The Ultimate Guide to Year-Round Lawn & Landscape Care in Michigan

Key Spring Tasks:

• Thorough Cleanup: The first step is a comprehensive spring cleanup. This involves removing fallen leaves, branches, and other debris that accumulated over winter. Clearing this waste prevents mold growth, allows sunlight and air to reach the soil, and discourages pests.
• Pruning and Trimming: Trim away dead or damaged branches from trees and shrubs to encourage healthy new growth. This is also the ideal time to shape bushes and hedges before they fully leaf out.
• Lawn De-Thatching (Power Raking): Thatch is a layer of dead grass, roots, and debris that builds up between the soil and the living grass. A thick layer can block water and nutrients. Power raking effectively removes this thatch, improving your lawn’s health.
• Aeration & Seeding: Core aeration creates small holes in the soil, allowing oxygen, water, and fertilizer to penetrate deeper to the roots. Following aeration with overseeding can help fill in bare patches and create a denser, more resilient turf.
• Mulching and Garden Prep: Apply a fresh layer of mulch to garden beds to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Rototilling garden areas prepares the soil for new plantings.
• Drainage Check: Spring rain can reveal drainage issues. If you notice pooling water, it might be time to consider professional solutions like French drains to protect your foundation and prevent a soggy lawn.

Essential Summer Care:

• Proper Mowing: Mow your lawn regularly, but avoid cutting it too short. Taller grass (around 3-4 inches) promotes deeper root growth and helps shade the soil, reducing water evaporation and weed growth. Our expert Rochester Hills lawn service ensures the perfect cut every time.
• Smart Watering: Water your lawn deeply but infrequently. Early morning is the best time to water, as it minimizes evaporation and allows leaves to dry, reducing the risk of fungal diseases.
• Weed and Pest Control: Stay vigilant about weeds. Pull them by hand or use targeted treatments. Regularly inspect plants for signs of pests or disease and address any issues promptly before they spread.
• Power Washing: Summer is the perfect time to clean decks, patios, and walkways. For businesses, professional power washing in Rochester Hills can dramatically enhance the exterior appeal of your property.

Critical Fall Checklist:

• Leaf Removal: While beautiful, a thick blanket of leaves can smother your grass, blocking sunlight and trapping moisture that leads to disease. Consistent leaf removal is perhaps the most important part of fall cleanup.
• Final Mow and Fertilization: Continue mowing until the grass stops growing. A final application of a winterizer fertilizer provides essential nutrients that strengthen the root system over the winter.
• Gutter Cleaning: Clear all leaves and debris from your gutters to prevent ice dams, which can cause significant damage to your roof and siding. This is a key service for both residential and commercial properties.
• Perennial Care: Cut back perennial plants after the first hard frost to keep your garden beds tidy and reduce places for pests to overwinter.

Winter Watchlist:

• Snow and Ice Management: For businesses, reliable snow plowing and salting are not just about convenience—they are about safety and accessibility. Professional commercial lawn services often include winter contracts to keep your parking lots and walkways clear.
• Tree and Shrub Protection: Heavy snow and ice can damage branches. Gently brushing off heavy accumulation can prevent breakage. For delicate shrubs, burlap wraps can offer protection from harsh winds and road salt.
• Plan for Next Year: Winter is the perfect time to plan for the upcoming season. Consider landscape enhancements, new plantings, or hardscaping projects you’d like to tackle in the spring.

How often should I have my lawn mowed in Michigan?

During the peak growing season (late spring and early summer), weekly mowing is typically necessary. As growth slows in the heat of late summer and into the fall, mowing can be switched to every 10-14 days.

Is power raking (dethatching) really necessary every year?

Not always. Dethatching is only needed when the thatch layer is more than a half-inch thick. A professional assessment can determine if your lawn would benefit from it. Aggressive dethatching when not needed can actually damage the lawn.

When is the best time to plant new trees or shrubs in Auburn Hills?

Early fall is an ideal time for planting in Michigan. The warm soil encourages root growth while the cooler air temperatures reduce stress on the plant. Early spring, after the last frost, is the second-best time.

What is the difference between commercial and residential landscaping services?

While both focus on property maintenance, commercial services often involve larger-scale equipment, address safety and liability concerns (like snow and ice removal), and are designed to enhance a business’s professional image and ensure accessibility for customers and employees.