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 discharge water further away from the house. The most common pipe used to do that is 4" black corrugated pipe. This pipe is easy to use because it comes in long sections and can be curved due to its design. It's important to know exactly where the pipe ends in your yard so it can be checked and kept clean. Any debris on your roof will end up going through the down spouts and can clog the drainage pipe over time. Leaves, small stones from asphalt shingles, soot, debris, tennis balls and more will slow water flow. A clogged pipe will cause your gutters to over flow which can result in damage to your roof and walls in extreme cases. We recommend that underground downspouts be checked every spring and fall. Make sure any blockages are cleaned out promptly by removing endcaps and flushing clean water through the pipe with a garden hose.
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...
Buying at Big Box Stores
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...
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...