April 27, 2026

Premier Grass Care Solutions in Philadelphia: Professional Tips for Year-Round Yard Upkeep

Philadelphia grass have a personality shaped by clay-heavy dirts, humid summertimes, and winter seasons that turn from sloppy to severe. If you've ever seen an uneven yard perk up after a well-timed oygenation or seen cool-season turf collapse under July warm, you recognize the city's peculiarities require both planning and agility. The very best grass treatment services in Philadelphia work with those realities, not against them. They time remodellings around soil temperature levels, change cutting heights as summer season settles in, and deal with the untidy middle ground where turf care meets metropolitan landscaping.

This overview blends sensible, season-by-season maintenance advice with understanding on choosing the best grass treatment business in Philly. I'll additionally describe what divides top-tier service providers from the rest, based upon years of strolling homes, fixing watering, and making note on what really flourishes here.

What makes Philly grass unique

The area's dominant grass types are cool-season grasses, commonly high fescue with some Kentucky bluegrass and perennial rye blended in. Tall fescue is the workhorse for city and rural residential properties, many thanks to its heat tolerance, deep rooting, and boosted dry spell resistance contrasted to bluegrass. Philly's mid-Atlantic climate implies quick springtime growth, tension in peak summer, a strong fall recovery window, and an inactive or semi-dormant winter.

Soils usually lean clay loam, which condenses easily and holds water. That can be a true blessing throughout droughts but a frustration during stormy stretches, when origins suffocate. Numerous rowhome lawns rest over building and construction backfill with bad raw material. Lawn has a hard time there without oygenation, compost topdressing, and cautious watering.

We likewise emulate thick tree canopies in neighborhoods like Chestnut Hillside and West Philly. Shield is the silent lawn awesome, and the very best landscaper in Philadelphia will certainly inform you the fact: yard needs a minimum of 4 hours of filtered light to look suitable long term. In deep shade, groundcovers or mulch beds outperform turf, both visually and financially.

How to select a lawn care company in Philadelphia

An excellent grass care company in Philly does greater than mow and blow. They build a plan around your microclimate, dirt, and use. Right here is what I try to find when examining suppliers:

Experience with cool-season lawn and clay dirts. Ask exactly how they manage compaction, which aeration devices they utilize, and whether they recommend slit seeding in fall.

Soil-first technique. Premier teams press dirt testing every a couple of years, change pH with lime or sulfur as required, and make use of slow-release nitrogen to lower rise growth.

Transparent, seasonal programs. Philadelphia yards gain from 6 to 8 solution touchpoints annually. Clear routines assist you prepare, especially for seeding and pre-emergent windows.

Practical watering assistance. A lot of city buildings count on tubes and lawn sprinklers. A knowledgeable staff assists set practical sprinkling timetables without overselling irrigation systems where they're not needed.

Pest and weed control with judgment. Crab grass, nutsedge, and wild violet prevail right here. Grubs appear after wet springs. Search for companies who favor targeted therapy, not bury spraying.

There's likewise the human variable. The most effective companies communicate early regarding weather condition delays, leave notes after each browse through, and discuss trade-offs clearly. If your color level or dirt profile makes a picture-perfect lawn unrealistic, a trustworthy crew will move your strategy toward landscaping services Philadelphia citizens utilize to enhance lawn, like expanded beds or native plant borders.

The seasonal rhythm that operates in Philadelphia

A terrific yard in this city is the product of excellent timing. The calendar issues, yet dirt and air temperature levels matter extra. Below is just how I map the year.

Late wintertime right into very early spring: wake-up and prevention

Once snow mold and mildew recedes and the dirt is firm sufficient to function, I start with a quick clean-up. Cut high to remove off wintertime's rough ends. Rake out matted locations gently, not boldy, to avoid uprooting tender crowns.

This is the home window for pre-emergent herbicides to quit crab grass. Go for when dirt temperature levels struck about 55 levels for numerous days. That generally lands anywhere from late March to mid April, depending upon the year. If you intend to seed bare areas in springtime, miss pre-emergent in that location or make use of an item labeled for brand-new seed.

