Showing 151-200 of 238 articles.
Core Aeration FAQs
Published on Thursday, April 07, 2022
Core aeration is an invaluable lawn care service that can greatly help lawns during their peak growing seasons in Michigan. Although core aeration is considered such an important service, there are people out there who don’t fully understand the process and what benefits it brings to the table. So, below are some frequently asked questions about core aeration to help shed some light on what it is, when and how often it should be scheduled, and if it’s okay to schedule it as a...
Your Spring Cleanup Service Should Include These 4 Tasks
Published on Wednesday, April 06, 2022
Spring is here in Michigan, and that means it’s time for cleaning. Your lawn and landscape will benefit greatly from a spring cleanup service this year. Not only will this service go a long way to increase your curb appeal, but it will also provide your grass and landscape plants with so many benefits to help them out during the growing season. When considering a company that offers a spring cleanup service or package, there are four distinct tasks that you should look out for so...
3 Methods for Keeping Weeds Out of Your Landscape Beds
Published on Monday, April 04, 2022
Weeds can be a real nuisance in Michigan if they take over your landscape beds. That's because they not only take up space that is intended for your plants, but they also will compete with your plants for nutrients. However, there are 3 effective methods that you can use to keep weeds out of your landscape beds. If small weeds are just starting to take over your landscape beds, stopping them through spot spraying with a herbicide is effective.
For larger weeds, hand pulling is...
3 Early Spring Weeds to Keep Your Eye Out for in Michigan
Published on Monday, March 28, 2022
Weeds that thrive in early spring like purple deadnettle, common chickweed, and shepherd's purse can really hamper the start of the year. These weeds spread by seed and can detract from your curb appeal, making them a real headache for property owners in Michigan.
Post-emergent herbicides will eliminate them from your lawn, but it's still best to invest in preventative measures with pre-emergent weed control so you don't have to deal with them in the first place. However, you...
Why Nitrogen Is So Important to Have In Your Spring Fertilizer
Published on Monday, March 21, 2022
Spring fertilizer is crucial since it helps your lawn come out of dormancy on the right foot. Ensuring your fertilization treatments in the spring have nitrogen will go a long way in keeping your turf in great health throughout the year. That's because nitrogen in fertilizers is responsible for producing chlorophyll, the pigment that makes your grass green and helps it turn energy into food.
The correct amount of nitrogen in the spring also assists your turf in emerging from winter...
4 Ways to Reduce the Number of Mosquitoes Swarming Your Property
Published on Thursday, March 17, 2022
No one wants mosquitoes to make themselves at home on their property, but preventing it can seem mystifying. We've gathered four tips to help deter mosquitos in and around Macomb, MI so that you can enjoy your time outdoors unhindered by pesky bug bites! The first and second rules of thumb are to always clean up leaves and debris around your property and in your gutters. Debris in those areas can provide a perfect nesting place for mosquitoes looking to lay eggs! Third,...
Is Your Spruce Tree Suffering From Needle Cast Disease?
Published on Sunday, March 13, 2022
Over the years, spruce trees in our area of Michigan may encounter several different types of health threats, not the least of which is needle cast disease. You can identify this disease most easily by the spruce needles becoming discolored and eventually turning brown. When you notice this, it's imperative that you call a professional team ASAP to eradicate the disease before it does more harm to your spruce tree. Regular fertilizer treatments will help nurse your spruce tree back to...
Did Your Lawn Surprise You With Snow Mold This Year? Here's What to Do
Published on Wednesday, March 09, 2022
Once the snow melts in Michigan, we're ready to see our beautiful green lawns come alive again – but sometimes, we get the nasty surprise of snow mold instead. Don't panic! Typically, grass will recover on its own with a little TLC, so give it some time. After a few weeks, if your grass still is looking lackluster, call a professional to assess the situation and create a recovery plan for your lawn. To prevent seeing the same thing next year, proper preparation in the fall is ...
What Is Core Aeration & Does Your Lawn Actually Need It?
