Blog | Ground Level Landscaping & Irrigationhttps://groundleveltc.com/blog/2024-03-28T22:10:09+00:00BlogWe're Back! 2020 Landscaping & Irrigation Services2020-04-28T19:33:02+00:002024-03-27T17:15:01+00:00adminhttps://groundleveltc.com/blog/author/admin/https://groundleveltc.com/blog/were-back-2020-landscaping-irrigation-services/<p>This may be slightly different this year, but we are very excited to get back to work and help Northern Michigan with their landscaping and irrigation needs.</p>
<p>We are seeking projects for the entire Spring & Summer season. Starting May 1st we will be doing irrigation start-ups. </p>
<p>Other projects we'd love to give you a free estimate on: </p>
<ul>
<li>Landscape Design</li>
<li>Sprinkler & Irrigation installation</li>
<li>Sea walls</li>
<li>Fire pits</li>
<li>Retaining walls</li>
<li>light excavating</li>
</ul>
<p>Call us today at (231) 620-6530 for a free estimate or to get on our schedule!</p>Home Advisor's Top Rated Professional Landscaper!2019-06-09T14:59:22+00:002024-03-27T05:05:24+00:00adminhttps://groundleveltc.com/blog/author/admin/https://groundleveltc.com/blog/home-advisors-top-rates-professionals/<p>We are proud of our accomplishment of being named one of <a href="https://www.homeadvisor.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Home Advisor</a>'s Top Rated Professionals! We have also recently been added as a 5 Year Member with Home Advisor which means our company has been screened and approved for 5 years on this trusted website.</p>
<table border="0" cellpadding="30" style="height: 186px; width: 50%; border-collapse: collapse;">
<tbody>
<tr style="height: 161px;">
<td style="width: 50%; height: 161px;"><img alt="Top Rated Business by HomeAdvisor" src="http://www.homeadvisor.com/images/sp-badges/toprated-solid-border.png?sp=27557488&key=1800e24e5f891572ebde4a19343750d9" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></td>
<td style="width: 50%; height: 161px; text-align: center;"><img alt="Screened & Approved HomeAdvisor Pro" src="http://www.homeadvisor.com/images/sp-badges/5year-solid-border.png?sp=27557488&key=1800e24e5f891572ebde4a19343750d9"/></td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 25px; text-align: center;">
<td style="width: 50%; height: 25px;">
<p><span></span></p>
<p><a href="http://www.homeadvisor.com/c.Landscaping.Traverse_City.MI.-12046.html#spid=27557488" style="display: block; margin: 0 auto;"><span>"You work hard, and you have great reviews to show for it. This badge lets homeowners know that you come highly recommended."</span></a></p>
</td>
<td style="width: 50%; height: 25px;"><br/><a href="http://www.homeadvisor.com/rated.GroundlevelLandscaping.27557488.html" style="display: block; margin: 0 auto;"><span>"You're a trusted, reliable business -- and you've been helping homeowners as a member of the HomeAdvisor network for five years."</span></a></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p style="text-align: center;"></p>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">Here are some landscaping & irrigation reviews left from jobs we've specifically acquired through Home Advisor.</h4>
<p><span></span></p>
<p><span><strong>Review by a Homeowner in Traverse City, MI</strong> <br/>Project: Install, Spread or Scrape Gravel or Loose Fill Paving <br/>Comments: Mike made an appointment, made an inspection of the project with me, offered his advice on how to proceed, and gave me a rough price to do the initial work. He established a date rage to complete the first phase of the project. Did an excellent job in rough grading our private road. Introduced an upgraded gravel mix into our base. We (our association Road Committee) are very satisfied with Mike's work and look forward to signing a long term contract with him. <br/><br/><strong>Review by Christoph S.in Glen Arbor, MI</strong> <br/>Project: Install Sod <br/>Comments: I contacted Mike by email based on the information provided by Home Advisor while being overseas. Mike visited the site immediately and came up with a well thought-out proposal giving me different options. He coordinated the schedule with other contractors like irrigation and construction all by himself. The sod was installed perfectly on time and absolutely