January 26, 2026

Top-Rated Lawn Treatment Solutions in Philadelphia: Specialist Tips for Year-Round Grass Upkeep

Philadelphia yards have actually a personality formed by clay-heavy dirts, humid summers, and winters months that swing from sloppy to extreme. If you've ever viewed an irregular lawn liven up after a well-timed oygenation or seen cool-season grass collapse under July heat, you recognize the city's peculiarities demand both preparation and dexterity. The very best grass care services in Philadelphia collaborate with those realities, not versus them. They time remodellings around soil temperatures, change cutting elevations as summer season settles in, and take care of the unpleasant middle ground where lawn care fulfills metropolitan landscaping.

This guide mixes functional, season-by-season maintenance suggestions with understanding on choosing the ideal grass care firm in Philadelphia. I'll additionally describe what separates top-tier suppliers from the rest, based on years of walking residential or commercial properties, troubleshooting watering, and keeping in mind on what really prospers here.

What makes Philly grass unique

The region's dominant grass types are cool-season lawns, typically tall fescue with some Kentucky bluegrass and seasonal rye mixed in. Tall fescue is the workhorse for city and suv homes, many thanks to its heat tolerance, deep rooting, and enhanced drought resistance compared to bluegrass. Philly's mid-Atlantic climate suggests rapid springtime growth, stress and anxiety in peak summer, a strong fall healing window, and an inactive or semi-dormant winter.

Soils commonly lean clay loam, which condenses quickly and holds water. That can be a blessing during droughts yet a migraine throughout stormy stretches, when origins stifle. Numerous rowhome lawns rest over building backfill with poor organic matter. Grass has a hard time there without aeration, garden compost topdressing, and careful watering.

We additionally emulate thick tree covers in areas like Chestnut Hill and West Philly. Shield is the quiet grass killer, and the best landscaping company in Philly will inform you the truth: yard requires a minimum of four hours of filtered light to look suitable long-term. In deep shade, groundcovers or mulch beds outshine turf, both cosmetically and financially.

How to pick a lawn treatment company in Philadelphia

A good yard treatment company in Philadelphia does more than mow and blow. They develop a plan around your microclimate, soil, and use. Here is what I seek when examining suppliers:

Experience with cool-season lawn and clay dirts. Ask just how they deal with compaction, which aeration devices they make use of, and whether they suggest slit seeding in fall.

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

Transparent, seasonal programs. Philadelphia yards take advantage of six to eight solution touchpoints annually. Clear timetables aid you prepare, especially for seeding and pre-emergent windows.

Practical watering guidance. A lot of city residential or commercial properties count on pipes and lawn sprinklers. An experienced crew assists establish reasonable watering routines without overselling watering systems where they're not needed.

Pest and weed control with judgment. Crab grass, nutsedge, and wild violet are common below. Grubs show up after damp springtimes. Try to find providers who favor targeted therapy, not bury spraying.

There's additionally the human factor. The most effective companies interact very early regarding weather condition delays, leave notes after each check out, and discuss trade-offs plainly. If your color level or dirt profile makes a picture-perfect grass unrealistic, a credible crew will certainly change your plan towards landscaping services Philadelphia residents utilize to enhance turf, like increased beds or native plant borders.

The seasonal rhythm that operates in Philadelphia

A fantastic grass in this city is the item of good timing. The schedule matters, but soil and air temperatures matter much more. Below is just how I map the year.

Late wintertime into very early springtime: wake-up and prevention

Once snow mold and mildew declines and the dirt is strong sufficient to function, I begin with a fast clean-up. Mow high to remove off winter months's ragged ends. Rake out matted areas lightly, not strongly, to prevent uprooting tender crowns.

This is the home window for pre-emergent herbicides to quit crabgrass. Aim for when dirt temperature levels hit roughly 55 levels for a number of days. That usually lands anywhere from late March to mid April, relying on the year. If you plan to seed bare spots in springtime, avoid pre-emergent because area or utilize an item classified for brand-new seed.

On soils that examined acidic, late winter or early spring is a clever time for lime. Several Philly grass rest between pH 5.5 and 6.3. Cool-season turfs like 6.2 to 7.0. Don't guess. Lime without an examination and you can secure nutrients for years. A top yard care company in Philadelphia will certainly set up soil testing ahead of time and spread the correction over numerous applications as opposed to unloading a hefty dosage in one pass.

Mowing starts once again as growth resumes. Establish the deck at 3 to 3.5 inches for fescue. This greater cut shades soil, minimizes evaporation, and dissuades weeds. Sharpen the blade. Dull blades tear turf, which increases condition threat in our moist springs.

