January 26, 2026

Top-Rated Lawn Treatment Services in Philly: Expert Tips for Year-Round Grass Upkeep

Philadelphia yards have an individuality formed by clay-heavy dirts, damp summers, and winter seasons that turn from sloppy to extreme. If you have actually ever seen an uneven lawn perk up after a well-timed aeration or seen cool-season lawn collapse under July warmth, you know the city's quirks demand both planning and dexterity. The very best grass care services in Philly work with those realities, not against them. They time restorations around dirt temperatures, change mowing heights as summer settles in, and handle the untidy middle ground where turf treatment meets urban landscaping.

This overview mixes useful, season-by-season upkeep guidance with understanding on selecting the right lawn care business in Philly. I'll additionally describe what separates top-tier service providers from the remainder, based on years of strolling properties, repairing irrigation, and making note on what in fact flourishes here.

What makes Philadelphia grass unique

The area's leading grass kinds are cool-season lawns, generally high fescue with some Kentucky bluegrass and seasonal rye mixed in. High fescue is the workhorse for city and suburban residential or commercial professional lawn care companies Philadelphia properties, many thanks to its warm resistance, deep rooting, complete lawn care services Philadelphia and improved drought resistance compared to bluegrass. Philly's mid-Atlantic environment suggests rapid spring growth, stress in peak summer season, a solid autumn recuperation home window, and an inactive or semi-dormant winter.

Soils typically lean clay loam, which condenses conveniently and holds water. That can be a true blessing during droughts but a frustration during stormy stretches, when origins stifle. Several rowhome lawns rest over building backfill with inadequate raw material. Turf battles there without oygenation, garden compost topdressing, and mindful watering.

We likewise contend with thick tree covers in communities like Chestnut Hillside and West Philly. Shield is the silent grass killer, and the best landscaping company in Philadelphia will certainly inform you the truth: grass requires a minimum of four hours of filtered light to look suitable long term. In deep shade, groundcovers or mulch beds outmatch turf, both cosmetically and financially.

How to choose a yard care firm in Philadelphia

An excellent yard treatment business in Philly does greater than mow and blow. They construct a plan around your microclimate, dirt, and use. Right here is what I look for when reviewing companies:

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

Soil-first approach. Top-rated groups press dirt screening every 2 to 3 years, adjust pH with lime or sulfur as needed, and use slow-release nitrogen to minimize surge growth.

Transparent, seasonal programs. Philly grass take advantage of six to eight service touchpoints each year. Clear routines help you prepare, specifically for seeding and pre-emergent windows.

Practical irrigation guidance. Most city residential or commercial properties count on pipes and lawn sprinklers. A well-informed team aids set reasonable watering schedules without overselling watering 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. Look for service providers that favor targeted therapy, not blanket spraying.

There's likewise the human factor. The most effective business interact early concerning weather condition hold-ups, leave notes after each go to, and explain compromises plainly. If your shade level or soil account makes a picture-perfect lawn unrealistic, a credible staff will shift your plan towards landscaping services Philadelphia citizens use to complement turf, like expanded beds or indigenous plant borders.

The seasonal rhythm that works in Philadelphia

A terrific lawn in this city is the product of excellent timing. The schedule matters, but dirt and air temperatures matter a lot more. Here is how I map the year.

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

Once snow mold and mildew recedes and the soil is firm sufficient to function, I begin with a quick cleaning. Mow high to remove off winter's ragged ends. Rake out matted areas gently, not aggressively, to avoid rooting out tender crowns.

This is the window for pre-emergent herbicides to stop crab grass. Go for when dirt temperatures struck approximately 55 degrees for a number of days. That typically lands anywhere from late March to mid April, depending on the year. If you plan to seed bare areas in spring, skip pre-emergent in that location or use an item classified for new seed.

On soils that checked acidic, late winter or early springtime is a wise time for lime. Several Philadelphia grass rest between pH 5.5 and 6.3. Cool-season grasses choose 6.2 to 7.0. Do not think. Lime without an examination and you can lock up nutrients for several years. A top yard treatment firm in Philly will certainly schedule dirt screening ahead of time and spread the correction over multiple applications as opposed to dumping a heavy dosage in one pass.

Mowing starts once more as growth resumes. Set the deck at 3 to 3.5 inches for fescue. This greater cut shades soil, lowers dissipation, and inhibits weeds. Hone the blade. Plain blades tear turf, which elevates disease risk in our moist springs.

