Showing 101-150 of 238 articles.
When Is It Necessary to Remove a Tree From My Property?
Published on Thursday, October 19, 2023
While trees are beautiful additions to properties here in Michigan, there are some instances when they will need to be removed. Some common situations where you may want to remove a tree from your property include if the tree is touching a power line or if it's severely damaged, infested with insects, or suffering from a disease. If you have a tree that is leaning over your home or business and could potentially fall on it, or if it's in the way of a new construction project, then...
How Much Does Professional Tree Stump Grinding Cost?
Published on Thursday, October 19, 2023
If you have a tree stump on your property in Michigan that needs to be removed, one of the best ways to get rid of it is by grinding it down. If you're considering hiring professionals to grind down your stump, you may be wondering how much it's going to cost. Well, the answer to the question isn't an easy one because there are many different factors that could determine the price of this service. The bigger the stump is, the more time-consuming it will be to grind it down,...
4 Reasons to Have Tree Stumps Removed From Your Property
Published on Thursday, October 19, 2023
If you own a property in Michigan that has tree stumps on it that were either there when you bought the property or are left from when you had trees removed, it's a good idea to get rid of those stumps. For one, having tree stumps removed will enhance the aesthetics of your property. Stumps can drag down the curb appeal of your property, so removing them will give your yard a clean, uncluttered look. Another reason to remove tree stumps from your property is because they can be safety...
Take Your Outdoor Kitchen to the Next Level With These 5 Additions
Published on Monday, June 19, 2023
An outdoor kitchen is a worthwhile investment for your property in Michigan because it makes it more functional and increases its overall value! However, you can take this hardscape to the next level by adding various amenities to make it just as, or more, equipped than your indoor one! For example, a pizza oven can provide a unique and delicious cooking experience. Meanwhile, a refrigerator and wine cooler can keep food and drinks chilled and easily accessible. A sink is a convenient...
Investing in Landscape Lighting? Make Sure You Use LED Bulbs!
Published on Monday, December 05, 2022
When it comes to landscape lighting, LED bulbs are the best option. These bulbs are highly durable and are able to withstand harsh weather conditions here in Michigan. Plus, their energy efficiency means you'll save money on your electric bill while still enjoying high-quality lighting. LEDs also don't generate as much heat as incandescent bulbs, which means you won't have to worry about burning yourself or potential fire hazards. Continue reading to learn more about why you...
Gas-, Wood- & Propane-burning Fire Pits - Which Option Should You Choose?
Published on Wednesday, November 09, 2022
Having a fire pit installed is a great way to add warmth and ambiance to your outdoor living space in Michigan. You can choose between gas, wood, and propane-burning options, with each one offering its own unique benefits. While gas-burning fire pits are easy to use and low-maintenance, wood ones offer a classic campfire feel and are more interactive. Propane options are similar to gas and are more portable, but you'll have to replace the tank every time it runs out of fuel....
5 Breathtaking Water Features to Consider Adding to Your Property
Published on Tuesday, October 11, 2022
Having a beautiful water feature like a pond, fountain, waterfall, bubbler, or stream installed on your property in Michigan can offer numerous benefits. For starters, a water feature can add a touch of natural beauty and serenity to your outdoor space, creating a peaceful and relaxing environment for you and your guests. Water features can also increase property value, making them a worthwhile investment. Whether you're looking to create a soothing retreat or enhance its overall...
3 Services That Should Be Included in a Fall Cleanup
Published on Wednesday, September 21, 2022
Although the fall season in Michigan brings cool weather and colorful leaves, it is also a time you should schedule a fall cleanup service for your property! This is because your property will need a little extra care to prepare it for the upcoming winter season. Before scheduling a professional fall cleanup service, you need to make sure that removing debris and leaves is included. Excess debris promotes ideal conditions for lawn diseases to form. You should also make sure they cut back...
Bookend the Winter Season With Fall & Spring Cleanup Services
Published on Tuesday, September 06, 2022
In Michigan, cold weather, snow, and other hazardous weather factors can affect your lawn and plants. To prepare, it's important to consider your lawn's health when entering and exiting winter. Here's what you can do to support your turf — schedule fall and spring cleanups. During fall, leaves and debris build up on lawns, creating ideal environments for lawn disease to form and blocking nutrients from reaching your grass. Fall cleanups, luckily, involve removing this...
