January 26, 2026

Top-Rated Lawn Care Services in Philadelphia: Professional Tips for Year-Round Grass Upkeep

Philadelphia lawns have actually a character formed by clay-heavy dirts, humid summer seasons, and winters that swing from careless to extreme. If you've ever enjoyed an uneven backyard perk up after a well-timed oygenation or seen cool-season lawn collapse under July warmth, you understand the city's traits demand both preparation and dexterity. The very best grass care solutions in Philly work with those facts, not versus them. They time renovations around dirt temperature levels, change trimming elevations as summer season clears up in, and handle the unpleasant middle ground where lawn care satisfies urban landscaping.

This guide mixes sensible, season-by-season maintenance guidance with understanding on choosing the best lawn care firm in Philly. I'll additionally detail what divides top-tier suppliers from the rest, based on years of strolling residential properties, repairing irrigation, and keeping in mind on what really grows here.

What makes Philadelphia yards unique

The area's leading lawn types are cool-season yards, commonly high fescue with some Kentucky bluegrass and perennial rye mixed in. High fescue is the workhorse for city and suv buildings, many thanks to its warmth tolerance, deep rooting, and improved dry spell resistance contrasted commercial landscaping services Philadelphia to bluegrass. Philly's mid-Atlantic climate indicates quick springtime growth, stress and anxiety in peak summertime, a strong loss recovery window, and an inactive or semi-dormant winter.

Soils often lean clay loam, which condenses quickly and holds water. That can be a true blessing during dry spells yet a migraine throughout stormy stretches, when roots suffocate. Many rowhome yards sit over construction backfill with poor raw material. Lawn battles there without oygenation, compost topdressing, and mindful watering.

We likewise contend with thick tree canopies in areas like Chestnut Hill and West Philly. Shield is the quiet yard killer, and the most effective landscaper in Philly will certainly tell you the truth: turf needs a minimum of 4 hours of filtered light to look decent long-term. In deep shade, groundcovers or mulch beds outmatch lawn, both aesthetically and financially.

How to choose a lawn care firm in Philadelphia

A great lawn care business in Philly does more than mow and blow. They build a plan around your microclimate, soil, and use. Below is what I seek when examining companies:

Experience with cool-season turf and clay soils. Ask just how they manage compaction, which oygenation devices they utilize, and whether they recommend slit seeding in fall.

Soil-first technique. Premier teams press dirt screening every 2 to 3 years, readjust pH with lime or sulfur as needed, and use slow-release nitrogen to lower surge growth.

Transparent, seasonal programs. Philadelphia yards benefit from 6 to 8 service touchpoints annually. Clear schedules aid you prepare, especially for seeding and pre-emergent windows.

Practical irrigation assistance. Most city homes count on hose pipes and lawn sprinklers. An educated team aids establish realistic sprinkling schedules without overselling watering systems where they're not needed.

Pest and weed control with judgment. Crabgrass, nutsedge, and wild violet are common here. Grubs turn up after wet springs. Try to find providers that favor targeted treatment, not bury spraying.

There's likewise the human factor. The best business communicate very early concerning weather delays, leave notes after each visit, and explain trade-offs plainly. If your shade level or soil profile makes a picture-perfect lawn impractical, a trustworthy crew will shift your plan toward landscaping services Philadelphia citizens utilize to match grass, like increased beds or native plant borders.

The seasonal rhythm that operates in Philadelphia

A great lawn in this city is the item of great timing. The schedule issues, however dirt and air temperature levels matter extra. Here is exactly how I map the year.

Late winter right into early springtime: wake-up and prevention

Once snow mold and mildew recedes and the soil is solid sufficient to work, I start with a fast cleaning. Mow high to remove off winter's ragged ends. Rake out matted locations lightly, not boldy, to prevent rooting out tender crowns.

This is the home window for pre-emergent herbicides to stop crab grass. Go for when dirt temperature levels hit roughly 55 degrees for a number of days. That generally lands anywhere from late March to mid April, depending upon the year. If you plan to seed bare spots in spring, skip pre-emergent in that location or utilize a product labeled for new seed.

On dirts that tested acidic, late wintertime or very early spring is a smart time for lime. Several Philly lawns sit between pH 5.5 and 6.3. Cool-season grasses like 6.2 to 7.0. Do not think. Lime without an examination and you can secure nutrients for many years. A leading yard care business in Philly will certainly schedule dirt testing in advance and spread out the improvement over numerous applications instead of unloading a heavy dosage in one pass.

Mowing begins once more as development returns to. Set the deck at 3 to 3.5 inches for fescue. This higher cut tones dirt, decreases dissipation, and inhibits weeds. Develop the blade. Dull blades tear yard, which raises disease threat in our moist springs.

