When the ice lets go of the Hudson and the cottonwoods out on Schodack Island turn silver-green, the mowing year opens. JJH Property Maintenance LLC starts with spring cleanups — raking the winter off the grass — then settles into a weekly rhythm of mowing, trimming and edging that runs to the last warm week of October. River-flat yards grow fast and heavy; the ones up on the shelf above dry out sooner and want a lighter hand. Both get the same finish: a straight edge along the walk and clippings blown off the concrete. By the time the fall cleanup is done, the lawn is ready to sleep.