On dirts that examined acidic, late winter months or very early spring is a smart time for lime. Lots of Philadelphia grass rest in between pH 5.5 and 6.3. Cool-season lawns favor 6.2 to 7.0. Do not think. Lime without a test and you can lock up nutrients for years. A top grass treatment company in Philadelphia will schedule dirt screening ahead of time and spread out the adjustment over numerous applications rather than unloading a heavy dosage in one pass.

Mowing begins once more as growth returns to. Establish the deck at 3 to 3.5 inches for fescue. This greater cut shades dirt, minimizes dissipation, and prevents weeds. Sharpen the blade. Plain blades tear turf, which increases disease danger in our moist springs.

Late springtime right into early summer: handle development, get ready for stress

This is the season of quick growth and unexpected tornados. High fescue reacts well to a light feeding with slow-release nitrogen, generally 0.5 to 0.75 extra pounds of actual nitrogen per 1,000 square feet. Push it harder and you construct lush development that battles when warm arrives. I 'd rather leave room for a more powerful autumn feeding, when the plant can bank power in roots.

Weed pressure climbs up currently. Dandelions are easy pickings with discerning herbicides or a sharp weeder after rainfall. Ground ivy and wild violet are harder. Wise, targeted therapies function best. Blanket splashing the entire grass wastes product and can swelter tender springtime growth.

If grubs were an issue in 2014, speak to your company about preventive treatments based upon monitoring, not habit. Not every yard requires it, and helpful bugs endure when you spray preventively without cause.

Irrigation, if you have it, need to supplement rainfall, not change it. Early summer can be feast or famine. Go for an inch of water each week incorporated, changing for rainfall. Deep, infrequent watering is the regulation. Lawn that gets a day-to-day sprinkle trains origins towards the surface area and burns out quicker in July.

High summer season: protect and conserve

Philadelphia summer seasons are damp, and heat snaps will evaluate your grass. This is when you change techniques. Increase mowing elevation to 3.5 to 4 inches. Skip a cut if the turf slows under warmth stress. Heading welcomes conditions like brownish patch, which loves warm nights and wet foliage.

Fertilization needs to be minimal or none in July and August. Feeding during heat motivates leading growth at the specific moment origins are battling. If a lawn maintenance Philadelphia strategy suggests a heavy mid-summer feeding for cool-season turf, ask why. In nearly every case, it's much better to wait.

Irrigate as the lawn demands. The screwdriver test is easy and effective: press a screwdriver into the dirt. If it moves in conveniently to the take care of, dampness suffices. If it just passes through an inch, the soil is completely dry. Water early in the early morning so leaves completely dry rapidly. If you choose to let the lawn go dormant, water lightly every two to three weeks, around a fifty percent inch, simply to keep crowns alive.

Watch for diseases. Brown patch reveals as irregular tan spots with a dark margin. Summer patch can be a lot more insidious, often connected to compaction and stressed out origins. Social controls precede: hone blades, prevent late-day watering, and skip nitrogen. A well-informed landscaper in Philly can encourage when fungicides are warranted for high-value turf, yet many home grass recoup with loss oygenation and overseeding.

Fall: Philly's prime-time television for recuperation and renovation

From Labor Day to Halloween is the wonderful area. Soil is warm, air is cooler, and weeds are less aggressive. If I can just pick one period to invest in, it would certainly be fall.

Core oygenation in September decreases compaction, improves oxygen exchange, and opens networks for nutrients and water. On clay-heavy grass, pulling cores a minimum of once a year makes a significant distinction over a few periods. I like hollow-tine aerators and a dual pass if the soil is heavily compacted.

Overseeding right after oygenation functions well. Tall fescue mixes that include turf-type ranges produce a thick, fine-bladed look with far better illness resistance. Go for 3 to 5 extra pounds of seed per 1,000 square feet for overseeding, greater for complete restoration. Topdressing with a quarter inch of evaluated garden compost helps hold seed, enhances microbial life, and smooths minor undulations.

Fertilization belongs below. A well balanced autumn program provides 0.75 to 1 pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet in very early loss and one more light application 6 to 8 weeks later, readjusted based upon soil examinations. This method drives origin development and carb storage space, which settle following spring.

Broadleaf weeds are remarkably susceptible in loss. Therapies for clover, plantain, and dandelion are more efficient now because plants are pulling resources progressively into their origins. If you prefer a lighter chemical footprint, area treatment continues to be a clever compromise.

