Fertilizers and herbicides our contractor is using in 2026
Each growing season, our lawn maintenance contractor applies a combination of fertilizers and herbicides to our lawn (turf) areas. Often called lawn ‘treatments’, these chemicals keep our grass healthy and green and at the same time eliminate weeds. The chemical composition of these chemicals changes with each application, based on season.
Please join us for an instructor led water aerobics class consisting of Aqua Fit and Zumba routines.
Wednesdays: from 10-11 am Starting: June 3rd (weather permitting) until the end of the pool season Cost: $20 for the entire summer. Payable on first day at class. Instructor: Jenn Sandvick
Joint Effort Water Class
If you have arthritis, M.S, fibromyalgia or a related condition; water provides stability, encourages free movement and gentle resistance to help build strength. Please join us for an instructor led water class.
Tuesdays: from 9:30-10:15 am Starting: June 2nd (weather permitting) until the end of the pool season Cost: $5 for each class. Payable on day of each class. Instructor: Cherie E. (teaches at the Southwest YMCA)
Bring pool noodle/water bottle to each class.
On your first day we will request an email/phone number for each attendee. We will use this information for notification of class cancellations.
Sanitation workers, teachers, and nurses. These occupations are often listed as overlooked, undervalued, or underpaid – despite their high necessity and impact. Briefly stated, they are essential among us, yet too often ignored or unappreciated.
Here at Overlook Lakes we can add another group to the list: Those who volunteer to water newly planted trees and shrubs. We gratefully acknowledge the volunteers who showed up last week to plant 11 shrubs and 2 trees. We anticipate other new plantings between now and the end of summer that will require watering into November. We are looking for more volunteers to water these shrubs and trees and we’re asking you to seriously consider this.
It’s a relatively simple task, but also a serious commitment because it’s essential to the plants. Currently, Board and Building & Grounds Committee Members are at risk for burnout because watering often doesn’t happen unless they do it. Perhaps you could water 1 or 2 trees, or maybe a new shrub or 2. This will greatly benefit our community. Ideally, a “Watering Committee” might be formed to oversee this vital work among us.
You may have noticed circular fences growing around our newly planted trees. And you may have asked yourself, why are those things there?
B&G-Grounds, in consultation with MMSD, has determined that we need to protect young trees from animal damage. Specifically, the fencing keeps deer from eating the leaves and rubbing the trunk, and rodents from eating the bark.
In 2025 we installed trees with no fencing with the hope that our local deer and rabbit population would find more attractive food to eat. They didn’t! Instead these animals zeroed in on our new trees.
As we plant additional trees you will see our B&G volunteers erecting fences soon after the trees are in the ground. We expect to keep fences on trees for several years, until they are large and strong enough to withstand animal nibbling.
B&G-Grounds is also assessing the use of flexible tubes that go over the lower portion of the trunk. These tubes protect trees from rodents and deer rubbing after fencing has been removed.
If you have questions on this initiative, or anything else related to landscaping at Overlook Lakes please email B&G-Grounds.
Below is the list to-date of shrubs we plan to plant spring 2026. Most of these locations were identified in 2025. A few, such as the ravine area, were identified in winter 2026.
B&G-Grounds is sending this list to all owners so everyone is aware of our plans, so owners can ask questions or present concerns before planting, and to ensure we are communicating how we spend your HOA dollars. OLCA volunteers will be planting these 26 shrubs so the total cost is very reasonable.
All selected shrubs are Wisconsin native species, adapted to our environment and home to many animals including butterflies, birds and bees. Shrubs have also been selected to be as deer resilient as possible. However, in some cases we might place a circular fence around a shrub to ensure deer cannot nibble. Shrubs are also effective at keeping buckthorn from taking a hold. Some of these shrubs are in our complex now and some are new ones we are trying out.
If you have questions or concerns, please contact B&G-Grounds () by April 24, 2026. We hope to start planting the following week.
