Today 19 out of 20 new home landscapes get a lawn installed without topsoil. Customers sometimes ask if topsoil is necessary. The answer at Squeals Landscaping Inc. is no. According to Gretchen Voyle, from Michigan State University, topsoil contains seeds opening the door for weeds to flourish". In addition, adding topsoil after final grade has been established can change the approved drainage pattern. Often, the existing soil onsite has more valuable nutrients than topsoil. Last, the addition of topsoil increases cost significantly for a lawn installation project. It is common to use topsoil when adjusting final grade as necessary before sod installation. That is completely different from installing 2-4 inches of topsoil on an existing final grade before sod installation. Good quality sod already comes with a layer of topsoil or peat that the established grass was grown on. The customer always has the final say on our projects. We are glad to add a layer of topsoil into our lawn estimate if desired.
Brick Pavers
Many people ask the question: What's better... concrete or brick?While concrete is very common, especially for driveways and sidewalks, there are many benefits to using brick pavers. Brick pavers are more durable and resistant to cracking,...
Boxwood
Boxwood also known as 'Genus Buxus' make a great addition to any landscape for many reasons. Boxwoods are functional plants. They are low maintenance, meaning taking care of them is easy and they can thrive in partial shade or...
Firewood Caution
As the camping and bonfire season begins please remember to leave firewood at home. Buy firewood near your camp site or bonfire destination. Do not buy or pack wood from one area and bring it to another.
Moving firewood puts you at...
Benefits to Planting Perennials
Strong root systems: The roots are deeper and able to reach nutrients further down in the soil.
They bloom at different times of the year: With planning you can stagger the blooming and have color from early spring until the first...
Ticks
According to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) more cases of Lyme disease are being reported across Michigan. Lyme disease is spread through infected blacklegged ticks (Deer ticks). Ticks are found in shady,...
Shrubs from Big Box Stores
During the spring season many big box stores now sell shrubs. The price of the shrubs can look attractive, however be aware that these are not the same quality as local nursery grown plants. Often these plants are surplus materials...
Too Soon To Cut Grass
Sunshine and warmer weather are finally here. However, it's not quite Spring yet. These milder temperatures have plants and lawns confused. You may see plants blooming and grass turning green but even if you get some growth...
Shake Your Trees!
Winter is here and we will see snow for the next couple of months. Please remember to shake your trees. Smaller evergreens and bushes, such as Arborvitae, will get sagging branches from large snow amounts or wet, heavy snow. It is...
Polymeric Sand Installation
With the recent popularity of polymeric sand, many home owners are trying to improve their patio or sidewalk. It is important that high quality polymeric sand is used. Many of the big box stores sell inexpensive polymeric sand that has...
Fall Things to Do:
We are now into fall. The weather has changed from warm and sunny to chilly and damp. Now is the time to do a few important things to keep your landscaping healthy and protected.
1. Winterize your sprinkler system. It is...
How Late In the Season Do We Work?
Many customers ask: How late in the season do we continue to install landscape jobs?
The answer is based on two weather conditions:
1. First significant snow.
2. When the ground freezes.
Once one of these occurs we will shut...
Expanded Box Tree Moth Quarantine
Due to recent detections of box tree moth the quarantine has been expanded. This pest is highly invasive. The recent sightings have been in Oakland and Eaton counties. The expansion of the quarantine will now include the following counties:...
New Tree Planting
Trees are an essential part of a new home or re-landscaping project. Trees add beauty and often shade to any yard. Trees last a lifetime if cared for correctly. There are several factors to consider when planting a tree.
The...
Adjusting Sprinklers to Weather Conditions
It is very important, especially when the weather is fluctuating as it is this year, to adjust your sprinklers. The amount of water you need is based on the amount of rain and heat we get. It needs to be balanced based on those...
Mosquito Repelling Plants
Spring is here and summer is right around the corner. With warmer temperatures come those pesky mosquitos.
While using commercial bug sprays can help keep mosquitos away they have chemicals that can be harmful to people and the...
Ornamental Grasses
Ornamental grasses are used for aesthetic purposes to enhance a landscape. They range in size from 3 inches to 10 feet tall. The colors they display are quite a site to see. During the winter months, the leaves poke through the snow...
Digital Payments
A new trend in the financial world is using digital payments. Popular types of these payments are Zelle, Venmo, and Cashapp. While these are an easier way to transfer money for payment, buyer beware! If there is a problem with the...
Downspouts
Today most home owners have gutters to catch roof run off water. That water then travels into horizontal downspouts and discharges along the foundation of the house. Often landscapers extend the downspouts underground to get the...
Hot Tub to Accent Your Landscaping
Many times we think of landscaping as a way to accent your home. What can we add to accent our landscaping? One option is a hot tub. Hot tubs have become very popular during COVID. They come is wide variety of sizes,...
Invasive Species: Hemlock Woolly Adelgid
Please be on the lookout!
According to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) anyone who has eastern hemlock trees on their property should look for signs of hemlock woolly adelgid. In...