Published on Tuesday, March 01, 2022
You have likely heard the term "core aeration" before, but might not be familiar with exactly what it is or how your lawn could benefit from it. So what is core aeration? This lawn care service involves loosening up the ground by removing plugs of soil from your turf. The result is a lawn with access to vital nutrients necessary for healthy growth! It is beneficial to all types of grasses, especially to the cool-season grass types we have in Michigan. This service should be...
The Ultimate Spring Checklist for Lawn Care & Maintenance
Published on Sunday, February 27, 2022
When spring finally arrives, your lawn will need proper care and maintenance to get started on the right foot. The first step in this will be to schedule a spring cleanup, ridding your lawn of any lingering winter debris that could be smothering grass beneath it. Next, you'll want to be sure you're enrolled in a fertilizer and weed control program that can keep weeds from stealing nutrients from your grass! Keep an eye out for lawn diseases that typically show up in spring (like snow...
3 Signs Your Lawn is a Victim to Grubs
Published on Friday, February 18, 2022
In Michigan, we have to stay especially vigilant against grubs when it is warm and dry from late June to August. There are a few telltale signs to look out for that could indicate that your lawn may be falling victim to grubs! If your grass can be pulled up like a carpet, that's a definite red flag and can indicate that grubs have begun to destroy the root connection. When walking across your lawn, if grubs are present, you may begin to notice that your lawn feels spongy from the root...
Protect Your Trees From Disease With Fertilization & Pruning
Published on Monday, February 07, 2022
As a property owner, you never want to see your trees contract illnesses or die. However, here in Macomb, MI, several tree-borne diseases are common. And unfortunately, adopting a wait-and-see approach often puts your trees at increased risk. This is one of the reasons many property owners in the area have begun seeking proactive measures to ensure their trees remain healthy.
Fortunately, there is a strategy that's already proven effective at keeping these tree-borne...
The Health of Your Grass & Plants Depends on These 3 Spring Tasks
Published on Tuesday, February 01, 2022
Spring is an important time of the year when it comes to your lawn. That's because this is the time that your lawn will be coming out of its winter dormancy. It's important to not skip out on the key lawn maintenance and care tasks that will prepare your lawn for the growing season that generally starts around April here in Michigan. Performing a debris cleanup will prevent your grass from being smothered and deter insects and disease from settling in the clutter. The first mow of...
Weed Control FAQ's
Published on Wednesday, January 26, 2022
Your lawn should be a sanctuary for your stunning softscapes, not for aggressive weeds that take away nutrients from your grass. An effective weed control treatment will kill existing weeds and prevent future weed growth. The timing and consistency of a weed control application play an essential role in keeping weeds at bay, as well as the mowing and watering practices you observe after applying weed control treatments. To make it easier for property owners planning to get weed control...
How Often Should You Be Fertilizing Your Lawn in Macomb, MI?
Published on Saturday, January 08, 2022
Fertilization is one of the most beneficial lawn care treatments because it supplies your lawn with the nutrients that it needs to grow healthy and strong. Most property owners in Macomb, MI are aware that regular fertilization can do wonders for the overall health and appearance of their lawn. However, what a lot of people don't know is how often they need to be fertilizing their lawn. The simple answer is that you need to be fertilizing at least three times a year, during the spring,...
Your 2022 Guide to Comprehensive Lawn Care
Published on Friday, December 31, 2021
With the end of 2021 quickly approaching, it is time for property owners everywhere to make their New Year's resolution to keep their lawns as healthy as possible. This can be achieved by adding four key treatments to your lawn care regiment: fertilization, weed control, aeration, and overseeding. Regular fertilization will ensure your lawn receives a steady supply of nutrients throughout the year. Taking control of your weeds will ensure that your grass does not have to compete with weeds...
Forgot to Schedule Fall Lawn Aeration? Here’s What You Should Do
Published on Wednesday, December 01, 2021
Ensuring your lawn is consistently receiving key nutrients from the soil is an effective way to promote healthy
growth. Core aeration is the lawn care service you need to schedule at least once a year to make sure your grass is
healthy. Typically, it's done in the fall before the winter season arrives. However, if you forgot to schedule it
in the fall, don't worry. You can still schedule core aeration in the spring and experience the same benefits that
fall aeration provides....
