Lawn care in Michigan
History of Michigan
The history of the upper Midwest region now known as Michigan most likely begins with native Americans around 11,000 B.C. The first European exploration was led by Frenchman Etienne Brule around the year 1620. It was then part of Canada (New France) until 1763 after Britain defeated the French in the French and Indian War, at which time it was taken over by the British. Most of Michigan was part of the Northwest Territory after the Revolutionary War until 1800, at which time it became part of the Indiana Territory. Eventually, all of the area of the current state of Michigan as we know it today became the Territory of Michigan in 1805. Statehood was finally achieved in 1837, following disputes over boundaries with its neighbor, Ohio. If you’ve ever watched a University of Michigan versus Ohio State football game, you would think the border war still goes on today.
What is growing on here?
When it comes to landscaping your Michigan property, it will help to have a bit of guidance as to native shrubs that should thrive in the sometimes-challenging Midwest climate. Let’s take a look at some choices of shrubs with which to beautify your yard.
Big can be beautiful.
If you have room, here are two selections of larger shrubs native to Michigan:
Common Witch-hazel –15 feet tall, blooms in late fall, yellow flowers, likes moisture and shade
Blackhaw Viburnum –12 to 15 feet tall, full sun to moderate shade, white flowers in spring, fruit in early fall and purple to red flowers in late fall
Medium shrubs
In the mid-range, we have three excellent choices for Michigan shrubs:
Red Chokeberry – 6-8 feet tall, white flowers in spring, red fruit, and red foliage in fall, hardy, suitable for border use
Michigan Holly – 6-10 feet tall, red fruit, wet or dry conditions, sun or partial shade, simple to cultivate
Common Ninebark – 6-9 feet tall, suitable for challenging situations, sun or shade, pink and white flowers in May/June, Rose/Red fruits September/October
Arrowwood Viburnum – 8-10 feet tall, full sun to partial shade, white flowers in May, blueberries in September, yellow-red-burgundy color in fall
Small but mighty
In the “small” category, here are four native shrubs:
New Jersey Tea – 3X3, full sun to light shade, full white flowers in mid-summer, attracts hummingbirds, hardy
Buttonbush – 5-6 feet, wet soil, full sun, red and green foliage in spring, white flowers in July that small butterflies love, leaves turn yellow-green in fall
Bush Honeysuckle – 2-4 feet X 4-5 feet, sun or part shade, good tolerance of cold, bronze-green foliage in spring goes to reddish-bronze in fall, yellow flowers in June and July
Shrubby Cinquefoil – grows in diverse conditions, drought and salt resistant, green-gray leaves in spring, bright or dark in summer, yellow-brown in fall, bright yellow flowers all summer
Time-saving tip
When you are finished planting your shrubs and want to enjoy your Michigan landscape, use Lawn Love’s lawn services. Then you can just kick back and relax.
