February 13, 2026

Premier Grass Treatment Solutions in Philly: Professional Tips for Year-Round Grass Upkeep

Philadelphia lawns have an individuality shaped by clay-heavy soils, moist summers, and winter seasons that turn from careless to serious. If you've ever viewed an uneven lawn cheer up after a well-timed oygenation or seen cool-season lawn collapse under July heat, you know the city's traits demand both preparation and agility. The very best grass treatment services in Philadelphia deal with those realities, not versus them. They time restorations around soil temperatures, change cutting elevations as summer resolves in, and deal with the unpleasant middle ground where turf care satisfies urban landscaping.

This guide blends functional, season-by-season upkeep guidance with understanding on picking the appropriate lawn care business in Philly. I'll additionally describe what divides top-tier suppliers from the remainder, based upon years of walking properties, troubleshooting watering, and taking notes on what really flourishes here.

What makes Philadelphia grass unique

The area's dominant lawn types are cool-season yards, commonly high fescue with some Kentucky bluegrass and perennial rye blended in. High fescue is the workhorse for city and rural residential properties, many thanks to its warmth tolerance, deep rooting, and improved dry spell resistance compared to bluegrass. Philly's mid-Atlantic climate means fast springtime growth, stress in peak summertime, a solid autumn recovery window, and an inactive or semi-dormant winter.

Soils frequently lean clay loam, which compacts conveniently and holds water. That can be a blessing throughout droughts yet a headache during wet stretches, when origins asphyxiate. Several rowhome lawns sit over construction backfill with bad raw material. Turf struggles there without aeration, compost topdressing, and careful watering.

We likewise emulate thick tree canopies in areas like Chestnut Hill and West Philly. Shade is the silent grass killer, and the most effective landscaping company in Philly will inform you the truth: yard requires a minimum of four hours of filtered light to look decent long term. In deep shade, groundcovers or mulch beds exceed grass, both cosmetically and financially.

How to pick a grass care firm in Philadelphia

An excellent yard care business in Philadelphia does greater than mow and blow. They develop a plan around your microclimate, dirt, and usage. Right here is what I seek when evaluating companies:

Experience with cool-season grass and clay dirts. Ask just how they manage compaction, which oygenation tools they make use of, and whether they suggest slit seeding in fall.

Soil-first approach. Premier groups press dirt testing every 2 to 3 years, readjust pH with lime or sulfur as needed, and use slow-release nitrogen to decrease rise growth.

Transparent, seasonal programs. Philadelphia yards benefit from six to 8 solution touchpoints annually. Clear timetables aid you prepare, specifically for seeding and pre-emergent windows.

Practical watering assistance. The majority of city residential properties rely on hose pipes and lawn sprinklers. A well-informed staff assists set sensible sprinkling timetables without overselling watering systems where they're not needed.

Pest and weed control with judgment. Crabgrass, nutsedge, and wild violet prevail right here. Grubs appear after damp springtimes. Look for providers who prefer targeted therapy, not blanket spraying.

There's also the human factor. The very best business connect very early concerning weather condition delays, leave notes after each browse through, and clarify compromises clearly. If your shade level or dirt profile makes a picture-perfect lawn unrealistic, a reliable team will shift your plan toward landscaping services Philadelphia citizens utilize to match lawn, like increased beds or indigenous plant borders.

The seasonal rhythm that works in Philadelphia

A fantastic grass in this city is the product of great timing. The schedule issues, but soil and air temperature levels matter extra. Right here is exactly how I map the year.

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

Once snow mold and mildew declines and the dirt is solid sufficient to function, I begin with a fast cleaning. Cut high to remove off winter season's ragged ends. Rake out matted areas gently, not strongly, to stay clear of uprooting tender crowns.

This is the window for pre-emergent herbicides to stop crabgrass. Go for when soil temperatures struck about 55 levels for a number of days. That generally lands anywhere from late March to mid April, depending on the year. If you intend to seed bare places in spring, avoid pre-emergent because area or utilize an item identified for brand-new seed.

On dirts soil testing philadelphia that examined acidic, late winter season or early spring is a clever time for lime. Many Philly grass sit in between pH 5.5 and 6.3. Cool-season grasses favor 6.2 to 7.0. Do not guess. Lime without a test and you can secure nutrients for years. A top lawn care business in Philadelphia will schedule dirt screening upfront and spread the correction over several applications rather than unloading a hefty dosage in one pass.

Mowing starts again as growth resumes. Set the deck at 3 to 3.5 inches for fescue. This greater cut shades dirt, reduces dissipation, and discourages weeds. Hone the blade. Boring blades tear grass, which elevates condition threat in our moist springs.

