South of Ellijay the ridges fold down toward the Cartecay, and the yards there are cut into slope more than laid on flat ground. Elmer's Landscaping LLC works that mountain grade — mowing, edging, trimming banks and clearing leaves off drives that switch back on themselves. October in Gilmer County smells of apples and woodsmoke, and the hardwoods let go all at once when the cold comes over the ridge. Steep ground means slower passes and better footing, and a hillside lawn held even is worth the extra hour. From the road below it reads as one clean green shelf under the trees.