Mike Bonadeo
Owner, OPW Decks
What started as a summer job for 21-year-old Mike Bonadeo in 2004 became a 20-plus-year career — and eventually ownership of the business. In 2018, Bonadeo purchased OPW Decks (opwrestoration.com), the pressure washing and deck maintenance company where he'd worked for over a decade, bringing his brother Nick on as a partner.
Now leading a crew of five to six workers throughout the season, Bonadeo’s business focuses on what Michigan homeowners often overlook: the surfaces that take a beating during fall and winter.
“Mold, algae, dirt and grime accumulate during the fall and winter months,” he says. “Spring cleaning gets everything ready to enjoy for the warmer weather.”
And timing matters, he says. “Late winter and early spring is a great time to contact companies,” Bonadeo advises. “By the time working weather is consistently warmer, most companies will have already been booked four to six weeks in advance.”
Bonadeo’s services cover the full spectrum of outdoor surface maintenance: wood deck cleaning and staining, brick paver and concrete work including sand application and sealing, and pressure-washing for wood and composite decks, concrete — even house -leaning using low-pressure techniques.
The spring prep isn’t just cosmetic — it’s protective. “Stain protects wood from moisture and strong UV rays,” Bonadeo says. “Getting the deck cleaned and stained in spring protects the wood and gets it ready for the hotter days of summer.” Without that barrier, Michigan’s intense summer sun and unpredictable weather can cause warping, splitting and rot.
Between professional services, homeowners can extend the life of their outdoor spaces with simple maintenance. “Keep decks and patios clean of debris, dirt and grime by using a blower, broom, water hose and light pressure-washing," he says. “Just be careful not to remove the finish.”
His top tips for spring readiness? Pressure-wash cleaning services, deck staining and concrete sealing. These three steps set the foundation for outdoor spaces that last.
After two decades in the business, Bonadeo still looks forward to spring every year. “Warmer weather and getting back to work,” he says. “After a long winter pent up inside, we truly enjoy getting outside and working in the beautiful Michigan weather. We’re energized from the break and ready to work long hours.”
Robert Amezola
Owner and Arborist, Amezola Tree Service
Roberto Amezola didn’t choose tree service — it chose him. Growing up, he learned the trade from his father, absorbing decades of his expertise in working with old and big trees.
“My father taught me everything I know,” says Amezola, who cut his first tree at age eight. That foundation launched what would become nearly 30 years in business, starting in Amezola Tree Service (amezolatreeservice.com) in 1996 and continuing strong today.
For Amezola, spring readiness isn’t just about aesthetics — it’s about prevention. “Homeowners should begin thinking about tree service and maintenance in May when trees are blooming and leaves are starting to come to life again after winter,” he says. “That's when you’re able to identify any dead limbs that can be dropped due to wind.”
Those dead limbs can be potential hazards. By identifying and removing them through tree trimming, homeowners can prevent damage to property and structures before storms arrive. It’s a simple step that saves headaches and costly repairs down the line, Amezola says.
“Trimming the center of the tree removes some weight from branches so wind can pass through,” he says. That airflow is critical during Michigan’s unpredictable spring and summer storms.
Amezola’s company offers comprehensive tree care: trimming, pruning, removals, shaping, elevating, topping, land clearing, stump removal, storm damage cleanup and tree bracing and cabling. But his real expertise lies in understanding how trees work — and what they need to thrive.
Regular maintenance matters, though the timeline varies dramatically by species. “The best recommendation is to call tree experts to find out how often maintenance is due and get it scheduled,” Amezola says. Some trees need annual attention; others can go several years between services.
His top tips for spring readiness? Remove dead branches and limbs, reduce the weight of heavy branches, eliminate tree suckers that steal energy from growth and invite disease and assess whether dying, rotten or hollow trees need removal entirely.
Tree suckers — those small shoots growing from the base or trunk — are particularly insidious. “They take energy away from tree growth and can cause problems down the line, such as disease,” Amezola says. Catching them early prevents bigger issues later.
Amezola’s favorite part of spring-season work?
“My crew and I enjoy helping clients beautify and elevate their property,” he says. “That’s the best part.”
It’s a philosophy rooted in the lessons his father taught him years ago: care for the trees, care for the property and the rest will follow.