RESOURCES
Lawncare & Outdoor Articles
Get into the weeds. Learn more about the services we provide.
- All
- Hydroseed
- Irrigation
- Landscaping
- Lawn Care
5 Low-Maintenance Summer Landscaping Ideas for West Michigan Homeowners
The secret to a beautiful West Michigan landscape that doesn’t consume your weekends is designing for leisure rather than labor. By swapping difficult turf for functional hardscapes like paver patios and boulder fire pits, and utilizing native perennials that naturally thrive in our unpredictable climate, you drastically reduce mowing, watering, and pruning. Strategic additions like dry creek beds manage heavy downpours, while automated lighting and a thick layer of hardwood mulch keep the yard looking pristine with zero ongoing effort. Ultimately, delegating the remaining upkeep to a comprehensive local team like Christian Brothers Outdoor Services ensures you can spend your short summer actually enjoying your yard, not just working on it.
The Best Native Plants for West Michigan Landscaping
West Michigan’s climate and soils favor plants that evolved here. Native trees like bur oak and flowering dogwood, shrubs like ninebark and winterberry, perennials like black-eyed susan and purple coneflower, and grasses like little bluestem all thrive across Kent, Ottawa, Muskegon, and Newaygo counties with far less water, fertilizer, and upkeep than non-native ornamentals. The tradeoff: most need consistent watering through their first season to establish. After that, they largely take care of themselves.
How to Rejuvenate Your Lawn This Spring
Learn how to rejuvenate your lawn after a West Michigan winter with step-by-step tips on aeration, overseeding, fertilizing, and more.
When Does Spring Cleanup Start?
Spring cleanup starts when the ground has thawed, the lawn is firm, and temperatures are consistently warming. For most cold-weather regions, that means sometime between late March and early May.
How Much Does Spring Cleanup Cost?
Most homeowners spend $200 to $800 on spring cleanup, depending on property size, debris level, and what services are included. Larger or heavily wooded properties can exceed $1,000.
What Is Spring Cleanup? (And What Does It Include?)
Spring cleanup is a seasonal landscaping service that removes winter debris, trims back plants, refreshes landscape beds, and prepares your lawn for healthy spring growth.
How Much Does Tree Pruning Cost?
Most homeowners pay between $300 and $700 for tree pruning, with smaller trees sometimes costing less and large or high-risk trees reaching $1,500 or more.
When to Trim Hedges: Best Time by Season & Type
Most hedges should be trimmed in late spring or early summer, with light maintenance trims through the growing season. The best timing depends on hedge type, growth habits, and whether the plant flowers.
How Much Does It Cost to Remove a Tree?
Most homeowners pay between $500 and $1,500 to remove a tree. Smaller trees may cost less, while large or high-risk removals can exceed $3,000.
When Is the Best Time to Irrigate Your Lawn?
Learn the best time to irrigate your lawn, how long to water, and how timing changes by season and soil type. Get practical tips for healthy, hydrated turf.
How to Winterize an Irrigation System: Step-by-Step
Learn how to winterize irrigation systems for lawns in colder climates. Follow key steps, timing tips, and maintenance guidance to prevent freeze damage.
What Are the Best Irrigation Systems for Lawns?
Learn which irrigation systems work best for lawns, from in-ground sprinklers to rotors and drip setups. Compare options and choose the right fit for your yard.