Late springtime right into early summer season: handle growth, plan for stress

This is the season of fast development and unforeseen tornados. Tall fescue responds well to a light feeding with slow-release nitrogen, commonly 0.5 to 0.75 extra pounds of actual nitrogen per 1,000 square feet. Press it harder and you build lavish development that has a hard time when warmth gets here. I 'd rather leave space for a stronger fall feeding, when the plant can bank energy in roots.

Weed pressure climbs currently. Dandelions are easy pickings with discerning herbicides or a sharp weeder after rain. Ground ivy and wild violet are tougher. Judicious, targeted therapies work best. Blanket spraying the whole lawn wastes item and can blister tender springtime growth.

If grubs were a problem in 2015, talk to your service provider regarding preventive treatments based on monitoring, not behavior. Not every backyard needs it, and advantageous bugs experience when you spray preventively without cause.

Irrigation, if you have it, must supplement rainfall, not replace it. Early summer can be feast or scarcity. Go for an inch of water each week incorporated, changing for rainfall. Deep, occasional watering is the regulation. Grass that gets a daily splash trains roots toward the surface and wear out quicker in July.

High summer: protect and conserve

Philadelphia summer seasons are humid, and warm snaps will certainly examine your yard. This is when you transform tactics. Elevate trimming height to 3.5 to 4 inches. Miss a cut if the turf slows under heat stress and anxiety. Scalping welcomes illness like brownish patch, which enjoys warm nights and wet foliage.

Fertilization must be minimal or none in July and August. Feeding throughout heat encourages leading growth at the exact minute roots are struggling. If a lawn maintenance Philadelphia plan suggests a hefty mid-summer feeding for cool-season turf, ask why. In almost every instance, it's much better to wait.

Irrigate as the yard demands. The screwdriver examination is simple and effective: press a screwdriver into the soil. If it moves in quickly to the manage, moisture suffices. If it only passes through an inch, the soil is completely dry. Water early in the early morning so leaves dry rapidly. If you choose to let the grass go inactive, water lightly every 2 to 3 weeks, around a fifty percent inch, just to keep crowns alive.

Watch for diseases. Brownish spot reveals as uneven tan spots with a dark margin. Summertime spot can be much more insidious, usually connected to compaction and stressed origins. Cultural controls precede: sharpen blades, prevent late-day watering, and avoid nitrogen. A well-informed landscaper in Philadelphia can advise when fungicides are necessitated for high-value turf, yet a lot of home yards recover with loss oygenation and overseeding.

Fall: Philly's prime-time show for recovery and renovation

From Labor Day to Halloween is the sweet place. Soil is warm, air is cooler, and weeds are much less hostile. If I might only pick one season to buy, it would certainly be fall.

Core reliable lawn care company Philadelphia oygenation in September lowers compaction, enhances oxygen exchange, and opens up networks for nutrients and water. On clay-heavy lawns, pulling cores a minimum of yearly makes a dramatic distinction over a few periods. I favor hollow-tine aerators and a dual pass if the soil is greatly compacted.

Overseeding right after aeration functions well. Tall fescue mixes that consist of turf-type varieties create a thick, fine-bladed look with far better condition resistance. Aim for 3 to 5 extra pounds of seed per 1,000 square feet for overseeding, greater for complete remodelling. Topdressing with a quarter inch of evaluated garden compost helps hold seed, boosts microbial life, and smooths minor undulations.

Fertilization belongs here. A well balanced loss program supplies 0.75 to 1 pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet in very early fall and one more light application 6 to 8 weeks later on, changed based on soil tests. This approach drives origin growth and carb storage, which repay next spring.

Broadleaf weeds are remarkably susceptible in loss. Therapies for clover, plantain, and dandelion are a lot more reliable currently due to the fact that plants are drawing resources steadily into their origins. If you like a lighter chemical impact, place therapy continues to be a clever compromise.

Leaf monitoring matters. Damp leaves suffocate lawn and invite snow mold and mildew. Compost mowing, which chops leaves right into fine bits, operates in the majority of situations and returns raw material to the dirt. When the volume surpasses what the lawn mower can handle, gather and compost or ask your landscaping services Philadelphia provider to transport them. The objective is always the exact same: stop matting and keep light reaching the grass.

Winter: secure what you built

Once development quits, make a final clean-up pass. The last mow usually lands around 2.75 to 3 inches, a little less than your summer height. This helps in reducing snow mold risk, though we do not get the consistent snow cover seen in northern regions. Avoid hefty foot website traffic on icy or saturated yards. If the ground thaws throughout a warm spell, stand up to the lure to rake or function the lawn till the soil companies again.

