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 items such as Arborvitae on display. The problem is that these trees/plants are often brought in by the truckload. They are stored in the truck container or a warehouse without water or sunlight. They are not properly maintained. While they look attractive in appearance they have small root balls which prevent proper rooting in the ground. It is hard to resist the competitive price but these specimens are not a good long term investment. It is better to hire a professional landscaper to install your landscaping needs. At Squeals Landscaping Inc. we only use landscape grade quality material purchased from local farms.
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...
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...
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...
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...
Adding Extra Topsoil When Installing Sod: Is It Necessary?
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...
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...