Late springtime into very early summertime: take care of growth, prepare for stress

This is the period of quick growth and unanticipated tornados. High fescue reacts well to a light feeding with slow-release nitrogen, normally 0.5 to 0.75 pounds of real nitrogen per 1,000 square feet. Press it more difficult and you build rich development that battles when heat arrives. I prefer to leave room for a stronger autumn feeding, when the plant can bank power in roots.

Weed stress climbs up currently. Dandelions are easy marks with selective herbicides or a sharp weeder after rain. Ground ivy and wild violet are tougher. Cautious, targeted treatments function best. Blanket splashing the entire grass wastes item and can blister tender springtime growth.

If grubs were a concern in 2014, speak to your carrier concerning precautionary therapies based on tracking, not habit. Not every lawn requires it, and advantageous bugs experience when you spray preventively without cause.

Irrigation, if you have it, ought to supplement rainfall, not change it. Early summer season can be feast or scarcity. Aim for an inch of water weekly integrated, changing for rains. Deep, irregular watering is the rule. Turf that gets a day-to-day sprinkle trains roots toward the surface and burns out quicker in July.

High summertime: secure and conserve

Philadelphia summers are damp, and warm breaks will certainly examine your grass. This is when you alter tactics. Increase cutting elevation to backyard makeover philadelphia 3.5 to 4 inches. Skip a cut if the yard slows under warm anxiety. Scalping welcomes conditions like brown spot, which enjoys cozy evenings and wet foliage.

Fertilization needs to be minimal or none in July and August. Feeding during heat encourages leading growth at the precise moment origins are having a hard time. If a lawn maintenance Philadelphia strategy recommends a hefty mid-summer feeding for cool-season turf, ask why. In nearly every instance, it's much better to wait.

Irrigate as the grass needs. The screwdriver test is basic and efficient: push a screwdriver into the soil. If it moves in easily to the manage, moisture is adequate. If it only penetrates an inch, the dirt is completely dry. Water early in the early morning so leaves completely dry quickly. If you choose to let the yard go dormant, water gently every a couple of weeks, around a half inch, simply to maintain crowns alive.

Watch for conditions. Brownish spot shows as irregular tan spots with a dark margin. Summertime spot can be more dangerous, typically linked to compaction and stressed out origins. Cultural controls precede: sharpen blades, prevent late-day watering, and miss nitrogen. An educated landscaper in Philly can suggest when fungicides are warranted for high-value grass, however most home yards recover with loss aeration and overseeding.

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

From Labor Day to Halloween is the sweet spot. Dirt is cozy, air is cooler, and weeds are less aggressive. If I can just choose one period to purchase, it would certainly be fall.

Core oygenation in September minimizes compaction, enhances oxygen exchange, and opens networks for nutrients and water. On clay-heavy yards, pulling cores at least yearly makes a remarkable difference over a few periods. I like hollow-tine aerators and a dual pass if the soil is greatly compacted.

Overseeding right after aeration functions well. High fescue mixes that include turf-type varieties create a dense, fine-bladed look with much better illness resistance. Go for 3 to 5 extra pounds of seed per 1,000 square feet for overseeding, higher for full remodelling. Topdressing with a quarter inch of screened compost aids hold seed, increases microbial life, and smooths small undulations.

Fertilization belongs below. A well balanced fall program gives 0.75 to 1 extra pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet in pet-safe lawn treatments Philadelphia very early loss and another light application 6 to 8 weeks later on, adjusted based on dirt examinations. This approach drives origin development and carb storage space, which settle following spring.

Broadleaf weeds are remarkably at risk in autumn. Therapies for clover, plantain, and dandelion are much more efficient currently due to the fact that plants are drawing resources steadily into their roots. If you favor a lighter chemical impact, place therapy remains a wise compromise.

Leaf monitoring matters. Damp leaves asphyxiate turf and invite snow mold. Mulch mowing, which chops leaves right into great bits, operates in most situations and returns raw material to the soil. When the volume exceeds what the lawn mower can manage, collect and compost or ask your landscaping services Philadelphia carrier to transport them. The goal is always the same: protect against matting and keep light reaching the grass.

Winter: protect what you built

Once development quits, make a final cleanup pass. The last trim commonly lands around 2.75 to 3 inches, slightly lower than your summertime height. This helps reduce snow mold risk, though we do not obtain the consistent snow cover seen in north areas. Prevent hefty foot website traffic on icy or saturated grass. If the ground defrosts throughout a cozy spell, resist the lure to rake or work the lawn till the soil companies again.