Winter is likewise a great time to assess bigger modifications. Do you have areas that never ever grow as a result of shade or water drainage? A clever landscaping Philadelphia redesign might replace those failings with shade-tolerant perennials, ornamental gravel, or widened beds that minimize maintenance and water use. The very best landscaping company in Philadelphia will develop with runoff guidelines and neighborhood plant palettes in mind, so your yard looks all-natural in the neighborhood.

The service food selection that in fact helps

When people look for lawn care services Philadelphia, they commonly see bundle packages that look interchangeable. Under the hood, however, there are meaningful distinctions. Here is a functional way to think of service options.

Mowing and bordering. Useful when growth is fast. The quality of job programs in details: rotating cutting patterns to prevent ruts, trimming equally without scalping, and blowing clippings out of beds rather than burying plants.

Fertilization and weed control. Seek service providers that utilize slow-release sources for a lot of the nitrogen, time feedings to spring and autumn, and favor area sprays for weeds. Programs with five to seven visits each year are typical, but the content of those gos to matters greater than the count.

Aeration and overseeding. This is the solitary most impactful annual solution for compressed Philly lawns. If a firm tries to miss it, be cynical. Slit seeding can complement or replace overseeding in extreme thinning because it tucks seed right into superficial dirt furrows where moisture lingers.

Soil screening and modifications. The difference in between guessing and screening appears in your lawn within two periods. pH adjustments, potassium adjustments, and raw material strategies are hard to set without data.

Topdressing and compost consolidation. Specifically on freshly constructed homes, where topsoil is thin and subsoil is dense, an annual quarter inch of compost after oygenation develops fertility and boosts framework. It is not flashy, but it works.

Irrigation check-ups or upgrades. If you have an automatic system, ask for neck and neck coverage audits and matched precipitation nozzles. If you count on tubes, have your provider mark a straightforward watering plan that fits your schedule.

Pest and condition tracking. Instead of set up pesticide applications, the best business inspect, record, and treat when thresholds are gotten to. Japanese beetle grubs, chinch insects, and fungal conditions need various timing. Spraying on a calendar wastes cash and invites resistance.

Watering in the city: useful, not perfect

Many Philly residential properties do not have in-ground irrigation. That is great. I have handled plenty of attractive grass with a number of oscillating sprinklers and an inexpensive timer. The method is discipline.

Set lawn sprinklers so they overlap somewhat, delivering approximately one inch weekly spread over 2 deep soakings. Make use of a tuna can or a rain gauge to gauge. Move sprinklers systematically to prevent completely dry touches. If a heat wave hits, boost duration, not frequency. Morning watering protects against fallen leave dampness overnight, which fuels fungus.

Side lawns and tiny yards can be stubborn. Wind tunnels between rowhomes make distribution irregular, and fencings obstruct spray. In those places, soaker hose pipes under a light compost can outperform overhead watering.

Mowing height, blades, and trimmings: tiny selections, big payoffs

I harp on mowing since it is one of the most frequent touch a yard obtains, and little blunders substance. Set your lawn mower high, hold that line in summer season, and prevent removing more than one third of the blade each time. If a stormy week transforms your yard right into a jungle, make use of a dual pass at greater deck settings rather than forcing a single extreme cut.

Sharpen blades at the very least two times a period. If you see white frayed ideas on the turf a day after cutting, your blade is plain. Torn ideas lose water swiftly, invite condition, and make the lawn look gray.

Leave trimmings unless they mat. They return nitrogen and organic matter. On heavy development weeks, bagging is better than surrounding the grass. If a grass treatment business leaves windrows or clumps, ask to slow down or take a second pass.

The color and tree origin problem

Philadelphia's fully grown areas are full of maples, oaks, and sycamores. Trees and turf compete very for water and nutrients. If you have revealed roots at the surface area, loading soil ahead is risky. Origins need oxygen. Rather, create a mulched ring out to the drip line where functional, and accept a minimized grass footprint.

In spotted color, fine fescues can gain a place in the seed blend, however they do not like foot web traffic. Take into consideration stepping rock paths or increased beds through high-traffic color zones. An excellent lawn maintenance Philadelphia strategy equilibriums aesthetics with fact, saving you from reseeding the same area year after year.

Organic, low-input, and crossbreed programs

Plenty of homeowners want to minimize synthetic inputs. That is achievable, particularly if you invest in soil health and wellness, mowing discipline, and overseeding. Organic plant foods develop microbial life and release nutrients slowly. Compost topdressing, leaf mulching, and clover assimilation all contribute to a resilient lawn.

Be sincere concerning compromises. Weed stress will certainly be greater in year one and two, specifically versus seasonal weeds like violet. Much of my customers prosper with hybrid programs: organic fertility, social techniques like oygenation and compost, and targeted herbicides only where essential. A lawn treatment company in Philly that comprehends this balance can tailor a course that values your preferences while keeping the yard presentable.