4 Services That an HOA Grounds Maintenance Company Should Offer
Published on Thursday, August 25, 2022
First impressions are everything when you're an HOA property owner, and you want to attract the likes of potential residents and keep current ones happy with a beautiful, well-manicured landscape. While you look for an HOA grounds maintenance company, you should confirm that they offer lawn mowing, spring and fall cleanups, mulch and seasonal flower installations, and snow removal. These four services are essential to maintaining your property's landscape in Michigan, as the...
3 Tips for Trimming Your Shrubs
Published on Tuesday, August 23, 2022
Your shrubs are staples on your property, and routine maintenance keeps them looking their best. Trimming your shrubs often maintains their appearance, and using a string during the trimming process will keep them level and give them a well-manicured look that will enhance their aesthetics. However, you should ensure you trim them at the right time, which depends on their growth cycle and when they bloom in Michigan. Following these 3 tips will ensure your shrubs are beautiful and...
3 Reasons You Should Skip DIY Perimeter Pest Control & Hire Pros Instead
Published on Thursday, August 18, 2022
Creepy crawlers are no strangers to properties in Michigan, and they always seem to somehow sneak indoors. While perimeter pest control is the most effective method for preventing insects from invading your inside living space, doing it yourself is risky and may prove to be ineffective. You could miss a spot if you spray an insecticide yourself, leaving an opportunity for insects to come in anyway. Not only that, but you could use a product that is not very effective and it might not stop...
4 Tips to Help You Protect Your Lawn From Dog Urine
Published on Wednesday, August 17, 2022
You may not be aware that your dog could be damaging your lawn every time it goes to the bathroom. Dog urine contains large amounts of nitrogen that's left behind after it evaporates. If your dog decides to pee on your lawn, it can damage your turf and leave behind brown patches. If you're worried your dog will do irreversible damage to your turf, don't worry! There are four ways you can protect your lawn from dog urine. The first method is to spray down the affected area on your...
Lawn Care Services That Will Help Your Lawn Bounce Back From a Lawn Disease
Published on Monday, August 15, 2022
Has your lawn in Michigan recently fallen victim to a lawn disease that left it weak and damaged? By investing in lawn care services like fertilization, overseeding, and aeration, you can help it bounce back! Fertilization will provide your lawn with the essential nutrients it needs to recover. Overseeding will fill in bare or patchy areas of your turf caused by lawn diseases. Aeration will loosen compacted soil and make it easier for nutrients and other resources to reach the roots of...
Want to Turn the Curb Appeal of Your Property From Drab to Fab? Here’s How!
Published on Thursday, August 11, 2022
Have you ever dreamed of taking your curb appeal to the next level? If you’re not sure where to begin, we’re here to help you! Start by sprucing up your landscape beds, which includes performing tasks like removing weeds and trimming your plants. For example, many plants in Michigan, like boxwoods, look much better when shaped up! You’ll then want to turn your attention to your lawn and invest in lawn maintenance and lawn care services so you can enjoy a stunning,...
How to Tell When Your New Sod Can Be Mowed for the First Time
Published on Tuesday, August 09, 2022
Sod is a quick and easy option to establish your new lawn in Michigan. Complete with pre-grown lush green grass, you will have a beautiful lawn immediately. However, unlike a normal lawn, it isn't fully established yet and shouldn't be mowed for the first time until at least two weeks after installation. Once it's ready for mowing, cut back on watering the day before to give it a chance to firm up, and set your mower to the highest setting to reduce the risk of stressing out...
4 Ways to Keep Cockroaches Out of Your Home
Published on Wednesday, August 03, 2022
Cockroaches are as disgusting as they are opportunistic, which makes them problematic for property owners in Michigan. Sneaking in through the crevices of your home, cockroaches will grab at any opportunity to get their hands on food. Because of this, you should remain diligent in keeping your house clean; don't let dirty dishes pile up, keep your trash cans sealed, and make sure there are no food crumbs on your counters or the ground. Leftover food will attract cockroaches into your...
