A Yard That Fits the Land It's On

Clay soil, hands down. It compacts, holds water, and starves roots. Amending beds and choosing plants that tolerate clay solves most of the frustration people blame on the climate.

After the last frost, usually mid to late May for tender plants. Trees and shrubs can go in earlier once the ground thaws. Fall planting works too if it's done early enough for roots to establish.

If they're rated for zone 4b or hardier and planted correctly, yes. The killers are usually poor drainage and winter wind, not the cold itself. Mulching and siting matter as much as the plant choice.

Without question. Leaves left matted over grass all winter cause dead patches and snow mold. A thorough fall cleanup is one of the highest-value services for a healthy spring lawn.

Usually. It depends on the cause: grading issues, downspout discharge, or a high water table each get different fixes. A site visit identifies which one you're dealing with.

Aeration, topdressing with compost, and overseeding with the right grass blend. It's a process over a couple of seasons, not a single treatment, but it works.

Landscaping and snow are usually separate crews. Ask when you request service and the contractor partner will tell you straight what's covered.