East of Longmont the town lets go and the shortgrass takes over, running out past Union Reservoir where the wind has nothing to lean on. Lark Bunting Lawn Care Service LLC works the yards in between, the ones that hold a green square of Colorado up against a very dry sky. Mowing at this altitude is a conversation with the sun: cut high, trim close, let the blades keep their own shade. There is real satisfaction in a June morning lawn that is striped and edged before the heat turns serious. Clippings gone, walk blown clear, and the yard sitting there looking like somebody loves it.