Late springtime into early summer season: handle development, prepare for stress

This is the period of quick development and unforeseen tornados. Tall fescue reacts well to a light feeding affordable landscaper Philadelphia with slow-release nitrogen, typically 0.5 to 0.75 pounds of actual nitrogen per 1,000 square feet. Press it tougher and you build lavish development that has a hard time when heat shows up. I prefer to leave area for a stronger fall feeding, when the plant can bank power in roots.

Weed pressure climbs up currently. Dandelions are easy marks with careful herbicides or a sharp weeder after rainfall. Ground ivy and wild violet are harder. Sensible, targeted therapies function best. Covering spraying the whole grass wastes product and can swelter tender springtime growth.

If grubs were an issue in 2014, talk with your service provider about preventive therapies based on monitoring, not behavior. Not every backyard requires it, and beneficial bugs endure when you spray preventively without cause.

Irrigation, if you have it, ought to supplement rain, not replace it. Early summertime can be feast or starvation. Aim for best lawn maintenance services Philadelphia an inch of water per week integrated, changing for rains. Deep, seldom watering is the rule. Lawn that gets a daily sprinkle trains origins towards the surface area and stress out much faster in July.

High summer: protect and conserve

Philadelphia summertimes are humid, and warm breaks will examine your grass. This is when you change methods. Raise cutting height to 3.5 to 4 inches. Miss a cut if the turf slows down under warmth anxiety. Heading invites diseases like brown spot, which loves cozy evenings and wet foliage.

Fertilization needs to be marginal or none in July and August. Feeding during heat urges top development at the exact moment roots are battling. If a lawn maintenance Philadelphia strategy recommends a hefty mid-summer feeding for cool-season grass, ask why. In nearly every case, it's much better to wait.

Irrigate as the grass demands. The screwdriver examination is basic and reliable: push a screwdriver into the dirt. If it glides in conveniently to the take care of, wetness is adequate. If it just penetrates an inch, the soil is dry. Water early in the early morning so leaves dry swiftly. If you select to allow the grass go dormant, water gently every two to three weeks, around a fifty percent inch, simply to maintain crowns alive.

Watch for conditions. Brown spot reveals as uneven tan spots with a dark margin. Summertime patch can be more perilous, commonly linked to compaction and stressed origins. Social controls come first: sharpen blades, prevent late-day watering, and skip nitrogen. A well-informed landscaping company in Philly can recommend when fungicides are necessitated for high-value grass, yet a lot of home yards recoup with fall oygenation and overseeding.

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

From Labor Day to Halloween is the sweet spot. Dirt is cozy, air is cooler, and weeds are less aggressive. If I could only choose one season to invest in, it would be fall.

Core aeration in September lowers compaction, enhances oxygen exchange, and opens up networks for nutrients and water. On clay-heavy lawns, drawing cores at the very least yearly makes a remarkable distinction over a few periods. I favor hollow-tine aerators and a double pass if the soil is heavily compacted.

Overseeding right after aeration functions well. High fescue mixes that include turf-type selections create a dense, fine-bladed appearance with far better condition resistance. Aim for 3 to 5 extra pounds of seed per 1,000 square feet for overseeding, greater for full remodelling. Topdressing with a quarter inch of screened compost aids hold seed, improves microbial life, and smooths small undulations.

Fertilization belongs right here. A well balanced autumn program provides 0.75 to 1 pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet in early autumn and one more light application six to eight weeks later, readjusted based on soil tests. This method drives origin growth and carbohydrate storage space, which settle following spring.

Broadleaf weeds are surprisingly susceptible in autumn. Therapies for clover, plantain, and dandelion are more reliable currently due to the fact that plants are drawing resources continuously into their origins. If you favor a lighter chemical impact, area therapy remains a smart compromise.

Leaf administration matters. Wet leaves asphyxiate turf and invite snow mold and mildew. Compost mowing, which chops leaves right into fine bits, operates in the majority of cases and returns organic matter to the dirt. When the quantity exceeds what the mower can deal with, gather and compost or ask your landscaping services Philadelphia service provider to transport them. The objective is always the very same: avoid matting and keep light reaching the grass.

Winter: safeguard what you built

Once growth stops, make a last cleaning pass. The last mow typically lands around 2.75 to 3 inches, somewhat less than your summer season height. This helps reduce snow mold danger, though we do not get the persistent snow cover seen in north regions. Avoid hefty foot web traffic on icy or saturated lawns. If the ground thaws during a warm spell, stand up to the lure to rake or work the lawn till the dirt companies again.