Pre- VS Post-Emergent Weed Control - Do You Need Both?
Published on Friday, July 29, 2022
Unfortunately, Michigan is home to an abundance of weeds, and they will take any opportunity to steal nutrients from your lawn. However, you can help keep your property free of weeds throughout the year with a combination of both pre-emergent and post-emergent weed control treatments. Pre-emergent weed control acts as a shield between the surface of your lawn and the weed seeds; it prevents them from sprouting through the soil and can severely limit the number of weeds that break through...
4 Lawn Services You Should Start Thinking About Scheduling for the Fall
Published on Thursday, July 28, 2022
Lawns in Michigan are comprised of cool-season grass, which thrives during the cooler weather and does a lot of its growth in the fall to prepare for winter dormancy. With this in mind, you should think about scheduling fall services for your lawn, like aeration, overseeding, leaf removal, and a fall yard cleanup service. With these 4 services, your lawn can be fully prepared for the winter! Aeration loosens compacted soil and gives your lawn's roots better access to essential...
Big Lakes Landscape Receives 2022 SIMA Awards
Published on Monday, July 25, 2022
The Snow & Ice Management Association (SIMA) recently held its 25th annual Snow & Ice Symposium Award program. For those unfamiliar, SIMA is a North American trade association for snow and ice industry professionals.
Big Lakes Lawncare was recognized as one of the Best Places to Work in Snow & Ice in 2022. Additionally, our very own Team Leader, Charles Robinson, was named Snow Operations Employee of the Year. We are extremely proud of Charles for winning this prestigious award, as well as ...
4 Drainage Solutions to Consider to Help You Solve Your Drainage Problems
Published on Thursday, July 07, 2022
Have you looked around your property after a heavy downpour in Michigan and noticed a bunch of puddles out in your yard? That’s a sign the water on your property isn’t draining as it should be, which can lead to many frustrating problems down the line. Well, there are four drainage solutions that are designed to redirect water flow, so excess water isn’t just sitting on your property in puddles. The solution could be something as simple as extending your downspout, but in ...
Is Granular or Liquid Fertilizer Better for Lawns in Michigan?
Published on Tuesday, July 05, 2022
Throughout the year, your lawn will be faced with different challenges and will benefit from fertilizer treatments. Because we have cool-season grass here in Michigan that will be thriving during the cooler seasons and struggling in the heat of summer, it's important to tailor the type of fertilizer you're applying to your lawn to match its specific needs depending on the time of year. In the cooler seasons of spring and fall, as well as the cold winter season, your lawn will benefit...
The Best Way to Prevent Crabgrass From Establishing Itself in Your Lawn
Published on Friday, July 01, 2022
There are many weeds in Michigan than can take over your turf, but nothing is as problematic as crabgrass. This is an invasive weed that you can combat with pre-emergent weed control. Pre-emergent weed control is a type of weed control that works by creating a protective barrier on your soil that prevents weeds from breaking through so they can't establish themselves in your lawn.
The best time to apply pre-emergent herbicides is in the early spring before crabgrass germinates. This ...
Why Should You Hire Professionals to Treat Your Property for Mosquitoes?
Published on Wednesday, June 29, 2022
Now that mosquito season is here in Macomb, MI, it’s time to start charting out a course of action to deal with them. You could treat your property yourself, but why not hire a professional to do it for you? Hiring a professional pest control company comes with a slew of benefits that can help drastically reduce the mosquito population on your property. For one, professionals know where mosquitoes like to live and breed, meaning they can effectively target those areas when ...
How to Choose the Right Lawn Care Company
Published on Monday, June 27, 2022
With so many different lawn and landscaping companies out there in Michigan, choosing the right one for your home or business can sometimes be difficult. If you rush into a decision, then you may wind up with a company that doesn’t meet all your expectations. When choosing between companies, you need to carefully consider what each one brings to the table. You will want to hire a lawn care company that offers a large selection of services for your convenience. This company should...
