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.
HomeOwners Associations
Today most new homes in subdivision type neighborhoods built by 1-3 different builders belong to a homeowners association. Similar to a condominium HOA they can have some control of your outdoor living space. Often homeowners...
Astronomical Timers
Astronomical timers are a great way to control your outdoor lights (or anything that operates based on constantly changing daylight) because you can enjoy the "set it and forget it" method. With everyone's busy lifestyle easier...
LED-Low Voltage Lighting
To some people the best invention since the light bulb is the LED light bulb. In the low voltage landscape lighting world LED's have changed the industry. LED fixtures provide 2 major lighting improvements in the areas installers and...
Four Steps To Installing An Outdoor Kitchen
Outdoor living spaces often include kitchen areas to make entertaining more convenient and enjoyable.
1. After the design has been completed the appliances will need to be purchased and on site before any construction can...
Hidden Fees: The New Money Maker
Hidden fees are starting to pop up everywhere. Hotels add resort fees, repair facilities add shop supply fees, trash removal companies add environmental fees, car dealerships add DOC fees, many companies charge administrative fees and now...
Landscape Warranties: Carefully Read Your Contract!
Not all warranties are created equal. Warranty work greatly varies in length of time as well as what is covered. It is important to review all warranty information before you sign a contract. Warranties are different for plant...
Water: How much do I need?
Your new plants, shrubs, and trees have been installed. Now what? How do you keep them looking green and vibrant? Customers often want to know how often, and how much water should be given to new plants. Here are some basic...
Frost Laws
Customers often want to know when we will begin work for the season. Weather is the main factor in this answer. Besides dry ground, and warmer temperatures, the frost laws play a role in when we begin job installation.
Every year the...
Polymeric Sand
Recently, polymeric sand has been a hot topic of discussion. Polymeric sand is a new item that has been incorporated in the brick paving industry. It is a high tech mixture of sand and cement additives. It is an ideal option for...
Why pay for a design?
A professional landscape design is an important tool for your landscape project. If a design is scaled properly, and works on paper, it will work in the field. When elevations and cross sections are added to a landscape design the...
Landscape Construction Permits
Who needs them and why?
Permits are an important topic of discussion. Recently some cities, townships and villages have begun requiring permits for basic landscape projects. Building, Zoning, Soil Erosion, & Grading...
Sales Tax
Customers often ask about sales tax on our jobs. Some landscape companies charge sales tax on top of the contract price. We do not, and here is why.
Our previous Attorney General, Mike Cox, provided a legal opinion that sales tax should not...
Benefits of Fall Planting
Benefits of Fall Plantings
Football season, falling leaves, pumpkins, and crisp cool air are all telltale signs that fall has arrived. Many people don't realize the many benefits of planting during the fall months. It is an ideal...
Green Shortage
A Shortage of "Green": Trees and Sod
Why has the price of trees and sod increased?
As the economy continues to improve, so has the demand for new landscaping or the repairing of or adding to existing landscapes. This is great...
