ELHS Freshman Opens Landscaping Business

Morgan at work.

14-year-old high school freshman Tommy Morgan has opened his own landscaping business, BUD, BRANCH & BLOSSOM LANDSCAPING, LLC in East Lansing.

“I’ve always liked to spend time outdoors. I remember spreading grass seed outside in my own yard when I was little. We used to have a reel mower, so I was allowed to mow our yard when I was pretty young. I used to look forward to that all week. I also used to ride my bike around the neighborhood and watch landscapers work. One local landscaper in particular was always really kind to me. Sometimes he let me sit in the company’s Bobcat skid steer. I liked to watch him work, and as I watched he’d talk to me about landscaping. We’re still friends, and whenever I see him I stop and talk. Now sometimes he stops to see what I’m working on,” Morgan said.

Morgan started experimenting in his own yard when he was in elementary school. “When I ran out of projects to do at my own house, I had the idea to start a business. I didn’t start it to make money, though that is satisfying. I really just love doing the work. I have done everything from 700-pound tree installations to hardscaping. I’ve done drainage work and designed multiple landscapes. I’ve loved all of my jobs.”

An example of Morgan's work.

Morgan said his favorite plants are Ligularia, Hakone Grass, Lady’s Mantle and Weigela. “I enjoy using a combination of native plants and some non-native plants. I believe using a mix of plants creates the most interesting landscapes,” he said.

Morgan is also active in athletics at ELHS. He runs in cross country, winter running club and track and has to balance athletics, school work, and his landscaping work. “Fortunately, the winter and late fall months are usually quite free. Those aren’t the months of competition. They also aren’t the busy landscaping months. Spring and fall are certainly busy, but I use my weekends to work. And I like working hard.”

He said there is no doubt in his mind that he has found his future career. “Landscaping is my favorite hobby, so it’s pretty neat to think it can be part of a job too. I really like working in East Lansing. There are so many interesting homes with neat architectural details. It’s satisfying to know I’m helping to make the community beautiful.”

East Lansing residents interested in landscaping services can like Morgan’s Facebook page (BUD, BRANCH & BLOSSOM LANDSCAPING, LLC), reach him by phone at 517-515-1723, or contact him by email at budbranchblossomlandscaping@gmail.com.