Snow Mold - What is it & How Do You Prevent it?
Published on Sunday, November 28, 2021
While melting snow can be pretty, it can also uncover many secrets. One of them is a lawn disease called snow mold.
This disease is caused by two types of fungi that are commonly referred to as gray and pink snow mold. This disease
will leave your lawn with patches that are covered in either a grayish or pinkish web-like coating. Cool-season
grasses are commonly affected by snow mold, but lawn care and maintenance practices can effectively prevent your grass
from falling victim to this...
3 Things You Need to Do for Your Lawn before the Snow Piles Up
Published on Sunday, November 21, 2021
Here in Macomb, MI, we get roughly 32 inches of snow per year. So, as a property owner, you can be
certain we will see ample snowfall annually. But since snowfall coincides with the busy holiday season, snow often
arrives before many property owners can prepare for it.
Don't let winter catch you off guard, make sure you properly prepare for the coming snow. Otherwise, you could
end up doing twice the work to maintain your lawn come spring. You should do three things ...
Low-Maintenance Gardens: Brought to You by Native Plants!
Published on Tuesday, November 16, 2021
Maintaining your garden doesn’t have to come with a never-ending to-do list. By using plants that are native to our area such as cardinal flowers and wild geraniums, you can easily create a beautiful, low-maintenance landscape bed. Not only will native plants make for an easier gardening experience, but mulch will as well! With native plants and a mulch ground covering on your side, you'll have an eye-catching garden with little to no effort!
The Link Between Native Plants &...
What’s Festering Under Your Leaf Piles? Insects, Lawn Disease, & More
Published on Tuesday, November 09, 2021
While fall leaves can help your lawn in small quantities, massive leaf piles or thick blankets of leaves can harm it. This is especially the case here in Macomb, MI where our winters deliver heavy snowfall, which can intensify the harmful effects old leaf piles have on your lawn.
The best way to avoid the harmful effects of these leaf piles is to remove them before they pose a problem. If the leaves continue to fester on your lawn, you risk the possibility of inviting lawn...
3 Weeds Disguised as Flowers in Your Garden
Published on Monday, November 01, 2021
Weeds. They hide among the beauty of the garden that you designed, spreading their seeds and growing happily. You
don't mind, though, because they are pretty flowers. Or are they?
Unfortunately, there are plenty of weeds that look like flowers. They rely on you being distracted by their beauty
and letting them live, but don't fall for it! You want to be extra careful because weeds weaken a garden's
soil and can be detrimental to the health of your plants. 3 of the most...
Drought vs Flood - Extreme Lawn Conditions and How to Manage Them
Published on Wednesday, October 27, 2021
In the Macomb, MI area, we can experience some extreme weather conditions including flooding and droughts. It is difficult to see these problems coming and, before you know it, they can harm your lawn. Don't worry, though, because there are solutions and preventative measures you can take to protect and heal your lawn. Protect and restore your lawn from a flood by installing a drainage solution, avoiding any foot traffic on your grass, and more. If the air is a little bit...
What's Happening Under Your Grass?
Published on Sunday, October 24, 2021
Soil is the foundational bedding for all lawns. Its job is to support the roots of your turf with nutrients and to sustain healthy grass growth in your lawn. You can tell that your soil is in good condition if your grass appears vibrant and green.
Soil comes in several different types: sandy, clay, loam, and silt. When you're caring for your grass according to what soil lies underneath, you will be able to prevent the worry of your turf dying from unnecessary diseases and drought....
Here’s How to Protect Your Landscape Beds from the Cold Winter Season
Published on Monday, October 18, 2021
Some see landscaping beds as aesthetic elements of your property that you can forget about once you install them. However, just like your lawn, garden beds need maintenance too! Perhaps no time is this more true than now, as we prepare to head into another winter here in the Macomb County, MI area.
How do you protect your landscape beds from the cold winter season? Protecting your landscaping beds from the cool weather ahead requires removing weeds, ensuring optimal ground...