Winter is additionally a good time to assess larger modifications. Do you have areas that never flourish because of shade or drainage? A wise landscaping Philadelphia redesign could change those failures with shade-tolerant perennials, decorative gravel, or broadened beds that decrease maintenance and water usage. The best landscaper in Philadelphia will certainly develop with runoff guidelines and local plant palettes in mind, so your lawn looks all-natural in the neighborhood.

The service menu that really helps

When people search for lawn care services Philadelphia, they frequently see bundle packages that look compatible. Under the hood, however, there are significant differences. Here is a useful means to think about service options.

Mowing and edging. Helpful when growth is quickly. The quality of job shows in information: rotating mowing patterns to stop ruts, cutting uniformly without scalping, and blowing clippings out of beds rather than hiding plants.

Fertilization and weed control. Seek service providers who utilize slow-release resources for a lot of the nitrogen, time feedings to springtime and fall, and support spot sprays for weeds. Programs with five to seven sees per year are common, but the content of those visits matters more than the count.

Aeration and overseeding. This is the single most impactful yearly service for compacted Philly grass. If a business attempts to miss it, be skeptical. Slit seeding can match or replace overseeding in severe thinning due to the fact that it puts seed right into superficial dirt furrows where dampness lingers.

Soil testing and amendments. The distinction between presuming and testing turns up in your lawn within two periods. pH corrections, potassium modifications, and organic matter approaches are hard to establish without data.

Topdressing and compost incorporation. Particularly on recently built homes, where topsoil is thin and subsoil is dense, an annual quarter inch of garden compost after aeration constructs fertility and boosts framework. It is not fancy, but it works.

Irrigation examinations or upgrades. If you have an automatic system, ask for head-to-head insurance coverage audits and matched precipitation nozzles. If you rely on hoses, have your service provider mark a straightforward watering plan that fits your schedule.

Pest and illness surveillance. Instead of scheduled chemical applications, the most effective business examine, record, and deal with when limits are reached. Japanese beetle grubs, chinch insects, and fungal illness call for various timing. Spraying on a schedule wastes cash and welcomes resistance.

Watering in the city: functional, not perfect

Many Philly properties do not have in-ground irrigation. That is great. I have actually handled lots of attractive lawns with a number of oscillating lawn sprinklers and an affordable timer. The trick is discipline.

Set lawn sprinklers so they overlap a little, supplying approximately one inch weekly spread over two deep soakings. Utilize a tuna can or a rain gauge to measure. Relocate sprinklers systematically to prevent dry touches. If a warm front hits, rise duration, not frequency. Early morning watering avoids fallen leave wetness overnight, which fuels fungus.

Side lawns and small courtyards can be stubborn. Wind passages in between rowhomes make circulation uneven, and fences obstruct spray. In those spots, soaker tubes under a light mulch can outperform overhead watering.

Mowing elevation, blades, and trimmings: tiny options, big payoffs

I harp on trimming due to the fact that it is the most constant touch a grass gets, and little blunders compound. Establish your lawn mower high, hold that line in summertime, and avoid eliminating greater than one third of the blade each time. If a rainy week transforms your grass right into a jungle, utilize a dual pass at greater deck setups rather than compeling a solitary radical cut.

Sharpen blades a minimum of twice a period. If you see white torn suggestions on the grass a day after cutting, your blade is boring. Torn pointers shed water rapidly, invite illness, and make the grass look gray.

Leave clippings unless they mat. They return nitrogen and raw material. On hefty development weeks, bagging is better than surrounding the lawn. If a lawn treatment business leaves windrows or clumps, inquire to decrease or take a second pass.

The shade and tree root problem

Philadelphia's fully grown neighborhoods are full of maples, oaks, and sycamores. Trees and lawn complete fiercely for water and nutrients. If you have actually subjected roots at the surface area, loading soil on the top is high-risk. Origins require oxygen. Rather, produce a mulched ring out to the drip line where practical, and accept a decreased turf footprint.

In dappled color, great fescues can gain a location in the seed mix, however they do not like foot website traffic. Think about tipping stone courses or expanded beds through high-traffic color zones. A good lawn maintenance Philadelphia plan balances aesthetic appeals with reality, conserving you from reseeding the same location year after year.

Organic, low-input, and crossbreed programs

Plenty of homeowners intend to minimize synthetic inputs. That is attainable, particularly if you buy soil health and wellness, mowing discipline, and overseeding. Organic plant foods construct microbial life and release nutrients slowly. Garden compost topdressing, fallen leave mulching, and clover integration all add to a resistant lawn.

Be straightforward about trade-offs. Weed pressure will certainly be greater in year one and 2, especially against seasonal weeds like violet. Much of my clients succeed with hybrid programs: organic fertility, social techniques like aeration and garden compost, and targeted herbicides just where needed. A yard treatment business in Philly that understands this equilibrium can tailor a course that respects your choices while keeping the lawn presentable.