Leaf administration matters. Wet leaves asphyxiate lawn and welcome snow mold. Mulch mowing, which chops leaves into fine little bits, works in a lot of cases and returns organic matter to the dirt. When the volume exceeds what the mower can manage, accumulate and compost or ask your landscaping services Philadelphia provider to carry them. The objective is constantly the same: prevent matting and maintain light reaching the grass.

Winter: secure what you built

Once development stops, make a last cleaning pass. The last cut commonly lands around 2.75 to 3 inches, somewhat lower than your summertime elevation. This helps reduce snow mold and mildew danger, though we do not get the persistent snow cover seen in north regions. Stay clear of heavy foot website traffic on icy or saturated yards. If the ground thaws throughout a cozy spell, withstand the temptation to rake or work the grass till the dirt firms again.

Winter is also a good time to examine larger modifications. Do you have areas that never ever prosper as a result of color or drainage? A clever landscaping Philadelphia redesign may change those failures with shade-tolerant perennials, attractive gravel, or broadened beds that lower upkeep and water use. The very best landscaping company in Philadelphia will design with runoff policies and neighborhood plant combinations in mind, so your backyard looks all-natural in the neighborhood.

The solution menu that in fact helps

When individuals look for lawn care services Philadelphia, they frequently see package packages that look interchangeable. Under the hood, however, there are meaningful differences. Here is a practical means to consider service options.

Mowing and edging. Valuable when development is quick. The top quality of work programs in details: rotating cutting patterns to stop ruts, trimming uniformly without scalping, and blowing cuttings out of beds as opposed to hiding plants.

Fertilization and weed control. Look for companies that make use of slow-release resources for the majority of the nitrogen, time feedings to spring and autumn, and support place sprays for weeds. Programs with five to seven sees annually are common, yet the material of those visits matters greater than the count.

Aeration and overseeding. This is the single most impactful yearly solution for compacted Philadelphia lawns. If a company tries to miss it, be skeptical. Slit seeding can complement or change overseeding in serious thinning due to the fact that it tucks seed right into superficial soil furrows where moisture lingers.

Soil testing and amendments. The difference between presuming and screening appears in your lawn within 2 seasons. pH modifications, potassium adjustments, and organic matter approaches are hard to set without data.

Topdressing and compost unification. Particularly on freshly developed homes, where topsoil is slim and subsoil is thick, an annual quarter inch of compost after aeration develops fertility and boosts framework. It is not fancy, but it works.

Irrigation checkups or upgrades. If you have an automated system, request for neck and neck coverage audits and matched precipitation nozzles. If you depend on tubes, have your supplier mark a basic watering strategy that fits your schedule.

Pest and condition monitoring. As opposed to arranged pesticide applications, the best companies evaluate, document, and treat when thresholds are gotten to. Japanese beetle grubs, chinch bugs, and fungal conditions call for different timing. Spraying on a calendar wastes money and welcomes resistance.

Watering in the city: practical, not perfect

Many Philly buildings do not have in-ground irrigation. That is great. I have handled a lot of attractive grass with a number of oscillating lawn sprinklers and an economical timer. The technique is discipline.

Set lawn sprinklers so they overlap somewhat, supplying about one inch weekly spread over 2 deep soakings. Use a tuna can or a rain gauge to measure. Move lawn sprinklers carefully to stay clear of dry touches. If a warm front hits, boost period, not regularity. Morning watering stops fallen leave wetness overnight, which fuels fungus.

Side lawns and small courtyards can be persistent. Wind passages in between rowhomes make distribution irregular, and fences block spray. In those areas, soaker tubes under a light compost can exceed overhead watering.

Mowing elevation, blades, and cuttings: small selections, large payoffs

I harp on mowing since it is the most constant touch a lawn gets, and little errors substance. Set your mower high, hold that line in summer season, and avoid eliminating more than one third of the blade at a time. If a rainy week turns your lawn into a forest, use a dual pass at greater deck setups instead of requiring a single drastic cut.

Sharpen blades at the very least two times a period. If you see white torn ideas on the grass a day after trimming, your blade is plain. Torn suggestions shed water promptly, welcome condition, and make the grass look gray.