Lawn Care & Landscaping Season Is Coming to an End - Now What?
Published on Tuesday, October 12, 2021
Throughout the spring, summer, and even fall months, lawn care and landscaping tasks are in full swing. Whether you take on these tasks yourself or hire a professional, your lawn and landscape are frequently receiving attention. But the one season where you don't have anything to do for your lawn and landscape is on its way - winter. And here in Macomb, MI, we have long winters. So, what should you do with all of your extra free time?
There actually are some things you...
4 Ways to Spruce up Your Commercial Landscape
Published on Sunday, October 10, 2021
The appearance of your commercial establishment creates the first impression in your customers' minds, and you
should make it count! An unruly landscape can give your customers the impression that you don't care about
appearance or attention to detail. Four ways you can spruce up your commercial landscape are by redesigning
your landscape beds, installing annual flowers, installing sod, and adding mulch. When done right, you will
have a landscape design that your customers will ...
What Should You Do With the Cores Left Over on Your Lawn From Aeration?
Published on Sunday, October 03, 2021
Aeration is a very beneficial treatment for your lawn; aeration allows you to loosen up compacted soil so that water and essential nutrients can reach the roots of your grass. After core aeration specifically, you will be left with plugs of soil on your lawn. What are you supposed to do with them? Your best option is to leave them be, but you could also break them up or get rid of them altogether.
You could leave the cores be so they can break down.
Think about it: the tiny cores...
3 Ways a Lawn & Landscaping Company Will Keep Your Family Safe
Published on Thursday, September 30, 2021
Outdoor time should be enjoyed among family and friends, but nothing pumps the brakes on the fun faster than an
unsafe lawn and landscape. Flea and tick infestation can be hard to ignore when your guests are suffering the itchy
consequences. Slippery snow and ice can impair your property to the point where simply walking out to fetch the mail
can become hazardous. Of course, these issues aren't all that you need to look out for. Diseased tree branches
have been known to fall if they ...
3 Reasons Why You Should Use Sod for Your New Lawn
Published on Thursday, September 23, 2021
Sod can give your yard the fresh start it needs and give your property the curb appeal you desire, all in the same day. It has been called an "instant lawn" for these very reasons. Sod is also a great choice to consider if you are looking to reduce the time you spend watering your lawn. On top of that, you can kiss weeds goodbye. Sod naturally requires a lot less attention in the beginning than seeded grass does, so it is built tough to fight off weeds from the first day of...
When is the Best Time to Lay Sod in Michigan?
Published on Thursday, September 16, 2021
Any property owner would be excited to lay the groundwork for a better, healthier, more beautiful lawn. Laying sod is a great way to do that. But, before you get too excited, make sure you are planning on laying your sod at the time of the year that will allow for optimum grass root establishment and growth. The best time of year to lay sod in Michigan is in the fall and the second best time is in the spring. No matter what you do, never lay sod in the summer!
Why should you lay sod in the ...
How to Care For Your Sod after Installation
Published on Sunday, August 29, 2021
Property owners in Macomb, MI often have many questions after installing sod. These questions usually pertain to what to expect from the new turf and are often more pronounced within the first few days of transitioning to a new sod lawn.
From installation day until a month later, caring for your sod requires a lot of time and energy. But if you install and water your sod on arrival, keep it well-watered for the first month, adhere to certain mowing guidelines, and remember to ...
Mosquito Control FAQ's
Published on Tuesday, August 24, 2021
Mosquitoes are some of the most annoying insects to deal with. They take over your property and can make it difficult
to enjoy gatherings with friends and family outdoors. Even worse, mosquitoes are responsible for transmitting diseases
to humans and pets each year. Sometimes it seems like no matter how much swatting you do or repellent you wear,
it's still difficult to keep mosquitoes under control.
Professional mosquito control programs are the most effective solution to...
SIMA Award
Published on Sunday, August 15, 2021
This year, the Snow & Ice Management Association (SIMA) held its 24th annual Snow & Ice Symposium awards program. SIMA is a North American trade association for the snow and ice management industry. They strive to offer educational resources as well as recognize individuals and companies who are dedicated to the industry.