Winter is likewise a good time to assess bigger adjustments. Do you have areas that never ever grow due to shade or drainage? A clever landscaping Philadelphia redesign might change those failings with shade-tolerant perennials, ornamental gravel, or expanded beds that reduce maintenance and water use. The very best landscaper in Philadelphia will create with runoff guidelines and neighborhood plant schemes in mind, so your backyard looks all-natural in the neighborhood.

The service food selection that really helps

When people search for lawn care services Philadelphia, they commonly see package packages that look interchangeable. Under the hood, though, there are meaningful differences. Right here is a functional method to consider solution options.

Mowing and edging. Useful when growth is fast. The quality of work shows in details: alternating mowing patterns to prevent ruts, trimming uniformly without scalping, and blowing trimmings out of beds rather than burying plants.

Fertilization and weed control. Seek providers who utilize slow-release resources for most of the nitrogen, time feedings to spring and loss, and favor area sprays for weeds. Programs with five to 7 check outs annually are common, however the web content of fence installation philadelphia those brows through matters greater than the count.

Aeration and overseeding. This is the single most impactful annual solution for compressed Philadelphia yards. If a business tries to avoid it, be cynical. Slit seeding can enhance or change overseeding in serious thinning due to the fact that it puts seed into shallow soil furrows where wetness lingers.

Soil testing and changes. The distinction in between thinking and testing turns up in your yard within 2 periods. pH adjustments, potassium adjustments, and raw material approaches are difficult to establish without data.

Topdressing and garden compost consolidation. Especially on recently developed homes, where topsoil is thin and subsoil is dense, a yearly quarter inch of garden compost after aeration builds fertility and boosts framework. It is not showy, but it works.

Irrigation checkups or upgrades. If you have an automated system, ask for neck and neck insurance coverage audits and matched precipitation nozzles. If you count on pipes, have your supplier mark an easy watering plan that fits your schedule.

Pest and condition surveillance. Rather than arranged chemical applications, the most effective business evaluate, document, and treat when limits are reached. Japanese beetle grubs, chinch insects, and fungal diseases need different timing. Spraying on a schedule wastes money and invites resistance.

Watering in the city: functional, not perfect

Many Philadelphia buildings do not have in-ground watering. That is fine. I have taken care of a lot of attractive yards with a number of oscillating sprinklers and an inexpensive timer. The technique is discipline.

Set sprinklers so they overlap slightly, delivering roughly one inch weekly spread over two deep soakings. Utilize a tuna can or a rainfall scale to measure. Move sprinklers methodically to avoid completely dry touches. If a heat wave hits, boost duration, not regularity. Early morning watering stops leaf dampness overnight, which fuels fungus.

Side yards and tiny yards can be stubborn. Wind tunnels between rowhomes make distribution irregular, and fencings block spray. In those places, soaker hoses under a light mulch can outmatch above watering.

Mowing elevation, blades, and cuttings: tiny choices, large payoffs

I harp on cutting due to the fact that it is the most constant touch a grass gets, and little errors compound. Set your mower high, hold that line in summertime, and stay clear of eliminating more than one third of the blade at a time. If a rainy week turns your grass right into a jungle, make use of a dual pass at higher deck settings instead of compeling a single radical cut.

Sharpen blades at least twice a season. If you see white frayed tips on the grass a day after mowing, your blade is plain. Torn ideas lose water promptly, welcome illness, and make the lawn appearance gray.

Leave clippings unless they mat. They return nitrogen and raw material. On heavy development weeks, bagging is better than surrounding the lawn. If a yard care firm leaves windrows or globs, inquire to decrease or take a 2nd pass.

The shade and tree origin problem

Philadelphia's fully grown areas have plenty of maples, oaks, and sycamores. Trees and lawn contend increasingly for water and nutrients. If you have subjected origins at the surface area, stacking dirt on top is high-risk. Roots require oxygen. Instead, create a mulched ring out to the drip line where sensible, and accept a lowered lawn footprint.

In dappled color, fine fescues can earn a place in the seed blend, however they do not love foot website traffic. Take into consideration stepping rock courses or broadened beds through high-traffic shade areas. An excellent lawn maintenance Philadelphia plan equilibriums aesthetic appeals with fact, conserving you from reseeding the same area year after year.

Organic, low-input, and hybrid programs

Plenty of house owners want to lower synthetic hardscaping Philadelphia inputs. That is attainable, especially if you purchase soil health, cutting technique, and overseeding. Organic fertilizers develop microbial life and release nutrients slowly. Garden compost topdressing, leaf mulching, and clover assimilation all add to a durable lawn.

Be straightforward concerning compromises. Weed stress will be greater in year one and 2, particularly versus seasonal weeds like violet. A lot of my clients prosper with hybrid programs: natural fertility, social techniques like aeration and compost, and targeted herbicides only where required. A yard care business in Philadelphia that understands this balance can customize a course that appreciates your choices while maintaining the grass presentable.

