About Grand Rapids' Premier Lawn & Landscape Company

Three Generations of the Witte Family Serving West Michigan for Over 60 Years!

About Us

John Witte, Founder of Witte Lawn Maintenance

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n 1956 John Witte, a policeman in the Netherlands, and hero of the WWII Dutch Resistance, immigrated to West Michigan. In 1957 John embraced his passion for beautiful lawns and gardens and became an entrepreneur when he founded Witte Lawn Maintenance, Inc.

John's son Herm Witte worked for his father as a youngster and found he really enjoyed the industry as much as his father.


Herm Witte

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erm purchased Witte Lawn Maintenance from his father as a young man and dedicated himself to building an organization that not only provides a high level of customer service in a timely, honest manner with exceptional attention to detail, but also utilizes the best agronomic practices. Herm set the standard for his employees by regularly attending formal and informal industry education programs to introduce the most advanced practices to landscape management. Herm servers on various boards, chairman/president, related to the green industry. 

Herm Witte was awarded an Honorary Certificate from Michigan State University’s Institute of Agricultural Technology's Landscape and Nursery Management Program for his continuous dedication and work in the green industry!

Witte Lawn Maintenance is a leader in local industry organizations. Herm Witte believes in the importance in participating in trade organizations, both for learning and for giving back, "the more knowledge shared, the more educated we all become about our industry, making all of us more professional."

Mark Witte - Landscape Designer

Mark Witte - Landscape Designer. Today a third generation of the Witte family, Mark Witte, is involved in the company. Mark heads our Landscape Division – Design & Installation. Mark takes great pride in his heritage proclaiming "I'm a 3rd generation landscaper, raised to play in the dirt." Mark continues his father's tradition of involvement in the local landscape association. In 2010 and 2018 Mark was selected and honored to  design the Association of Grand Rapids Landscape Professionals Center Garden Display at the West Michigan Home & Garden Show. The exhibit, featuring fully mature trees, a small building, outdoor kitchen, natural water feature and a bridge, was the focal point of the home show.
Phillis Wigger

Phyllis Wigger, Financial Officer – Phyllis is entering her 30th year with Witte Lawn Maintenance.  Phyllis began her career at Witte doing data entry, moved into customer service and office management and currently is involved with finance.  Phyllis received All Star Recognition in 2017 for her continued service to the industry.
Mike Steenstra

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ike Steenstra, Operations Manager - Mike has been with Witte Lawn Maintenance since 2011. In addition to performing many of the services we offer, Mike assists with management of our crews as well as with scheduling of weekly mowing, lawn care applications, and other services we perform.  In the winter months Mike is kept busy with a plow route and assisting in the shop.

Kathy Oostindie

Kathy Oostindie, Customer Service & Office Manager, is the newest member to our office team.  Kathy provides support to our clients and staff in multiple ways.  Give the office a call and she will likely answer the phone and find an answer to your question. 
John Hoeksema

John Hoeksema, Shop Manager – John began working at Witte Lawn Maintenance in 1999. You might find John hands deep in one of our many engines to make sure our machines are up to the job.  When we are down a person, John is willing to jump on a mower and fill in where needed.  With all his years of experience, you may also find John brainstorming with others how to provide even better service to all our clients.  
Witte Lawn Maintenance serves residential and commercial customers in Kent and Ottawa counties providing quality landscape management and snow removal services. Landscape design and installation services are available throughout Michigan. For details see our Services section.