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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 homeowner gets a chance to see and feel what the job will look like.  We consider a landscape design as an insurance policy for an installation project.  If there are ever any questions we always go back to the design to make sure the installation is a match.  The design will protect the homeowner and contractor.  It should be included with the contract as an exhibit.

There is a big difference between a professional landscape design and a computerized concept.  A computerized concept is a quick way to provide an idea of what an area will look like.  A concept plan is not scaled.  Its purpose is to give the customer a visual image of what will be achieved.  A concept will not have any measurements and is not intended to be used as construction plans.  Today you can buy $25.00 programs at Best Buy to design a landscape concept.  They can be helpful for the design process, but are not adequate for construction. 

Some landscapers give free designs.  There is a 2 part problem with a free design:

     1.  LOW QUALITY DESIGNS--often they are quick hand sketches that  are hard to understand.  I have seen them done on the back of a      Burger King receipt.  You will have nothing to go back to if your                expectations are not met.

     2.  HIGH QUALITY DESIGNS--It belongs to the contractor and they may not let you keep it unless you hire them to do the project.  That makes it impossible to get competitive bids.  Some home owners may feel obligated to go with the guy who spent a lot of time on their plan, BIG MISTAKE, you may pay 10 fold for that free design.  Sometimes designers try to take Copyright ownership on ideas they have produced.

At Squeals, we offer design services.  For a minimal design fee we will create a scaled drawing using your home owner's survey.  Upon receiving your design, it is yours to keep and you can get other bids to compare pricing.  If you choose to use us, your design fee will automatically shift into a deposit toward your landscape project.  If you already have a landscape design, we would be glad to give you a free estimate based on that plan.

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...
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Five Star Rating!
Squeals does exemplary work. We hired them to do pavers for our driveway and we continue to admire the exquisite work. The owner, David Biel, has honor and integrity. He stands behind his work, and his pride in his company is always apparent. Since our driveway was completed, I have hired Squeals for two additional jobs, and referred them to several of our friends. Nobody is disappointed. They demonstrate excellent workmanship and they stand behind their work - customer service is unparalleled.* Gigi W. | Read More Testimonials
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