A tree does not grow in Leland

Team Elmer's is honored to have been a part of Leland lore this past month.



The legendary Cottonwood tree in downtown Leland -- full of stories and memories for the town's residents and visitors for more than 100 years -- unfortunately had to go.

According to the Leland Chamber, the tree had been costing more than $2,000 a year to maintain, and with more than 40 percent of the tree dead, it was time to cut it down.



Fortunately, a plan is in place to preserve the tree in the form of sculptures and benches around town, with some relics being sold to residents and proceeds headed to local charities.

When the time finally came, Team Elmer's handled all crane and rigging for the job, working closely with Deering Tree Service. It was a bittersweet day, ending with a final “tree stump” some fifteen tall and seven feet wide, soon to be carved into a giant fish.

Want to see more pics of the job? Click here.



Click here for a Q&A with Mr. Cotton Wood himself!

Five tips to prepare your driveway for winter

It’s that time of year again! Are your driveway and walkways ready for the winter? Team Elmer's has installed and repaired more than 10,000 driveways and have learned a thing or two along the way. Here are 5 tips and things to consider before snow flies.

1. If it puddles in the summer, it will freeze in the winter.
Be aware of low areas in the driveway you’ve been meaning to fix. Small puddles can be BIG slip and fall troubles when frozen.

2. Rock salt and chlorides can kill.
Ice is a problem in northern Michigan winters, but too much rock salt and chlorides will kill grass and plants and can also speed the aging and erosion of your concrete walkways. Some alternatives? Calcium Magnesium acetate or potassium acetate won’t corrode your car, although they are a pricier option. Other choices include sand and other gritty materials that increase traction.

3. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
The best way to save cost and keep corrosion to a minimum is good, old-fashioned elbow grease. Shovel walkways immediately. Use a shovel, broom, or ice spike to keep snow from being packed down. And apply de-icer prior to snow build up to allow a quick release. It won’t stop the shoveling, but it will help you and your landscape in the long run.

4. Stake your driveway prior to freezing temperatures.
Ever tried pounding stakes once the ground is frozen? Not gonna happen! This year, plan ahead and mark the edge of your driveway before the big freeze (or have the neighbor boy who is snow blowing for you do it). It saves your landscape and helps those early morning mavericks who are clearing the way. Reflectors and brightly painted stakes are appreciated and easier to see in the headlights.

5. Plan for January in June.
When talking to new homeowners about their driveway, we at Team Elmer's typically ask where they plan to pile and push the snow. Determining this in advance prevents pain in the winter and hours of restoration in the summer. Adjusting the location of basketball hoops and rock gardens can accommodate the piles of snow that accumulates during winter’s long hold. Consider the size of the pick-up or snowblower that has to remove the snow. Thinking ahead keeps your cost down and repairs to a minimum.

Winter is never easy, but these tricks should have you prepped and ready as you'll ever be. And don't worry. If you don't fare so well, give Team Elmer's a call this spring and we will help with a new driveway or walkway!