Spring takes its time in Preston: the ponds hold ice into April, the mud lingers a while, and then all at once the township goes green. Preston's Lawn Service LLC opens the year with cleanups — winter's fallen branches and matted leaves off the grass — then settles into the weekly turn of mowing and trimming. On a hot afternoon the shade under the old sugar maples runs cooler than the open yard, and the mower slows down there on purpose. Straight lines, clean corners, the path swept before pulling out. The season is short this far north, and it is worth doing carefully while it lasts.