The oaks around Heck Park hold their leaves stubbornly, then let go all at once, and every yard in that end of Monroe gets the same brown blanket inside a week. Oaks Lawn Care, LLC works the growing season first — mowing, trimming, edging, keeping the grass even under all that shade — then keeps pace as the leaves come down. Not long after, the same drives want a plow on them and the walks want clearing and a little salt. Shade turf and autumn litter both take patience, and the reward is a lawn that comes out of winter still in shape. Monroe's big trees are a blessing with a chore attached, and it is a good chore to have.