professionally. I highly appreciate Mike's punctuality and communication and recommend him with no hesitation. <br/><br/><strong>Review by Donna S. in Interlochen, MI</strong> <br/>Project: Install a Lawn and Garden Sprinkler System <br/>Comments: Mike called us after I contacted Home Advisor asking for irrigation company. Home Advisor listed him Mike called within just a few minutes, came out a couple of days after the phone call. We knew pretty much right away that we would hire him to put in our sprinkler system. Mike is personable, straight forward and honest. They are finishing up the job today (9/05/2016) Labor Day!!! <br/><br/><strong>Review by David B.in Grawn, MI</strong> <br/>Project: Install a Lawn and Garden Sprinkler System <br/>Comments: Very professional and knowledgeable. Would recommend to family and friends!</span></p>What are the Best Ground Covers for my Garden?2017-07-23T00:00:00+00:002024-03-28T22:08:09+00:00adminhttps://groundleveltc.com/blog/author/admin/https://groundleveltc.com/blog/what-are-the-best-ground-covers-for-my-garden/<p>There are instances when a homeowner needs a fast growing kind of plant for covering bare soil on an angled bank or in beds. Maybe you have just begun a new permanent bed project, and are looking for a way<br/>to fill in the exposed spots until the perennials have reached their mature development.<br/><br/>Areas of exposed ground can be changed fast with a low growing plant. Exposed or bare soil is like a magnet for weeds that when allowed, could become established and set seed fast. On banks, solid erosion is<br/>a serious issue from rain and wind. Planting in these locations with cover plants not just addresses these two possible issues however makes yards more attractive.<br/><br/><strong>Types of Ground Covers Available</strong><br/><br/>Variegated Perinwinkle: One of the best options of cover plants for huge areas which requires vigorous and fast growing ground covers. With its green and white perennial leaves as well as amazing flowers,<br/>it does require to be sited with care as it will spread fast. Long shoots develop almost overnight as well as re-root once they reach the soil. These plants grow well in shade where the spotted foliage adds a sunlight touch. However, this could become persistent fast when not controlled.<br/><br/>Serbian bellflower: this is also a good ground cover. With bunches of lavender-blue star shaped flowers, this is really amazing. This spreads through underground runners, therefore you should not put this<br/>plant where it can overwhelm less vigorous plants.<br/><br/>Blue Catmint: This is also an ground cover to consider because of the fact that it grows fast. It has perfumed foliage of tiny silvery gray leaves as well as sprays of lavender blue flowers. This plant does prefer sunlight, on the other hand will also tolerate some shade. Blue Catmint must be situated where in could climb over the corners of a raised bed or an edge a ways where its smell can be released.<br/><br/>Prostrate junipers like the Blue Carpet are an amazing option for ground covers. They have spreading ground-hugging limbs and twigs that are covered with blue-silver leaves that look like needle. This plant will grow in virtually any weather conditions, and is specifically ideal for planting on slopes as well as banks.<br/><br/>Spreading roses: This ground cover is very valuable as well as an attractive way to cover huge areas of land. With lots of beautiful flowers, these plants form a flat carpet which looks amazing most of all in the sunny weather. The long spiky stems quickly spread so planting these where you like to control the erosion is smart. A lot of new types of blanketing or spreading roses are very hardy and trouble free. They look specifically good tumbling over a retaining wall or trailing down sloped area. A lot of varieties are on hand, in shades that range from white and pinks to vivid reds and peach.<br/><br/>Choose any of the above mentioned ground covers for weed control, soil stabilization or for amazing landscape design without too much effort.<br/> </p>3 Types of Edging for your Garden2017-06-02T00:00:00+00:002024-03-27T13:39:12+00:00adminhttps://groundleveltc.com/blog/author/admin/https://groundleveltc.com/blog/3-types-of-edging-for-your-garden/<p>The crew at Ground Level Landscaping & Irrigation do many garden bed installations. Picking the type of flowers and shrubbery is important but also thinking about edging before planting is smart. </p>