The Best Ways to Protect Your Lawn From Harmful Diseases
Published on Thursday, June 23, 2022
Your lawn requires plenty of care and maintenance to stay healthy and strong. When your grass remains healthy, it
becomes better equipped to handle harmful lawn diseases common in Michigan such as leaf spot and dollar spot.
Several practices are essential to protecting your lawn from diseases that can otherwise cripple your grass. Lawn
fertilization is important to give it the nutrients it needs to survive and thrive. Weed control keeps weeds away,
ensuring that nothing is stealing ...
What Is Deep Root Fertilizer & How Does It Work?
Published on Thursday, June 23, 2022
When you're scheduling fertilization for your lawn and landscape beds, don't forget about your trees and shrubs! In Michigan, our landscapes commonly feature azaleas, cotoneasters, maple trees, dogwoods, and other trees that could use some extra TLC. One of the best methods to accomplish this is deep root fertilization, which is a fertilizer injection that will deliver a blend of essential nutrients straight to the roots of your landscaping plants. From there, the nutrients travel...
3 Ways to Prep Your Landscape Plants for the Summer Heat
Published on Tuesday, June 21, 2022
Summer is around the corner, and that means it’s time to start making plans for the upcoming heatwave in
Michigan. While you’re preparing for the temperature change, you also want to make sure your plants will
be ready for the summer too. In fact, there are three easy things you can do to prep your landscape plants to tackle
the summer heat. When prepping your landscape plants, you should aim to replenish your mulch to help regulate soil
temperatures and retain...
Flea & Tick Season Is Upon Us - Are You Prepared?
Published on Sunday, June 19, 2022
Flea and tick season is here, and it’s important to make sure you’re prepared for it. In Michigan, flea and tick season begins in the spring as the weather warms up and ends after it starts cooling down in late fall. You want to make sure your property is equipped to deal with both fleas and ticks by applying a granular pesticide that lasts the whole season. This way, you don’t have to worry about either of them after it’s been applied. It’s best to hire a...
Regular Tree Care - Where Should You Begin?
Published on Thursday, June 16, 2022
Do you have trees on your property that need to be cared for, but you just don't know where to start? Here are some simple, straightforward steps you can take to begin your journey into regular tree care. One thing you can do is contact your local landscaping company so they can inspect your trees and identify any issues. You can also get more familiar with tree diseases that are common here in Michigan so you can keep your eye out for potential signs. Finally, you can sign up for a...
What to Do About Water Drainage Issues on Your Property
Published on Wednesday, June 08, 2022
Having minor drainage issues on your property may not seem like a huge concern. However, the longer you leave them untouched, minor drainage issues can turn into major ones that cost a lot of money to fix. The rainy season here in Michigan can cause drainage issues to worsen even faster. If you notice problems with water drainage on your property,there are three things you need to do; first, identify the location of the problem. Once you know where the drainage issue is coming from, you...
Summer Survival Guide for Your Lawn in Michigan
Published on Sunday, June 05, 2022
The summer season in Michigan can be tough on your lawn. With the harsh heat that puts your grass at risk of drying out and looking dull, you definitely need a summer survival guide. Reinforcing your yard with much-needed nutrients is critical, and you can provide it through fertilization treatments. You'll also want to prevent weeds from stealing those nutrients for themselves, which is why you'll want to invest in weed control treatments. Proper watering and mowing are equally crucial ...
When to Trim & Prune Your Plants in Michigan
Published on Thursday, June 02, 2022
Most property owners here in Michigan know that regularly trimming and pruning their plants is important. However, many of them are unsure of the best times of year to trim and prune their plants. You should be pruning your plants about once a year, but when you decide to prune them depends on what kind of plants you have. You can trim your plants every six weeks or whenever you notice that they could use a pick-me-up. It's best to contact a professional to trim and prune your plants so it...
Why Should My Lawn be Mowed Every Week in Michigan?
Published on Monday, May 30, 2022
There’s not much that matches the vibrant beauty of a freshly cut lawn. There are a lot of different factors that contribute to this picturesque lawn, but one of the most important practices to follow is to regularly mow your lawn. In Michigan, you should mow your lawn every week throughout the growing season to keep it looking pristine. In addition to maintaining your property’s curb appeal, a freshly cut lawn will keep your grass healthy and will deter insects from infesting it....
