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.
Keep Your Leaves Clear
Now that the weather has turned colder the leaves are falling. It is important to keep fallen leaves off your lawn.
While raking your lawn is a tedious task, it's important to maintain a healthy lawn. Keeping leaves off the lawn...
Spotted Lanternfly-Invasive Species
In August, The U.S. Department of Agriculture confirmed the detection of spotted laternfly in Pontiac, Michigan. Early detection allows containment which is vital to prevent the spread.
What to look for:
Eggs of the spotted laternfly...
Invasive Beech Leaf Disease
Recently the Michigan Department of Natural Resources has confirmed a case of invasive beech leaf disease in St. Clair County.
The disease has not been present in Michigan before. It is associated with the microscopic worm,...
Pros and Cons of Artificial Grass
There is a new trend for homeowners. Installing synthetic grass at their homes instead of natural grass. There are pros and cons to consider when making this decision.
Pros:
Pet Friendly
Good for water conservation.
Free of...
It's Time to Turn On Your Irrigation System
It looks like warmer weather is finally here! With sunny days, warm temperatures, and drier air you need to make sure your sprinkler system is turned on and working properly. Irrigation companies are busy so be sure to call...
Buying at Big Box Stores
Bulk trees and plants at low prices, so tempting but buyer beware. Finally, the temps are rising and the sun is shining! It's time to get your yard in order. While out shopping at some of the big box stores you'll often see...
Hardscape Design Trends
Over the last few years we have seen a strong shift in brick paving and hardscape design trends. In the past, curves and radiuses were often the focal point and highlight of patios and walkways. The construction process was fairly simple...
Shortages, Price Increases, and What we Can Do About It.
Happy New Year to all our new and current customers! We are hoping 2022 brings some normalcy! We hope you are all staying healthy.
We are receiving updates from many, if not all of our vendors regarding shortages and price...
Sprinkler Winterization
A friendly reminder that this is the time to begin winterizing your sprinkler system! This is standard maintenance and needs to be done to protect your sprinkler system during the freezing temperatures in the winter months. This...
When To Use Landscape Fabric
Customers often request to have landscape fabric installed under mulch to help prevent weeds. This is not an acceptable industry weed prevention method for mulch beds.
Mulch is a wood product that will deteriorate and decompose. ...
Knockout Roses
Knockout Roses are one of the easiest plants to grow and provide color to your landscape. Their bloom cycle is approximately every 5-6 weeks. You can almost plant them and forget them. They are known as the self-cleaning rose, so there...
Plant Terminology & Definitions
When choosing a new landscape project that includes plant material, there are many common terms that sound similar but have different meanings. Here is a list of the most common words you'll likely hear while planning your...
Proper Mulching Techniques
When creating a new landscape project mulch is commonly used to complete the look around trees and in beds. Mulch is beneficial because when placed over soil it maintains moisture and improves soil conditions. It is important to install...
COVID-19 Update
It's hard to believe that we are all still experiencing restrictions from COVID-19. Thankfully, all of us here at Squeals Landscaping Inc. are healthy and production is in full swing! We are taking all recommended precautions to...
Oak Wilt: What You Need To Know
Oak Wilt is an exotic, invasive, lethal, fungal disease that effects Red and White Oak trees. It clogs the water conducting vessels of the Oak trees that are infected. They then wilt and die.
Red Oaks are more susceptible...
85 Degrees = Extra Water
When the temperatures rise into the 80's plants require extra water because the ground moisture evaporates quickly. Any type of flowering plant will quickly begin showing signs of stress in very warm conditions. If there is little to...
Credit Cards
The credit card world has changed for vendors because of all the perks credit card companies must give customers to stay competitive. This industry movement has resulted in skyrocketing merchant fees. The brutal gas station market began...
Lawn Fertilizer
Customers often ask us what type of fertilizer they should buy for their new home landscape we installed. The answer is always the same. At Squeals Landscaping Inc. we recommend all homeowners use a local professional lawn fertilization...
Brick Repair Jobs
Every season we get daily calls for brick repair projects. While there is a huge demand for existing hardscape corrections, it is mot a service we offer. There are several reasons we have this policy. In the past we have fixed...
COVID-19 Update
Through these tough times we are following protocol and practicing social distancing to the fullest. . Due to the recent "Stay Home Stay Safe" executive order by Governor Whitmer we have temporarily closed our facility. The...