Late spring into early summer season: take care of development, get ready for stress

This is the season of fast development and unanticipated storms. Tall fescue reacts well to a light feeding with slow-release nitrogen, normally 0.5 to 0.75 extra pounds of real nitrogen per 1,000 square feet. Press it more challenging and you develop lush development that struggles when warmth arrives. I 'd rather leave room for a stronger autumn feeding, when the plant can bank energy in roots.

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

If grubs were an issue in 2014, talk to your supplier concerning preventative treatments based upon surveillance, not practice. Not every yard requires it, and beneficial insects suffer when you spray preventively without cause.

Irrigation, if you have it, ought to supplement rain, not change it. Early summertime can be feast or starvation. Aim for an inch of water weekly incorporated, readjusting for rainfall. Deep, occasional watering is the rule. Turf that obtains an everyday sprinkle trains roots toward the surface and burns out much faster in July.

High summertime: secure and conserve

Philadelphia summertimes are moist, and heat snaps will check your lawn. This is when you alter tactics. Raise cutting height to 3.5 to 4 inches. Miss a cut if the turf reduces under heat stress and anxiety. Scalping invites conditions like brownish spot, which loves warm nights and wet foliage.

Fertilization ought to be very little or none in July and August. Feeding throughout warmth encourages top development at the specific moment origins are having a hard time. If a lawn maintenance Philadelphia strategy suggests a heavy mid-summer feeding for cool-season turf, ask why. In nearly every situation, it's better to wait.

Irrigate as the grass demands. The screwdriver examination is straightforward and reliable: press a screwdriver right into the soil. If it moves in conveniently to the manage, dampness is adequate. If it just penetrates an inch, the soil is dry. Water early in the morning so leaves completely dry quickly. If you select to let the grass go inactive, water lightly every two to three weeks, around a half inch, simply to keep crowns alive.

Watch for conditions. Brown spot shows as uneven tan spots with a dark margin. Summer patch can be a lot more perilous, frequently connected to compaction and stressed out origins. Social controls precede: sharpen blades, avoid late-day watering, and miss nitrogen. An educated landscaping company in Philadelphia can recommend when fungicides are warranted for high-value lawn, however many home grass recoup with autumn aeration and overseeding.

Fall: Philly's prime time for recuperation and renovation

From Labor Day to Halloween is the wonderful spot. Soil is warm, air is cooler, and weeds are much less hostile. If I could just choose one period to invest in, it would certainly be fall.

Core oygenation in September minimizes compaction, boosts oxygen exchange, and opens channels for nutrients and water. On clay-heavy grass, drawing cores a minimum of once a year makes a significant distinction over a couple of periods. I choose hollow-tine aerators and a dual pass if the soil is heavily compacted.

Overseeding right after oygenation functions well. High fescue mixes that include turf-type ranges create a thick, fine-bladed appearance with far better disease resistance. Aim for 3 to 5 pounds of seed per 1,000 square feet for overseeding, greater for complete renovation. Topdressing with a quarter inch of evaluated garden compost helps hold seed, increases microbial life, and smooths small undulations.

Fertilization belongs right here. A well balanced fall program provides 0.75 to 1 pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet in early fall and another light application six to 8 weeks later, readjusted based on dirt examinations. This method drives origin development and carbohydrate storage space, which settle next spring.

Broadleaf weeds are remarkably vulnerable in autumn. Treatments for clover, plantain, and dandelion are more effective now due to the fact that plants are drawing resources progressively right into their origins. If you favor a lighter chemical footprint, place therapy stays a smart compromise.

Leaf administration issues. Damp leaves suffocate lawn and invite snow mold. Compost mowing, which chops leaves right into great little bits, works in the majority of situations and returns raw material to the dirt. When the quantity surpasses what the mower can take care of, accumulate and compost or ask your landscaping services Philadelphia supplier to haul them. The goal is constantly the same: stop matting and keep light getting to the grass.

Winter: safeguard what you built

Once development stops, make a last cleanup pass. The last mow typically lands around 2.75 to 3 inches, slightly lower than your summertime height. This helps reduce snow mold and mildew danger, though we do not get the persistent snow cover seen in north areas. Stay clear of hefty foot web traffic on frozen or saturated lawns. If the ground thaws throughout a warm spell, withstand the lure to rake or work the lawn till the soil companies again.

Winter is additionally a great time to examine bigger adjustments. Do you have sections that never ever prosper as a result of shade or drain? A smart landscaping Philadelphia redesign might change those failures with shade-tolerant perennials, attractive gravel, or broadened beds that lower upkeep and water use. The very best landscaper in Philly will certainly make with runoff regulations and neighborhood plant palettes in mind, so your lawn looks all-natural in the neighborhood.