Save Your Trees From Japanese Beetles by Stopping Them at the Source
Published on Wednesday, May 25, 2022
With the warm and dry summer months in Michigan comes the inevitable threat of Japanese beetles. However, you can get ahead of this threat and save yourself the headache! Japanese beetles are born as grubs, hatching and then living beneath your lawn and munching on its roots. Eventually, they emerge from the lawn as fully grown Japanese beetles and begin feasting on your trees. Luckily, there are preventative grub control treatments available that will stop grubs before they ever reach the ...
Here's Why You Should Never Attempt DIY Plant Pruning
Published on Sunday, May 22, 2022
Throughout the year in Michigan, your trees and shrubs are bound to need pruning as they grow – however, resist the urge to attempt DIY pruning. While it may seem simple enough, not all plants can be pruned at the same time of year, and pruning at an inopportune time can do more harm than good for your plant's health. It's also very easy to get ahead of yourself and over-prune a plant, stunting its growth and making it susceptible to disease. Plants have certain branches that ...
4 Lawn Diseases to Watch Out for in Michigan
Published on Thursday, May 19, 2022
It is important to stay vigilant and act as soon as you see the early signs of lawn disease. If left unchecked, these diseases can spread and then turn your once pristine lawn into one that is struggling to stay green. In order to catch turf diseases in their early stages, you should be aware of what signs to look out for. In Michigan, there are four common lawn diseases that you should know about: dollar spot, red thread, necrotic ring spot, and snow mold. Keep reading to learn how to identify ...
When Can You Let Your Pet on the Lawn After a Fertilization Treatment?
Published on Wednesday, May 18, 2022
Fertilization treatments for your lawn are extremely beneficial to keep them healthy. However, fertilizers can be toxic to your pets, and we know they are part of your family and you want to keep them healthy as well. If your turf is regularly receiving fertilization treatments, your pets need to stay away from your lawn for a specific amount of time to ensure they won't consume the chemicals.
The time window depends on the type of fertilizer your lawn is receiving. Liquid and granular...
Why You Need to Remove Weeds From Your Landscape Beds
Published on Friday, May 13, 2022
Weeds popping up in landscape beds is a common occurrence here in Michigan. At first, they may seem innocuous, but there are several reasons you should remove them from your landscape beds as soon as you come across them. For one, weeds bring down the curb appeal of your landscape beds. But that’s not all, weeds will weaken your other plants by stealing nutrients from them. If left alone, weeds will continue to grow and spread, and they could even make their way out onto your lawn,...
Here's Why Skipping Preventative Grub Control This Year is a Big Mistake
Published on Wednesday, May 11, 2022
Grubs are the larval form of beetles and can cause a lot of expensive damage to your lawn. Many property owners here in Michigan don't realize how severely grubs can damage their grass and often skip out on preventative grub control treatments entirely. However, this is a big mistake for a few reasons; firstly, you won't know that your lawn is infested with grubs until it starts dying. Secondly, it takes a lot of time, attention, and money to nurse your lawn back to health...
Should You Fertilize Your Lawn in The Summer in Michigan?
Published on Thursday, May 05, 2022
The weather is starting to warm up here in Michigan, meaning it's time to start preparing your lawn for the upcoming summer stress period. Your grass needs a steady supply of essential nutrients to survive the summer, and the best way to provide them with those nutrients is with granular fertilizer treatments. By fertilizing your lawn in the summer, you're giving your grass the strength and support it needs to survive the hot summer temperatures and make it to the fall. You should aim...
Leaving Debris on Your Lawn is More Harmful for Your Grass Than You Think
Published on Monday, May 02, 2022
Fallen leaves, twigs, and other debris are common to have on your lawn, especially during the fall here in Michigan. It can be pretty easy to turn the other cheek when it comes to having a messy lawn. However, leaving excess debris on your lawn does more than just lower your curb appeal. Debris smothers your grass and blocks sunlight, water, and essential nutrients from reaching it. Debris also attracts various critters to your lawn and harbors pest infestations. Leaving excess debris on...
