAQs

When will my site be mowed?

Please refer to the site maps provided below for information on mowing heights and general frequencies for mowing.

Crews are mowing and trimming around other people during the day.

Correct! During these times we ask that the grounds personnel AND students/staff/visitors take necessary precautions to maintain safety for everyone.

There are areas of the sites that previously have been mowed that are not being mowed as frequently (or at all). Why?

Our maintained areas have been adjusted over the years for two primary reasons:

We continue to develop better knowledge of the impact our sites have on the environment.
- Reducing maintained areas provides increased biodiversity, reduced need for pesticides, reduced carbon emissions from maintenance equipment and reduced stormwater runoff
- Promoting development of natural landscapes helps promote habitat for pollinators
- Use of native species helps reduce the spread of invasive species
Over the years our financial and personnel resources have been reduced. This has required us to strike a balance between “curb appeal” and “resource allocation”

Can I apply pesticides or fertilizers at one of the FHPS sites?

Absolutely not. Our pesticide applications are strictly controlled and coordinated through a State of Michigan required Integrated Pest Management program.

If an area needs to be treated (i.e. poison ivy, invasive species, etc.), contact our Head of Grounds to discuss the reason for the application, timing of application, applicator certification, restrictions and posting/notification requirements.

Who is responsible for maintaining planted areas on our sites?

The responsibility for the planted areas is a collaborative responsibility and is largely dependent on the site/area and should be coordinated between the building principal/administrator and the head custodian. For example:

If the planted area is limited in size/maintenance required, and if the custodial staff can accomplish the maintenance without compromising their responsibilities elsewhere, they can provide assistance.
If the planted area has been developed as a curriculum opportunity, the instructor/students/organization that established the area is responsible for ongoing maintenance. It is preferred that these areas be designated with appropriate program provided signage to address the educational objectives.