Our very own Josh Denean of Big Lakes Lawncare was named a recipient of the Alan Steiman Symposium Scholarship. The recipients of this award are first-time Symposium...
Grass or Lawn Weeds - How to Identify the Grassy Weeds in Your Lawn
Published on Sunday, August 08, 2021
Even the most well-maintained lawns can be hosts to pervasive weeds that are tough to control. Managing and preventing weed growth can become more complicated if the weeds have an uncanny resemblance to your grass. It is vital to identify the differences between your grass and unwanted weeds, so you can take action and get professional weed control services early on.
Essentially, healthy grass has a rich, dark green color with no bare spots. On the other hand, weeds can be shiny, hairy, and...
3 of the Most Common Lawn Insects in Michigan
Published on Thursday, July 29, 2021
Michigan is home to many species of insects. While many of them are harmless, there are some insects that are known to cause damage to lawns. Three common lawn insects you should watch out for are chinch bugs, sod webworms, and lawn grubs. These insects can cause various types of damage including leaving brown patches on your lawn, killing your grass blades, and destroying the roots of your turf, just to name a few.
Continue reading to learn more about what these insects look like, what kind ...
Drainage Solutions: Should You Install a Dry Creek Bed or a French Drain?
Published on Saturday, July 24, 2021
While both French drains and dry creek beds are excellent drainage solutions, they vary in price, aesthetics, and more, so it's important to consider which option would be most beneficial for your property. Dry creek beds are great for large-scale drainage problems, are most common in landscaping projects, and add a beautiful decor element to any property. French drains are often used to divert water flow from a lawn or home and can be almost invisible to the naked eye. Dry creek beds...
How Long Do You Have To Wait Before Walking on Newly Installed Sod?
Published on Tuesday, July 20, 2021
One of the perks of sod is that you can get a beautiful new lawn much quicker than if you were to use seeds to grow your new lawn. Since it is pregrown grass, sod is often referred to as an "instant lawn" because you can enjoy the look of a lush, green lawn on the day of installation. However, the sod will still need time to establish itself into your soil before you walk on it or use it normally. We recommend that you wait about a month to walk on your new lawn and about 2 months to...
What nutrients are in our fertilizer?
Published on Wednesday, July 14, 2021
Most property owners know that fertilizers are essential in order for their turf to be at its best health. All fertilizer treatments make use of three primary nutrients that all grass needs to thrive: nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. There are other nutrients that should also be present in fertilizers, such as calcium, magnesium, and sulfur, however, they are only needed in smaller quantities.
Each major nutrient has a big role to play in proper grass growth and health including:...
5 Amazing Summer Blooms You'll Find in Michigan
Published on Wednesday, July 07, 2021
Increasing your curb appeal is enough reason to start the search for the most amazing flowers your region has to offer. Summer-blooming flowers are an excellent addition to any landscape, especially when you obtain those that produce a stunning display of colors that is nothing short of glorious when in full bloom.
Five summer blooms in Michigan that you might want to consider are bright eyes, tomato soup coneflower, orange garden lily, snow lady, and bubblegum blast. Continue reading to...
Mosquitoes carry many diseases transmitted to humans and pets through their bites!
Published on Sunday, July 04, 2021
Mosquitoes can put a damper on the moments you spend with your family outdoors. Aside from their distracting buzzing sound, they carry harmful diseases that can affect humans and even pets. Unfortunately, these annoying pests remain the deadliest animal globally, and they can already be on your property. Mosquito bites are itchy and can cause serious illnesses, so it is crucial to keep them away from your outdoor space.
Mosquitoes are most active during warm months. The best way to prevent...
Here’s How to Choose the Right Commercial Lawn Mowing Company
Published on Sunday, June 27, 2021
Keeping your commercial property looking good takes time and effort. This is especially true when it comes to maintaining commercial lawns. As a business owner juggling multiple priorities, deciding on which commercial lawn mowing company to hire can be daunting as there are so many different options.