The service menu that in fact helps

When people search for lawn care services Philadelphia, they commonly see bundle packages that look compatible. Under the hood, however, there are purposeful differences. Here is a functional way to think about solution options.

Mowing and edging. Helpful when development is fast. The high quality of work shows in information: alternating cutting patterns to prevent ruts, trimming uniformly without scalping, and blowing trimmings out of beds as opposed to burying plants.

Fertilization and weed control. Look for providers that utilize slow-release resources for the majority of the nitrogen, time feedings to spring and fall, and support spot sprays for weeds. Programs with 5 to seven gos to per year are normal, however the web content of those check outs matters greater than the count.

Aeration and overseeding. This is the single most impactful annual service for compressed Philly grass. If a company attempts to skip it, be skeptical. Slit seeding can complement or change overseeding in extreme thinning since it puts seed right into superficial dirt furrows where wetness lingers.

Soil screening and changes. The difference in between thinking and testing turns up in your lawn within 2 seasons. pH improvements, potassium adjustments, and raw material techniques are difficult to establish without data.

Topdressing and garden compost unification. Particularly on newly developed homes, where topsoil is slim and subsoil is dense, a yearly quarter inch of garden compost after aeration constructs fertility and boosts framework. It is not flashy, however it works.

Irrigation checkups or upgrades. If you have an automated system, request head-to-head insurance coverage audits and matched rainfall nozzles. If you rely on hoses, have your service provider mark a straightforward watering plan that fits your schedule.

Pest and condition surveillance. As opposed to arranged chemical applications, the best business examine, document, and treat when limits are reached. Japanese beetle grubs, chinch pests, and fungal conditions need various timing. Spraying on a schedule wastes money and welcomes resistance.

Watering in the city: useful, not perfect

Many Philadelphia properties do not have in-ground irrigation. That is great. I have managed plenty of fine-looking lawns with a number of oscillating lawn sprinklers and a low-cost timer. The technique is discipline.

Set lawn sprinklers so they overlap slightly, providing approximately one inch weekly spread over 2 deep soakings. Make use of a tuna can or a rain scale to determine. Move sprinklers carefully to prevent completely dry streaks. If a warm front hits, boost duration, not regularity. Early morning watering prevents fallen leave wetness overnight, which gas fungus.

Side backyards and small yards can be stubborn. Wind tunnels in between rowhomes make distribution unequal, and fences block spray. In those places, soaker tubes under a light mulch can outshine overhead watering.

Mowing height, blades, and cuttings: tiny choices, big payoffs

I harp on cutting since it is one of the most constant touch a yard obtains, and little blunders substance. Establish your lawn mower high, hold that line in summer, and prevent eliminating more than one third of the blade each time. If a stormy week transforms your lawn into a forest, make use of a double pass at greater deck setups rather than compeling a solitary drastic cut.

Sharpen blades at least twice a season. professional lawn care service Philadelphia If you see white frayed ideas on the turf a day after mowing, your blade is dull. Torn pointers lose water quickly, invite illness, and make the yard appearance gray.

Leave clippings unless they mat. They return nitrogen and raw material. On heavy development weeks, bagging is much better than surrounding the grass. If a yard treatment business leaves windrows or clumps, ask them to decrease or take a 2nd pass.

The color and tree origin problem

Philadelphia's mature areas have plenty of maples, oaks, and sycamores. Trees and turf contend fiercely for water and nutrients. If you have revealed origins at the surface area, piling dirt on the top is dangerous. Origins need oxygen. Rather, produce a mulched ring out to the drip line where functional, and approve a reduced grass footprint.

In spotted shade, great fescues can make a location in the seed blend, yet they do not enjoy foot website traffic. Think about tipping rock courses or broadened beds with high-traffic shade zones. An excellent lawn maintenance Philadelphia strategy equilibriums appearances with reality, saving you from reseeding the exact same area year after year.

Organic, low-input, and hybrid programs

Plenty of home owners want to decrease artificial inputs. That is achievable, particularly if you invest in soil health and wellness, mowing technique, and overseeding. Organic plant foods build microbial life and release nutrients slowly. Garden compost topdressing, leaf mulching, and clover integration all contribute to a resilient lawn.

Be truthful about compromises. Weed pressure will certainly be greater in year one and 2, particularly versus seasonal weeds like violet. Much of my customers do well with hybrid programs: natural fertility, social practices like aeration and garden compost, and targeted herbicides just where needed. A lawn care firm in Philly that comprehends this balance can customize a course that respects your preferences while maintaining the grass presentable.