Pricing assumptions and worth checks

Costs vary by residential or commercial property size, access, and solution range, but you can orient yourself with harsh ranges throughout the city and close suburban areas. Mowing on tiny rowhome yards may run in the small once a week cost array throughout peak season, while quarter to half-acre suburban lots can set you back a number of times that. Aeration and overseeding frequently falls into a mid-three-to-high-three-figure variety depending upon dimension and seed option. Full renovation, which involves non-selective kill, multiple seed passes, and topdressing, can press more than a thousand for bigger properties.

Value exposes itself in outcomes and interaction. If a staff shows up dependably, leaves tidy edges, proactively flags problems, and hits the essential fall window in a timely manner, they are gaining their keep. If they avoid oygenation, prevent soil tests, or push mid-summer nitrogen for cool-season grass, press for descriptions or think about other options.

When to call a landscaper instead of pressing grass fixes

Sometimes, the smartest move is to transform the canvas. If your front yard obtains less than three hours of light, turf will always have a hard time. If runoff splits channels with your side lawn after storms, grass is not the repair. Landscaping Philadelphia projects that include swales, permeable paths, and indigenous plantings can resolve the underlying concerns and lower maintenance long term.

A qualified landscaper in Philly thinks like an engineer and a garden enthusiast. They need to examine slope, soil seepage, and plant selection in addition to curb allure. Collaborate with groups that appreciate your home's architectural design and the area's character, not simply the Pinterest vision.

A simple, seasonal list you can show to your provider

  • Early springtime: soil test if past due, sharpen lawn mower blades, use pre-emergent when soil hits mid 50s, light slow-release feeding, mow at 3 to 3.5 inches.
  • Late springtime: spot-treat weeds, display for grubs if there is a history, verify irrigation protection, maintain trimming height steady.
  • Summer: raise mowing to 3.5 to 4 inches, water deeply in early mornings as required, avoid heavy nitrogen, manage disease stress with cultural practices.
  • Early loss: core aerate, overseed with turf-type high fescue mix, topdress with garden compost, use a balanced autumn fertilizer.
  • Late loss: 2nd light plant food if ideal, compost or remove leaves prior to they mat, last trim around 2.75 to 3 inches.

How top-rated carriers earn their reputation

I have viewed firms earn luxury reputations the sluggish means, over years of consistent area job. They do the unglamorous things well. They pause after an electrical storm to reschedule a trim rather than rut your dirt. They change from covering weed control to detect spray the very first time you ask, after that describe the realistic timeline for renovation. They urge loss oygenation also if it is the busiest week of their year, since they know that is when it counts.

When you examine lawn care services Philadelphia homeowners advise, look beyond social evidence to procedure. Ask how they train workers, what they do when a job goes wrong, and just how they deal with edge cases fresh sod in a warm front. Great solutions specify. If the salesman can not describe the seed mix they make use of, the nitrogen source in their fertilizer, or the target soil pH, keep interviewing.

A few side instances worth calling out

New construction yards frequently sit on compacted subsoil with a slim veneer of topsoil. Anticipate a 2 to 3 year turn-around if you dedicate to aeration, garden compost topdressing, and careful watering. Quick fixes seldom hold.

Pet damage focuses in winter season and very early spring. Flush those locations with water to weaken salts, then topdress with a light layer of garden compost and seed when soil warms. High fescue recovers better than bluegrass under repeat traffic.

Sidewalk strips warm up and dry out faster than the lawn correct. Take into consideration drought-tolerant blends, a small drip line under compost, or swapping turf for a tough seasonal boundary. It is much better to have a strip that looks deliberately planted than a churned-up jumble of weeds and dust.

Slope areas can benefit from slit seeding integrated with disintegration control blankets for a period. When established, deeper-rooted high fescue outperforms rye in holding soil.

Bringing it all together

A Philadelphia yard grows when you sync with the city's periods and dirts. Spring sets the table, summer tests your persistence, and drop rewards the work. The best yard treatment business in Philadelphia intensifies your initiatives with accurate timing, honest assistance, and sharp implementation. They recognize when to seed and when to wait, when to feed and when to keep back, when to fight weeds and when to rethink the planting.

Whether you maintain the job in-house or companion with an expert group, the concepts stay the exact same. Develop healthy soil. Mow high with sharp blades. Water deeply but not constantly. Aerate and seed in loss. Pick plants that match the site as opposed to requiring the site to match the plant. Keeping that strategy, your lawn becomes more than an environment-friendly surface. It develops into a resilient landscape that looks excellent in April, makes it through July, and rebounds with vigor in October. Which, 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

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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 Eastern State Penitentiary ? 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.