Pricing assumptions and value checks

Costs vary by residential property size, accessibility, and service range, but you can orient on your own with harsh arrays throughout the city and close suburbs. Mowing on small rowhome yards might run in the modest regular cost range during optimal season, while quarter to half-acre suburban great deals can set you back a number of times that. Oygenation and overseeding typically falls under a mid-three-to-high-three-figure variety depending on size and seed selection. Complete improvement, which entails non-selective kill, several seed passes, and topdressing, can push well over a thousand for larger properties.

Value exposes itself in outcomes and interaction. If a team appears dependably, leaves tidy edges, proactively flags issues, and strikes the crucial loss home window on schedule, they are earning their maintain. If they avoid aeration, stay clear of soil tests, or push mid-summer nitrogen for cool-season lawn, press for explanations or take into consideration various other options.

When to call a landscaper rather than pushing lawn fixes

Sometimes, the smartest step is to transform the canvas. If your front backyard gets much less than 3 hours of light, grass will constantly struggle. If runoff splits channels through your side yard after storms, yard is not the fix. Landscaping Philadelphia jobs that include swales, permeable paths, and indigenous plantings can fix the underlying issues and lower maintenance long term.

A qualified landscaping company in Philly thinks like a designer and a gardener. They must examine slope, dirt infiltration, and plant option along with aesthetic charm. Deal with teams that respect your home's architectural design and the neighborhood's personality, not simply the Pinterest vision.

A simple, seasonal list you can show your provider

  • Early spring: dirt examination if overdue, 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, display for grubs if there is a background, verify watering protection, maintain mowing height steady.
  • Summer: increase cutting to 3.5 to 4 inches, water deeply in early mornings as required, prevent hefty nitrogen, take care of disease stress with social practices.
  • Early fall: core aerate, overseed with turf-type high fescue mix, topdress with compost, use a well balanced autumn fertilizer.
  • Late fall: second light plant food if suitable, mulch or get rid of fallen leaves prior to they mat, final trim around 2.75 to 3 inches.

How premier suppliers earn their reputation

I have actually enjoyed companies make first-class reputations the slow-moving means, over years of consistent field job. They do the unglamorous things well. They stop briefly after an electrical storm to reschedule a cut rather than rut your soil. They switch from blanket weed control to detect spray the very first time you ask, after that explain the practical timeline for improvement. They encourage autumn oygenation even if it is the busiest week of their year, because they recognize that is when it counts.

When you review lawn care services Philadelphia citizens suggest, look beyond social proof to process. Ask exactly how they educate employees, what they do when a task fails, and just how they take care of side situations fresh sod in a warm front. Excellent answers specify. If the salesman can not describe the seed mix they use, the nitrogen resource in their fertilizer, or the target dirt pH, maintain interviewing.

A couple of side cases worth calling out

New building yards commonly rest on compacted subsoil with a thin veneer of topsoil. Expect a two to three year turnaround if you dedicate to oygenation, compost topdressing, and careful watering. Quick fixes hardly ever hold.

Pet damage concentrates in wintertime and very early spring. Flush those areas with water to weaken salts, then topdress with a light layer of compost and seed when dirt warms. High fescue recuperates much better than bluegrass under repeat traffic.

Sidewalk strips heat up and dry faster than the grass proper. Consider drought-tolerant blends, a little drip line under compost, or switching grass for a challenging perennial border. It is better to have a strip that looks intentionally grown than a churned-up patchwork of weeds and dust.

Slope areas can take advantage of slit seeding combined with disintegration control coverings for a period. Once established, deeper-rooted high fescue exceeds rye in holding soil.

Bringing all of it together

A Philly yard flourishes when you sync with the city's periods and dirts. Springtime sets the table, summer season tests your perseverance, and fall benefits the work. The appropriate grass care business in Philadelphia amplifies your initiatives with specific timing, truthful advice, and sharp execution. They know when to seed and when to wait, when to feed and when to hold back, when to fight weeds and when to rethink the planting.

Whether you maintain the job in-house or companion with a specialist team, the concepts remain the same. Construct healthy and balanced soil. Cut high with sharp blades. Water deeply but not frequently. Freshen and seed in loss. Select plants that match the website rather than requiring the site to match the plant. Keeping that technique, your grass comes to be greater than an eco-friendly surface area. It develops into a resilient landscape that looks good in April, survives July, and rebounds with vitality in October. And that, in Philadelphia's climate, 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 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.