What Sod Webworm Damage Looks Like & What to Do About It
Published on Thursday, April 28, 2022
Sod webworms can be a real nuisance for property owners in Michigan. These pesky bugs can cause extensive damage to your lawn if left alone. They feed on your grass blades, creating thin patches of turf that can spread over time. If you believe your turf is infested with sod webworms, it’s best to contact a professional to deal with them swiftly before they have the opportunity to inflict more damage. Once they have been dealt with, then it’s best to schedule professional lawn...
Are Chinch Bugs Munching on Your Grass? What You Should Do
Published on Tuesday, April 26, 2022
From late June to August, Michigan is warm and dry, which is, unfortunately, a perfect environment to encourage the presence of chinch bugs. In their adult stage, these bugs are winged and around an eighth of an inch long. Chinch bug damage presents like many other problems in the lawn, with irregularly shaped, discolored patches of grass that begin by turning yellow, then brown before they die. Once it's determined that the cause of these patches is chinch bugs, you'll want to...
The Perfect Weed Control Schedule for Lawns in Macomb, MI
Published on Thursday, April 21, 2022
Weeds can often be the thing that stands between you and a lush, healthy lawn. It can be frustrating when you spend your free time spraying or pulling them only for them to grow back. In order to truly control them and achieve a strong, healthy lawn, you'll need to follow a strict weed control treatment schedule, one that uses both pre- and post-emergent treatments.
In Macomb, MI, you're fighting against stubborn weeds like dandelions, giant foxtail, and fall panicum. By applying a...
Plant these 4 Native Flowers for Your Garden in Michigan
Published on Wednesday, April 20, 2022
If you are planning on planting a garden, there are plenty of beautiful, Michigan-native flowers to choose from; 4 great options include New England asters, cardinal flowers, sundrops, and butterfly weed. New England asters are purple and resemble daisies. Cardinal flowers are trumpet-shaped and vibrantly red. Sundrops are bright yellow flowers that grow atop dark green bushels of leaves. Butterfly weed grows clusters of small, reddish-orange flowers and attracts multiple species of moths and...
4 Reasons You Should Hire Professionals to Mow Your Lawn
Published on Tuesday, April 19, 2022
There are many reasons to hire professionals to mow your lawn in Michigan, but below are four major reasons to consider if you’re on the fence about it. Professionals will always follow proper mowing techniques to ensure your grass remains strong and healthy. They’ll also use sharp blades for a clean, even cut. They’ll often include other services like string-trimming to help give your lawn that finished look. And lastly, they’ll come out every week to keep your...
European Chafer Season Is Here - Take Action Now to Prevent Lawn Damage!
Published on Thursday, April 14, 2022
European chafer season is here in Michigan, and it’s time to make sure your lawn is prepared for these pests. European chafers are a type of beetle that lays eggs in your soil, and when they hatch, they can end up doing tremendous damage to your turf. The best way to handle European chafer grubs is with preventative treatments to stop them before they become a problem, which should be scheduled at two different times in the year to keep your lawn protected. If you find that you...
3 Simple Steps to Transforming Your Landscape Beds This Spring
Published on Wednesday, April 13, 2022
It's normal to get tired of what your current landscape beds look like and push to revitalize their appearance. The best time to transform your landscape beds in Michigan is during the spring when your plants have come out of dormancy and are starting to flourish. Here are 3 simple steps you can take to enhance your landscape beds: trimming your plants, installing new, colorful plants, and topping them off with fresh mulch.
Your existing plants need a haircut every now and then in...
Potassium - One of the Most Important Ingredients in Lawn Fertilizer
Published on Sunday, April 10, 2022
Your fertilizer is jam-packed with an assortment of nutrients designed to keep your lawn in tip-top condition, and one of those nutrients is called potassium. Potassium is an essential nutrient that wears many hats. For starters, it’s responsible for helping your grass survive when the temperature changes, which is an important job here in Michigan with our frigid winters and hot summers. Potassium also strengthens the cell walls of your grass, allowing it to retain moisture for...