<p>Edging plays an important role in most gardens. Well-designed gardens consist of a series of shapes, each having a different purpose, such as a sitting area or a flower garden. Using landscape edging accentuates each garden area and defines the shape and form of the overall design.<br/> </p>
<h3>Plastic & Metal Edging</h3>
<p>Plastic & metal edging has been popular for many years in gardens throughout Northern Michigan. There is <a href="http://www.homedepot.com/p/ProFlex-No-Dig-100-ft-Landscape-Edging-Kit-3001HD-100C/205960614" rel="noopener" target="_blank">basic, black plastic edging</a>, <a href="http://www.homedepot.com/p/Argee-25-ft-Decorative-Plastic-Brick-Edging-RG825/100038507" rel="noopener" target="_blank">plastic brick edging</a> and other scalloped or designed edging available at stores like Lowe's or Home Depot. </p>
<h3>Pavers or Rock Edging</h3>
<p>If you prefer a little bit more of an elegant look and feel, pavers or rock edging may be for your garden.</p>
<p>Clay, concrete or rocks and bring a sense of uniformity and solidity to gardens using hardscaping. Ground Level Landscaping has access to many different kinds of bricks and rocks that will fit in with your landscape design and create a larger separation between lawn and garden. This results in less maintenance for you when weeding and keeping grass our of your garden bed.</p>
<h3>Natural Edging</h3>
<p><img alt="Natueral Edging" src="https://www.groundleveltc.com/media/uploads/image/edging.JPG" style="width: 30%; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; float: left;"/>One of the looks that is trending now is creating a natural edge around garden beds instead of buying plastic or metal. This would include planting perennials around the edge of your garden bed such as hostas or snow princess alyssum.<br/><br/>The natural edge allows for easier maintenance in the long run and provides more flexibility for your future garden. </p>
<p>Ground Level Landscaping will work with you to design your garden or flower bed and take care of purchasing the materials for you - giving you more time to enjoy the outdoors! </p>
<p>Call us today for a free consultation! (231) 620-6530.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>Landscaping & Irrigation projects2017-05-28T00:00:00+00:002024-03-27T13:05:56+00:00adminhttps://groundleveltc.com/blog/author/admin/https://groundleveltc.com/blog/landscaping-irrigation-projects/<p>Pictures say 1,000 words, so I thought I would share some of the great work Ground Level Landscaping & Irrigation has been doing. From retaining walls to new yard installations, we make your landscaping look great as well as function properly. </p>
<h3>New lawn, irrigation, trees and shrubs at a home near Long Lake Road in Traverse City. </h3>
<h3>After fixing the retaining wall and before planting new shrubs and laying new mulch bed on the side of the hill at a home near Chums Corner.</h3>
<p><img alt="Andrew Melissa Road in Traverse City" src="https://www.groundleveltc.com/media/uploads/image/829%20Andrew%20Melissa.jpg" style="width: 50%; float: left;"/></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<h3></h3>
<h3></h3>
<h3></h3>
<h3></h3>
<h3></h3>
<h3>Picture perfect retaining wall at a home in Traverse City.<br/><img alt="Retaining wall" src="https://www.groundleveltc.com/media/uploads/image/FullSizeRender_3.jpg" style="width: 50%; float: left;"/></h3>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>Calculating the Right Amount of Mulch to Use2017-04-03T00:00:00+00:002024-03-28T20:03:11+00:00adminhttps://groundleveltc.com/blog/author/admin/https://groundleveltc.com/blog/calculating-the-right-amount-of-mulch-to-use/<p>In Traverse City, many locals are starting to bring out their patio furniture and start to get their outdoor living spaces ready for Summer. We have more warmer days, the snow begins to melt and we get the opportunity to really see what our lawns look like after the winter.