Leave trimmings unless they mat. They return nitrogen and raw material. On heavy growth weeks, bagging is much better than smothering the turf. If a yard treatment company leaves windrows or clumps, ask them to slow down or lawn maintenance company take a second pass.

The shade and tree root problem

Philadelphia's fully grown areas contain maples, oaks, and sycamores. Trees and grass compete fiercely for water and nutrients. If you have actually revealed origins at the surface area, loading dirt ahead residential landscaping services is dangerous. Origins need oxygen. Rather, develop a mulched ring out to the drip line where sensible, and accept a lowered lawn footprint.

In spotted shade, fine fescues can earn an area in the seed blend, but they do not like foot web traffic. Think about stepping stone courses or expanded beds with high-traffic color zones. A good lawn maintenance Philadelphia strategy equilibriums visual appeals with reality, saving you from reseeding the exact same location year after year.

Organic, low-input, and hybrid programs

Plenty of homeowners wish to decrease synthetic inputs. That is possible, especially if you buy soil health, trimming self-control, and overseeding. Organic fertilizers develop microbial life and launch nutrients gradually. Garden compost topdressing, fallen leave mulching, and clover combination all add to a durable lawn.

Be truthful concerning trade-offs. Weed stress will certainly be greater in year one and 2, especially against seasonal weeds like violet. A lot of my clients succeed with hybrid programs: natural fertility, social practices like aeration and garden compost, and targeted herbicides only where necessary. A grass care company in Philly that comprehends this equilibrium can tailor a course that appreciates your choices while keeping the lawn presentable.

Pricing expectations and worth checks

Costs differ by residential or commercial property size, gain access to, and service extent, however you can orient yourself with harsh arrays throughout the city and close residential areas. Mowing on small rowhome lawns may run in the small once a week rate range during height period, while quarter to half-acre suburban lots can cost a number of times that. Oygenation and overseeding typically falls under a mid-three-to-high-three-figure array depending on size and seed selection. Full restoration, which includes non-selective kill, several seed passes, and topdressing, can press well over a thousand for larger properties.

Value exposes itself in outcomes and communication. If a crew shows up accurately, leaves tidy sides, proactively flags problems, and strikes the critical autumn window in a timely manner, they are making their maintain. If they avoid aeration, stay clear of dirt tests, or press mid-summer nitrogen for cool-season grass, press for descriptions or think about other options.

When to call a landscaper as opposed to pushing yard fixes

Sometimes, the smartest relocation is to transform the canvas. If your front backyard gets less than three hours of light, grass will always have a hard time. If runoff rips channels via your side yard after tornados, lawn is not the repair. Landscaping Philadelphia jobs that include swales, absorptive courses, and native growings can address the underlying concerns and lower upkeep long term.

A capable landscaper in Philly believes like an engineer and a garden enthusiast. They need to evaluate slope, dirt infiltration, and plant selection in addition to visual allure. Collaborate with groups that value your home's building style and the community's personality, not just the Pinterest vision.

A simple, seasonal list you can show your provider

  • Early springtime: soil test if past due, sharpen lawn mower blades, use pre-emergent when dirt hits mid 50s, light slow-release feeding, cut at 3 to 3.5 inches.
  • Late springtime: spot-treat weeds, monitor for grubs if there is a history, verify irrigation protection, maintain cutting elevation steady.
  • Summer: raise cutting to 3.5 to 4 inches, water deeply in early mornings as required, avoid heavy nitrogen, manage disease stress with social practices.
  • Early loss: core freshen, overseed with turf-type tall fescue mix, topdress with compost, use a well balanced autumn fertilizer.
  • Late fall: 2nd light fertilizer if suitable, mulch or remove leaves before they mat, final cut around 2.75 to 3 inches.

How premier carriers make their reputation

I have actually seen firms make five-star credibilities the sluggish way, over years of consistent field work. They do the unglamorous points well. They stop after an electrical storm to reschedule a cut rather than rut your soil. They change from blanket weed control to find spray the very first time you ask, then describe the reasonable timeline for improvement. They encourage autumn oygenation also if it is the busiest week of their year, because they know that is when it counts.