Pricing assumptions and value checks

Costs differ by residential property dimension, access, and service scope, but you can orient on your own with harsh varieties across the city and close suburbs. Mowing on tiny rowhome lawns might run in the moderate weekly price array during height season, while quarter to half-acre suv whole lots can set you back numerous times that. Aeration and overseeding often comes under a mid-three-to-high-three-figure range relying on dimension and seed selection. Complete renovation, which involves non-selective kill, several seed passes, and topdressing, can push well over a thousand for larger properties.

Value reveals itself in results and interaction. If a team turns up dependably, leaves tidy sides, proactively flags problems, and hits the essential autumn window on schedule, they are earning their keep. If they miss aeration, prevent soil examinations, or press mid-summer nitrogen for cool-season turf, press for explanations or consider other options.

When to call a landscaping company as opposed to pressing grass fixes

Sometimes, the most intelligent step is to transform the canvas. If your front lawn gets less than three hours of light, grass will constantly have a hard time. If runoff rips channels with your side yard after tornados, yard is not the fix. Landscaping Philadelphia tasks that include swales, absorptive paths, and indigenous growings can address the underlying concerns and reduced maintenance long term.

A capable landscaper in Philly believes like a designer and a gardener. They must examine incline, dirt seepage, and plant choice along with curb appeal. Deal with groups that respect your home's architectural design and the area's personality, not just the Pinterest vision.

A simple, seasonal checklist you can show to your provider

  • Early springtime: soil test if past due, hone lawn mower blades, use pre-emergent when dirt strikes mid 50s, light slow-release feeding, mow at 3 to 3.5 inches.
  • Late springtime: spot-treat weeds, screen for grubs if there is a history, validate irrigation protection, maintain cutting height steady.
  • Summer: raise trimming to 3.5 to 4 inches, water deeply in early mornings as required, prevent heavy nitrogen, manage illness stress with social practices.
  • Early autumn: core aerate, overseed with turf-type high fescue mix, topdress with garden compost, use a well balanced loss fertilizer.
  • Late autumn: second light plant food if ideal, mulch or get rid of leaves prior to they mat, final trim around 2.75 to 3 inches.

How top-rated carriers earn their reputation

I have enjoyed companies gain luxury credibilities the slow-moving means, over years of regular field work. They do the unglamorous things well. They stop briefly after a thunderstorm to reschedule a cut rather than rut your dirt. They switch from blanket weed control to spot spray the very first time you ask, then explain the practical timeline for renovation. They encourage loss aeration also if it is the busiest week of their year, because they know that is when it counts.

When you assess lawn care services Philadelphia citizens suggest, look past social proof to procedure. Ask exactly how they educate staff members, what they do when a task goes wrong, and how they handle side cases like new turf in a warm front. Good solutions specify. If the salesperson can not describe the seed mix they use, the nitrogen resource in their fertilizer, or the target soil pH, maintain interviewing.

A few side cases worth calling out

New building grass frequently sit on compacted subsoil with a slim veneer of topsoil. Anticipate a 2 to 3 year turnaround if you dedicate to oygenation, compost topdressing, and mindful watering. Quick repairs seldom hold.

Pet damage focuses in wintertime and early spring. Flush those locations with water to dilute salts, then topdress with a light layer of garden compost and seed when soil warms. Tall fescue recoups better than bluegrass under repeat traffic.

Sidewalk strips heat up and dry faster than the lawn proper. Think about drought-tolerant blends, a small drip line under compost, or exchanging grass for a challenging seasonal border. It is much better to have a strip that looks deliberately planted than a churned-up jumble of weeds and dust.

Slope locations can gain from slit seeding integrated with disintegration control blankets for a period. Once established, deeper-rooted tall fescue outshines rye in holding soil.

Bringing it all together

A Philly yard thrives when you sync with the city's seasons and dirts. Springtime sets the table, summertime tests your perseverance, and fall rewards the work. The best grass treatment company in Philly magnifies your efforts with specific timing, straightforward guidance, and sharp implementation. They know when to seed and when best lawn care Philadelphia to wait, when to feed and when to hold back, when to eliminate weeds and when to reconsider the planting.

Whether you keep the job in-house or companion with a specialist group, the concepts remain the same. Build healthy dirt. Cut high with sharp blades. Water deeply however not continuously. Freshen and seed in fall. Select plants that match the site rather than requiring the site to match the plant. Keeping that approach, your yard becomes greater than an environment-friendly surface area. It develops into a resistant landscape that looks good in April, survives July, and rebounds with vigor in October. And that, in Philadelphia's environment, is the mark of work 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.