<br/><br/>This may mean picking up debris and getting your flower beds ready for Spring.<br/><br/>Most of the projects we work on include some form of mulch or ground cover to add to the curb appeal of the lawn. Most homeowners will start buying mulch or hiring a landscaping company in April or May.<br/><br/>If you are buying your own mulch this year, we found this handy mulch calculator to let you know exactly how much to purchase for your home.<br/><br/><a href="https://www.landscapecalculator.com/calculators/mulch" rel="noopener" target="_blank">https://www.landscapecalculator.com/calculators/mulch</a><br/><br/>By entering your area in square feet and depth, this online tool will calculate how many bags you need.<br/><br/>We find that generally people do not purchase enough, so this will alleviate that issue and only leave the decision of which color to pick. Also remember that buying mulch buy the bag is great for smaller projects but it is much less expensive to hire a landscaper and get bulk mulch at a discounted rate!<br/><br/>If you have a landscaping project that you need some extra help with this season, please call (231) 620-6530 to schedule a free in-home estimate with Ground Level.</p>
<p> </p>How to get rid of moles in your yard2017-02-20T00:00:00+00:002024-03-28T22:10:09+00:00adminhttps://groundleveltc.com/blog/author/admin/https://groundleveltc.com/blog/how-to-get-rid-of-moles-in-your-yard/<p>Having moles in your yard can be disastrous to a healthy lawn. Their tunnels will cause grass to brown and die. </p>
<p>Moles are in your lawn because there is food there. The primary food they seek are grubworms. There are different insecticides that are focused on killing grubworrms, which will cause the moles to move elsewhere to find food. </p>
<p>Depending on your location, this method works well. The insecticide can be found at Meijer or Home Depot but can also be expensive. If you have a large area that is infested, this may not be the best, or if you live in a Downtown area, you may not want to send moles to feed on your neighbors lawn either. </p>
<h3>Other methods to remove the mole itself are: </h3>
<p>1. Traps - There are many kids of traps found at your local hardware.<br/>2. Gas - if you successfully gas a major nest you should see positive results.<br/>3. Get rid of the moles with poisonous bait.<br/>4. Call a professional pest control service.</p>
<h3>Other methods we've heard which may or may not work: </h3>
<p>1. Juicy fruit gum<br/>2. Putting dry ice in their tunnels<br/>3. Certain plants such as daffodils, marigolds, alliums, and fritillarias are said to be natural deterrents.</p>
<p>Moles may feed on your lawn from late Spring to late Fall so finding a solution is crucial to keeping your lawn looking great. </p>
<p>Remember, a lawn with healthy grass will be less likely to be mole infested. Just another reason to have your lawn maintained by Ground Level Landscaping.</p>How to care for your new lawn2017-02-13T00:00:00+00:002024-03-27T05:05:08+00:00adminhttps://groundleveltc.com/blog/author/admin/https://groundleveltc.com/blog/how-to-effectively-mow-your-lawn/<p>Often times after Ground Level Landscaping & Irrigation installs a new lawn, customers ask us "how do we maintain it?". </p>
<p>To maintain a lawn you must know how to properly take care of it which includes incorporating different mowing strategies.</p>
<p>Mowing in opposite directions (criss-cross) is a great way to keep grass growing straight. The first week, mow north to south, then the next, east to west. You may find you can work 2-4 different patterns into your lawn. Doing so makes your lawn look great, adding curb appeal as well as keeping your grass healthy. </p>
<p>Also, be careful not to mow the lawn too short or put the blade down too far. Cutting the lawn too short may result in unhealthy grass. If too short, the roots have direct contact with the sunlight, and this may dry out grass and make it appear brown or beige in color. Sharp blades also work best. </p>
<p>If you do not have the tools or time to maintain your lawn, please ask me for recommendations on local lawn service providers. Ground Level Landscaping is fortunate to work with many lawncare providers throughout Grand Traverse, Benzie & Leelanau Counties. </p>