Daybreak in Poultney comes over the Green Mountains and takes its time reaching the slate ledges on the New York side. Lawn Master of Vermont is usually mowing by then, running the weekly cut through village yards and out along the hollow roads. Borders are trimmed tight to walks and drives, and the corners get the same attention as the open middle. When the maples let go in October the leaf cleanup follows; in April the rake work comes first. A yard kept on that rhythm never looks like it is catching up.