By October the hardwoods above Martin turn copper, and the ridges north toward the Blue Ridge hold that color for weeks before letting go. Vallee's Lawn Care follows the turn of the year, mowing and edging while the grass still climbs, then moving to leaf removal and cleanup once the yards fill with oak and hickory. Down along the creek bottoms near Eastanollee the ground stays soft and the leaves drift deep, so the job is as much hauling as raking. Beds come clear, fresh mulch goes down, shrubs get cut back off the siding, and the lawn underneath comes out breathing again. A yard raked down to green in November is one of the better sights in this corner of Stephens County.