Spruce sits back from the Lake Huron shore in Alcona County, where the sunrise arrives first and the soil runs sandy under cedar and pine. Mike & Sons Lawn Care/Landscaping mows the two-track drives and cottage yards between Hubbard Lake and the water, coaxing grass to stay even where roots and shade make it stubborn. The work runs to mowing, trimming, bed edging and hauling off the season's brush. Summers are short this far up, which makes every week of green worth doing properly. By the time the leaves turn, the yards have been kept honest all season long.