Spring arrives late this close to Lake Michigan; the water holds winter a few extra weeks, and the wind off it keeps the grass sleeping while inland yards are already greening. Verdaleo Evanston Landscaping knows that lag well, working the streets where Evanston runs up into New Trier Township and the lots sit under old canopy trees. Mowing, edging, trimming, landscape bed work and spring and fall cleanups pick the yard up off the ground after the thaw and set it going for the year. Raking out the winter's litter, cutting a first clean line along the walk — the change is immediate and a little startling. By the time the lake finally warms, the lawns are thick and even, and they hold that all the way to October.