Pricing assumptions and value checks

Costs vary by residential or commercial property dimension, access, and solution extent, however you can orient yourself with harsh varieties across the city and close residential areas. Cutting on little rowhome grass could run in the moderate once a week cost array during top period, while quarter to half-acre rural lots can set you back several times that. Oygenation and overseeding typically falls into a mid-three-to-high-three-figure range depending upon size and seed selection. Full improvement, which includes non-selective kill, numerous seed passes, and topdressing, can press more than a thousand for larger properties.

Value reveals itself in outcomes and interaction. If a crew turns up accurately, leaves tidy edges, proactively flags problems, and hits the vital autumn home window on schedule, they are earning their keep. If they avoid oygenation, avoid soil tests, or press mid-summer nitrogen for cool-season grass, press for explanations or consider various other options.

When to call a landscaping company as opposed to pushing yard fixes

Sometimes, the most intelligent move is to transform the canvas. If your front yard gets less than three hours of light, turf will always have a hard time. If runoff tears channels with your side yard after storms, grass is not the solution. Landscaping Philadelphia tasks that add swales, permeable paths, and native growings can address the underlying issues and lower upkeep long term.

A capable landscaping company in Philadelphia believes like a designer and a gardener. They need to review incline, dirt seepage, and plant choice in addition to visual allure. Collaborate with teams that respect your home's building design and the area's character, not just the Pinterest vision.

A simple, seasonal list you can share with your provider

  • Early springtime: soil test if past due, sharpen mower blades, apply pre-emergent when dirt strikes mid 50s, light slow-release feeding, trim at 3 to 3.5 inches.
  • Late spring: spot-treat weeds, display for grubs if there is a background, validate irrigation protection, maintain cutting elevation steady.
  • Summer: raise mowing to 3.5 to 4 inches, water deeply in early mornings as required, avoid heavy nitrogen, handle condition stress with social practices.
  • Early autumn: core freshen, overseed with turf-type high fescue mix, topdress with compost, use a balanced autumn fertilizer.
  • Late loss: second light fertilizer if appropriate, mulch or remove leaves before they mat, last trim around 2.75 to 3 inches.

How premier service providers gain their reputation

I have actually watched companies make first-class credibilities the sluggish method, over years of consistent area work. They do the unglamorous points well. They pause after a thunderstorm to reschedule a cut rather than rut your dirt. They switch from covering weed control to find spray the very first time you ask, then explain the realistic timeline for renovation. They urge autumn aeration even if it is the busiest week of their year, due to the fact that they recognize that is when it counts.

When you review lawn care services Philadelphia residents advise, look past social evidence to process. Ask exactly how they train employees, what they do when a job goes wrong, and exactly how they take care of edge cases like new sod in a heat wave. Excellent responses are specific. If the salesman can not explain the seed mix they use, the nitrogen resource in their fertilizer, or the target dirt pH, maintain interviewing.

A couple of edge situations worth calling out

New building and construction yards often 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 careful watering. Quick solutions rarely hold.

Pet damage concentrates in wintertime and early springtime. Flush those areas with water to weaken salts, after that topdress with a light layer of garden compost and seed when soil warms. Tall fescue recovers far better than bluegrass under repeat traffic.

Sidewalk strips heat up and dry out faster than the yard appropriate. Think about drought-tolerant blends, a small drip line under compost, or exchanging lawn for a challenging perennial border. It is better to have a strip that looks purposefully grown than a churned-up jumble of weeds and dust.

Slope areas can take advantage of slit seeding integrated with erosion control blankets for a period. Once developed, deeper-rooted tall fescue outmatches rye in holding soil.

Bringing everything together

A Philly lawn thrives when you sync with the city's seasons and dirts. Spring establishes the table, summer season examinations your persistence, and drop benefits the work. The appropriate yard care company in Philly enhances your initiatives with exact timing, honest guidance, and sharp execution. They recognize when to seed and when to wait, when to feed and when to keep back, when to fight weeds and when to reassess the planting.

Whether you keep the work in-house or companion with an expert group, the principles remain the same. Build healthy and balanced dirt. Trim tall with sharp blades. Water deeply but not frequently. Aerate and seed in autumn. Select plants that match the website rather than forcing the site to match the plant. With that said technique, your grass becomes greater than an eco-friendly surface area. It develops into a resistant landscape that looks great in April, survives July, and rebounds with vigor in October. Which, in Philly's climate, 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 Barnes Foundation ? 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.