Mike Squillace, owner and founder of All Terrain Landscaping
By Ashley Ferraro
As temperatures rise, it’s a good time for homeowners in Parkland and Coral Springs to take stock of their landscaping. According to Mike Squillace, owner and founder of All Terrain Landscaping in Parkland, spring is when your yard’s needs start to change, and a few well-timed moves now can make a big difference in how your property holds up through the summer.
Mike has spent 45 years serving communities across Broward, Palm Beach, and Miami-Dade counties, and also owns and operates a 10-acre public nursery in Parkland. His background in botany and horticulture gives him a grounded, science-based perspective on South Florida’s unique climate and ecosystems.
According to Mike, April is the time to get your irrigation system dialed in before the rainy season arrives. “A lot of people set their irrigation schedule in the dry season and forget about it,” Mike says. “By June, you’re getting rain every afternoon and your system is still running like it’s March.”
When it comes to irrigation maintenance and preparation, he recommends inspecting heads, checking for leaks, and making sure coverage zones are accurate. He also suggests installing a smart controller or rain shutoff device, which prevents overwatering once the afternoon thunderstorms kick in and keeps nutrients from washing out of the soil before your lawn can absorb them.
For pruning, Mike says to get it done now before the heat sets in for good. Non-flowering shrubs and trees can be shaped to improve their form and encourage strong new growth heading into summer. For palms, remove dead fronds but avoid aggressive trimming, which stresses the tree rather than protecting it.
April is also an ideal time to add color to your beds before summer sets in. When introducing new trees and plants to an existing landscape, Mike recommends working with a professional. In South Florida, plant selection depends on property-specific factors like sun exposure, shade patterns, soil conditions, and drainage. With a trained eye for these types of details, Mike carefully selects the right plants, using his expertise to enhance your existing landscape.
The same goes for hardscaping. Installing or repairing stone, brick, and paved areas requires the right materials, proper grading, and an understanding of how water moves across a property. Mike and his team specialize in drainage and can accurately assess what a property needs when it comes to hardscapes.
As a final tip, Mike recommends refreshing your mulch. “It’s one of the simplest things you can do, and it makes a noticeable difference,” he says. A two to three inch layer helps regulate soil temperature, retains moisture through the seasonal transition, and cuts down on weed pressure heading into the wet season. Mulch is also an easy way to increase the aesthetic value of any landscape.
All Terrain Landscaping has earned a strong local reputation, having been named Top Landscaper by the City of Fort Lauderdale three times and completing high-profile residential and municipal projects across the region. Mike, his brother Dan, and their crew take a hands-on approach to every job, a commitment reflected in their 100% five-star rating on Google. + miami
To request a free consultation and quote, contact Mike at 954-658-5040 or visit
www.allterrainlandscaping.com.