Help Needed! If you are interested in helping plant or being an ongoing waterer, please email B&G-Grounds ()
OLCA 2026 Spring Planned Shrub Plantings
Qty
Item
Location
Reason
4
Red currants Ribes species
Large garden area center of complex
Conifers were removed many years ago but this area was never replanted.
4
Common Ninebark Physocarpus opulifolius
Large garden area center of complex
Conifers were removed many years ago but this area was never replanted.
1
Staghorn sumac Rhus typhina
Large garden area center of complex
Conifers were removed many years ago but this area was never replanted.
3
Scarlet Elderberry Sambucus pubens
Along bldg 34 on the edge of the ravine where buckthorn was removed. Closest address is 8876 Woodbridge
Buckthorn will sprout in the area if we don’t plant something. Birds love this species and it will provide a nice green view from the drive and road.
1
Shrubby St John’s wort Hypericum prolificum
West of bldg 25 along private property fence. Closest addresses are 8907/8909 Woodbridge
This is a replacement for a dogwood shrub that deer consumed in 2025. Shrubby St John’s wort is more deer resistant.
3
Filbert/hazelnut Corylus americana
North, behind bldg 38 adjacent to the sidewalk on top of a short boulder wall. Closest address is 8774 Woodbridge
These are replacements for dying and dead viburnums at that location.
4
Dwarf Shrub Honeysuckle Diervilla lonicera
North, behind bldg 38 on top of the large boulders. Closest addresses are 8760/8762 Woodbridge
This area has seen major erosion and loss of grass. The shrubs will stop the erosion and form a nicer border edge to the lawn.
1
Shrub Cinquefoil Dasiphora fruticosal
In front of bldg 29 in the river birch garden area on the lawn. Closest addresses are 8991/8993 Woodbridge
At least one shrub died here several years ago and there is a gap in the garden.
2
Bladdernut Staphylea trifolia
Northeast of bldg 36 in the back by the spruce trees. Closest address is 8792 Woodbridge
In 2025 we removed a large maple tree here. The area now has a big gap.
3
American Elderberry Sambucus canadensis
South of bldg 25 in the wooded area facing Grange. Closest address is 8905 Woodbridge
Several years ago our contractor dumped boulders and gravel in this area. We will remove and plant shrubs.
Note. After consulting with our garden center vendor, Johnson’s Nursery, we may change specific species, or add or remove specific shrubs.
With the winter’s thaw upon us, the foliage starting to bloom and the grass turning green it is time for the OLCA Website Spring Theme. The photos at the bottom of each website page shows spring-themed photos, changing randomly on each page. Look for the Summer theme in June.
Within the last week, you may have noticed pink ribbons appearing around many trees on our property. These designate trees that will have their tree wells edged and filled with mulch (woodchips) once the landscaping season begins in early spring. More trees may be marked soon.
Our Declaration, which is the major governing document for Overlook Lakes, calls for the annual meeting to be held on the first Tuesday in May. This year, that date falls on May 5th. While those who celebrate Cinco de Mayo may already have that day marked on their calendars, we encourage you to mark May 5th on your calendar and plan to participate as it’s important that we have a quorum.
Location
The meeting will take place at Greendale High School in the multi-purpose room. You will receive a map in April to help you find the exact location.
Time
The meeting is scheduled to begin at 6:00 p.m. and will likely conclude by 7:30 p.m. These meetings are not lengthy, but are essential to conducting business for Overlook Lakes.
Purpose
The annual meeting is required by law, helps owners stay informed about association finances and foreseeable plans, and provides a forum to express your desires and concerns while hearing from other owners as well.
Elections
Annual meetings are also when board members are elected. This year two board members will be elected. (Eric Van Ert is completing a 2-year term and Forrest Bivens is finishing a 1-year term.) Both have expressed a willingness to stand for reelection, but having more candidates is preferred. If you or someone you know is qualified and willing to stand for election, wonderful!
Speaking of nominations, you are invited to nominate someone among us to receive a “Community Service Award” that acknowledges greatly appreciated activity carried out by one or more of our neighbors. To nominate someone for this honor, please email the board at . More information may be obtained here.
Thank you and we look forward to your attendance on May 5th!