When you evaluate lawn care services Philadelphia homeowners suggest, look past social evidence to procedure. Ask just how they educate employees, what they do when a work goes wrong, and just how they take care of edge situations like new sod in a heat wave. Excellent answers are specific. If the salesman can not describe the seed blend they make use of, the Philadelphia landscaping services nitrogen resource in their plant food, or the target dirt pH, maintain interviewing.

A few edge situations worth calling out

New building grass often sit on compacted subsoil with a thin veneer of topsoil. Expect a 2 to 3 year turnaround if you commit to aeration, garden compost topdressing, and careful watering. Quick fixes hardly ever hold.

Pet damage focuses in winter season and very early springtime. Flush those locations with water to water down salts, after that topdress with a light layer of garden compost and seed when soil warms. Tall fescue recoups much better than bluegrass under repeat traffic.

Sidewalk strips warm up and dry out faster than the grass proper. Consider drought-tolerant blends, a tiny drip line under mulch, landscaping services in Philadelphia or switching turf for a tough seasonal border. It is better to have a strip that looks intentionally planted than a churned-up jumble of weeds and dust.

Slope areas can gain from slit seeding combined with erosion control blankets for a season. Once established, deeper-rooted high fescue outperforms rye in holding soil.

Bringing all of it together

A Philadelphia grass flourishes when you sync with the city's periods and soils. Spring establishes the table, summer season tests your persistence, and drop rewards the work. The right yard care company in Philadelphia intensifies your initiatives with exact timing, honest guidance, and sharp implementation. They recognize when to seed and when to wait, when to feed and when to keep back, when to eliminate weeds and when to reconsider the planting.

Whether you maintain the job in-house or partner with an expert team, the concepts stay the same. Build healthy and balanced dirt. Mow tall with sharp blades. Water deeply yet not continuously. Aerate and seed in fall. Pick plants that match the website rather than compeling the website to match the plant. With that approach, your yard becomes greater than a green surface area. It becomes a resistant landscape that looks great in April, survives July, and rebounds with vitality in October. And that, in Philadelphia's environment, is the mark of job well done.

EAS Landscaping Address: 1234 N 25th St, Philadelphia, PA 19121
Phone: +1 267-670-0173
Website: https://easlandscaping.com/

EAS Landscaping

EAS Landscaping

EAS Landscaping is a Philadelphia-based landscape design and construction company specializing in artistic, sustainable outdoor spaces, including landscaping, hardscaping, garden design, and custom landscape architecture for residential projects.

View us on Google Maps
1234 N 25th St
Philadelphia, PA
19121
US

Business Hours

  • Monday: 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Thursday: 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Friday: 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Saturday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
  • Sunday: Closed

Follow Us


EAS Landscaping is a landscaping company

EAS Landscaping is based in Philadelphia Pennsylvania United States

EAS Landscaping address is 1234 N 25th St Philadelphia PA 19121 United States

EAS Landscaping phone number is +1 267 670 0173

EAS Landscaping website is https://easlandscaping.com/

EAS Landscaping operates on Tuesday from 8:30 AM to 6 PM

EAS Landscaping operates on Wednesday from 8:30 AM to 6 PM

EAS Landscaping operates on Thursday from 8:30 AM to 6 PM

EAS Landscaping operates on Friday from 8:30 AM to 6 PM

EAS Landscaping operates on Saturday from 9 AM to 1 PM

EAS Landscaping is closed on Sunday

EAS Landscaping operates on Monday from 8:30 AM to 6 PM

EAS Landscaping is connected with Brooks Brothers Construction

Brooks Brothers Construction provides hardscaping services for EAS Landscaping

Horace Captain leads hardscaping projects for Brooks Brothers Construction

Horace Captain has over 30 years of hardscaping experience

EAS Landscaping provides landscaping services

EAS Landscaping provides hardscaping services

EAS Landscaping provides landscape design services

EAS Landscaping provides landscape construction services

EAS Landscaping provides native plant installation and guidance

EAS Landscaping provides garden design services

EAS Landscaping provides residential landscape architecture services

EAS Landscaping provides fencing services

EAS Landscaping does not provide lawncare services

EAS Landscaping installs sod only as part of a larger design project

EAS Landscaping specializes in artscape landscape projects

EAS Landscaping collaborates with clients to create sustainable landscape designs