The key to finding the right service is to check the reviews of various mowing companies, ensure they follow the 1/3 rule, and find someone who does more than just mow your lawn. Implementing...
What makes a difference? Slow-Release Fertilizer vs. Fast-Release Fertilizer
Published on Wednesday, June 23, 2021
If you want a healthy, lush lawn, fertilization is the key. There is no one fertilizer that can be considered a magic formula for all types of lawns. It largely depends on the exact nutrients that the soil needs most. According to the University of Illinois, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are very essential for a healthy lawn.
Most fertilizers fall under one of these two categories: slow-release or fast-release fertilizer. It's important to know how each one functions so that you...
What is that? - Identifying 4 Common Tree Diseases
Published on Wednesday, June 16, 2021
Have you noticed something abnormal about the trees on your lawn? Perhaps you've seen some decay on the bark, or maybe you've seen some weak or dead branches or some seeping fluid or even pests. These can all be signs that your tree is suffering from a disease.
There are some common tree diseases prevalent in Macomb, MI and surrounding areas. They include tree rust, tree canker, leaf spot, and apple scab. It's important to be familiar with them so that appropriate ...
4 Summer Weeds To Be Wary Of
Published on Wednesday, June 09, 2021
Weeds are unwanted plants that offer no value to your lawn. They are persistent, even in the summer season. Summer weeds thrive during the hot summer months and eradicating them is vital to maintain your curb appeal. Correctly identifying summer weeds will help you pick the best course of action to get rid of them and maybe even prevent them from growing in the first place.
Crabgrass and dandelion are examples of summer weeds you need to be wary of. They are invasive weeds that can take over ...
June Is Grub Prevention Month - In Our Book
Published on Wednesday, June 02, 2021
In a world where you can fill your calendar with various national months – everything from National Great Outdoors Month to National Rose Month – we'd like to submit our bid on adding National Grub Prevention Month to June. Since Japanese beetles and June bugs, common in northeast states like Michigan, begin to lay eggs in June, this is the perfect time to lay down your preventative measures. Prevention is the most effective way of preventing a grub takeover on your lawn....
Is My Pet Safe Outdoors During Lawn Care Treatments?
Published on Monday, May 31, 2021
Are you a pet owner and wondering how you can keep your pet safe during a lawn treatment? It's normal to worry
about the products being used on your lawn, how safe they are for your pets, and how long you should be keeping your
pets off of your lawn after treatment. We get it! That is why we have listed some helpful tips below regarding what
you can do to keep your pets safe before, during, and after your lawn has undergone a care treatment such as
fertilization.
Things To...
Why You Should Be Following the 1/3 Rule When Mowing Lawns in Michigan
Published on Monday, May 24, 2021
Perhaps the single most common mantra in lawn maintenance, the "1/3 rule" is what many lawn maintenance providers both advise and live by to ensure the best results for their clients. The basis of the 1/3 rule is to remove only the top 1/3 of the grass blade while mowing, meaning if you want to maintain a grass height of 2 inches, you would mow your lawn once it reached 3 inches. If you cut too much off of your grass blades at one time, you could cause stress to the lawn. To keep your ...
What Can Mulch Do For My Landscape?
Published on Tuesday, May 18, 2021
Mulching is the process of laying organic or inorganic materials on the surface of the soil. There
are many things that mulch can do for your landscape; not only do they provide a cohesive aesthetic, but they also
provide healthy and thriving conditions for your plants and trees in your garden. When appropriately applied, mulch
has the following beneficial effects on plants and soil, such as providing soil nutrients, blocking weed growth,
retaining soil moisture, and so much more.
...
Lawn Enemy #1 - The Grub!
Published on Sunday, May 09, 2021
Whenever property owners hear the words grubs, negative thoughts usually come to mind. It's true - grubs can really be considered a lawn's #1 enemy. Although healthy lawns can withstand a few grubs here and there, lawns that have not been maintained and cared for may be left with a lot of damage after a grub infestation.
It can also be hard to determine whether you have a grub infestation or not, and for some, the realization comes a little bit too late. Keep reading to find out how...