EAS Landscaping team has expertise in horticulture

EAS Landscaping team has expertise in landscape construction

EAS Landscaping team has expertise in project management

EAS Landscaping team has expertise in material logistics

EAS Landscaping won Philadelphia Sustainable Landscape Award

EAS Landscaping was awarded Best Urban Garden Design Philadelphia

EAS Landscaping received Recognition for Artistic Landscape Excellence

EAS Landscaping Google Maps link is https://maps.app.goo.gl/S64Ns9YXGW3pb42m8

EAS Landscaping has a YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPgmI0GioirEfnZG7hl4t7Q

EAS Landscaping has an Instagram profile https://www.instagram.com/easlandscaping/

EAS Landscaping uses social media for brand promotion

EAS Landscaping uses social media to showcase landscaping projects


Frequently Asked Questions About Lawn Care in Philadelphia


How much does lawn service cost in Philadelphia?

Lawn service in Philadelphia typically costs between $40 and $80 per visit for standard mowing. Pricing varies based on lot size, grass height, terrain, and service frequency. Additional services such as edging, trimming, or seasonal cleanup increase the total cost.

How much does lawn care cost in PA?

In Pennsylvania, routine lawn care generally ranges from $35 to $90 per visit. Monthly costs average $120 to $250 depending on services included. Fertilization, weed control, and aeration are usually priced separately.

What services are offered by Lawnstarter lawn care service in Philadelphia?

The platform typically offers lawn mowing, edging, trimming, and debris cleanup. Optional services commonly include fertilization, weed control, aeration, overseeding, and leaf removal. Availability can vary based on provider coverage and season.

What is the best grass to grow in Philadelphia?

Cool-season grasses perform best due to Philadelphia’s climate. Tall fescue is widely used for its heat tolerance and durability. Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass are also common, often blended for resilience.

What is the average pay for a lawn care worker in PA?

The average lawn care worker in Pennsylvania earns approximately $15 to $20 per hour. Entry-level roles are typically lower, while experienced operators earn more. Pay varies by season, employer, and skill level.

What is the best lawn care for beginners?

Basic lawn care for beginners includes regular mowing, proper watering, and seasonal fertilization. Maintaining correct mowing height and sharp blades prevents stress and disease. Weed control and soil testing can be added gradually.

Do you need a license for lawn care in PA?

General lawn mowing and maintenance do not require a state license in Pennsylvania. However, applying pesticides or herbicides commercially requires certification from the state. Local business registration may also be required.

What is the best time of year for lawn care?

Spring and fall are the most important seasons for lawn care. Fall is ideal for aeration, overseeding, and fertilization. Spring focuses on cleanup, early fertilization, and weed prevention.

What is the most expensive part of landscaping?

Hardscaping is typically the most expensive part of landscaping. This includes patios, retaining walls, drainage systems, and stonework. Costs are driven by materials, excavation, and labor intensity.

Is $20 an hour good in PA?

An hourly rate of $20 is above the statewide median for many labor roles. It is generally considered competitive for skilled or physically demanding work. Cost of living differences can affect how far this wage goes.

How many lawns can a 2 man crew mow in a day?

A two-person crew can typically mow 12 to 20 average-size lawns per day. Productivity depends on lawn size, travel distance, equipment efficiency, and service scope. Smaller, clustered properties increase output.

What is the difference between a landscaper and a groundskeeper?

A landscaper focuses on design, installation, and improvement of outdoor spaces. A groundskeeper maintains existing landscapes through mowing, pruning, and general upkeep. The roles differ mainly in scope and long-term responsibility.


Looking for lawn care in Philadelphia near Philadelphia Museum of Art ? Professional lawn care services help maintain healthy grass, control weeds, and keep outdoor spaces consistently maintained throughout the season.

I am a enthusiastic professional with a rich background in consulting. My drive for game-changing solutions drives my desire to scale thriving ventures. In my professional career, I have established a identity as being a pragmatic leader. Aside from scaling my own businesses, I also enjoy coaching entrepreneurial risk-takers. I believe in motivating the next generation of problem-solvers to actualize their own desires. I am often venturing into groundbreaking possibilities and uniting with like-hearted risk-takers. Upending expectations is my inspiration. In addition to dedicated to my startup, I enjoy visiting dynamic destinations. I am also focused on outdoor activities.