February 13, 2026

Top-Rated Grass Treatment Services in Philly: Professional Tips for Year-Round Yard Maintenance

Philadelphia lawns have an individuality shaped by clay-heavy soils, damp summer seasons, and wintertimes that turn from sloppy to serious. If you've ever before enjoyed an uneven yard liven up after a well-timed aeration or seen cool-season lawn collapse under July heat, you recognize the city's traits demand both preparation and agility. The most effective lawn treatment solutions in Philadelphia collaborate with those facts, not against them. They time restorations around soil temperatures, change cutting elevations as summer season settles in, and handle the untidy happy medium where lawn treatment fulfills city landscaping.

This guide blends practical, season-by-season maintenance suggestions with understanding on picking the appropriate lawn treatment company in Philly. I'll additionally outline what separates top-tier companies from the remainder, based upon years of strolling homes, troubleshooting irrigation, and bearing in mind on what in fact thrives here.

What makes Philadelphia grass unique

The region's dominant grass kinds are cool-season lawns, usually tall fescue with some Kentucky bluegrass and perennial rye mixed in. Tall fescue is the workhorse for city and suburban residential properties, many thanks to its warmth resistance, deep rooting, and improved dry spell resistance contrasted to bluegrass. Philly's mid-Atlantic climate means quick springtime development, stress in peak summertime, a solid autumn recovery window, and an inactive or semi-dormant winter.

Soils usually lean clay loam, which compacts conveniently and holds water. That can be a true blessing during dry spells however a frustration during rainy stretches, when roots asphyxiate. Lots of rowhome lawns rest over building backfill with bad organic matter. Turf struggles there without oygenation, garden compost topdressing, and careful watering.

We also emulate thick tree covers in neighborhoods like Chestnut Hill and West Philly. Shade is the quiet lawn awesome, and the very best landscaper in Philadelphia will certainly inform you the truth: turf needs a minimum of four hours of filtered light to look decent long term. In deep shade, groundcovers or mulch beds outshine turf, both cosmetically and financially.

How to pick a grass care firm in Philadelphia

A good lawn treatment firm in Philadelphia does greater than trim and blow. They develop a plan around your microclimate, dirt, and usage. Below is what I search for when reviewing suppliers:

Experience with cool-season lawn and clay dirts. Ask just how they manage compaction, which oygenation tools they use, and whether they suggest slit seeding in fall.

Soil-first approach. Top-rated teams push soil testing every two to three years, adjust pH with lime or sulfur as required, and make use of slow-release nitrogen to reduce surge growth.

Transparent, seasonal programs. Philly yards gain from six to 8 service touchpoints each year. Clear timetables aid you prepare, specifically for seeding and pre-emergent windows.

Practical watering guidance. Many city residential properties rely upon hoses and lawn sprinklers. A well-informed crew aids establish sensible sprinkling schedules without overselling irrigation systems where they're not needed.

Pest and weed control with judgment. Crabgrass, nutsedge, and wild violet prevail right here. Grubs appear after wet springtimes. Look for providers who prefer targeted treatment, not bury spraying.

There's likewise the human element. The most effective firms communicate very early concerning weather condition hold-ups, leave notes after each browse through, and discuss trade-offs plainly. If your color level or dirt profile makes a picture-perfect yard impractical, a trustworthy staff will move your strategy towards landscaping services Philadelphia citizens make use of to match turf, like increased beds or indigenous plant borders.

The seasonal rhythm that operates in Philadelphia

A fantastic lawn in this city is the product of great timing. The calendar issues, however soil and air temperatures matter much more. Here is just how I map the year.

Late winter months into very early springtime: wake-up and prevention

Once snow mold declines and the dirt is strong enough to work, I start with a fast cleanup. Mow high to remove off winter months's rough ends. Rake out matted locations gently, not strongly, to prevent rooting out tender crowns.

This is the window for pre-emergent herbicides to stop crabgrass. Go for when soil temperature levels hit roughly 55 levels for numerous days. That generally lands anywhere from late March to mid April, relying on the year. If you plan to seed bare areas in spring, avoid pre-emergent in that location or utilize an item identified for new seed.

On soils that examined acidic, late wintertime or early spring is a smart time for lime. Numerous Philly yards sit in between pH 5.5 and 6.3. Cool-season grasses prefer 6.2 to 7.0. Do not guess. Lime without an examination and you can lock up nutrients for years. A top lawn treatment company in Philadelphia will certainly arrange dirt testing ahead of time and spread out the correction over numerous applications as opposed to dumping a heavy dosage in one pass.

Mowing begins once again as development returns to. Establish the deck at 3 to 3.5 inches for fescue. This higher cut tones soil, reduces evaporation, and inhibits weeds. Hone the blade. Boring blades tear turf, which increases illness threat in our damp springs.

Late spring into early summer season: take care of development, prepare for stress

This is the period of fast growth and unforeseen storms. High fescue responds well to a light feeding with slow-release nitrogen, usually 0.5 to 0.75 pounds of real nitrogen per 1,000 square feet. Push it harder and you develop rich growth that battles when warm gets here. I 'd rather leave area for a stronger autumn feeding, when the plant can bank power in roots.

Weed pressure climbs up currently. Dandelions are easy marks with careful herbicides or a sharp weeder after rain. Ground ivy and wild violet are harder. Sensible, targeted treatments work best. Blanket spraying the entire yard wastes product and can scorch tender springtime growth.

If grubs were a concern last year, speak to your company regarding precautionary treatments based on tracking, not practice. Not every lawn needs it, and beneficial bugs experience when you spray preventively without cause.

Irrigation, if you have it, should supplement rainfall, not change it. Early summertime can be feast or famine. Aim for an inch of water weekly combined, changing for rains. Deep, irregular watering is the policy. Turf that gets a day-to-day dash trains roots towards the surface area and wear out much faster in July.

High summer season: safeguard and conserve

Philadelphia summers are damp, and warm snaps will test your lawn. This is when you transform methods. Elevate trimming elevation to 3.5 to 4 inches. Skip a cut if the grass slows under warm tension. Heading welcomes conditions like brown spot, which enjoys cozy nights and wet foliage.

Fertilization ought to be marginal or none in July and August. Feeding during warmth motivates top growth at the exact minute roots are having a hard time. If a lawn maintenance Philadelphia plan suggests a heavy mid-summer feeding for cool-season turf, ask why. In practically every case, it's far better to wait.

Irrigate as the yard demands. The screwdriver test is simple and reliable: push a screwdriver into the dirt. If it glides in quickly to the handle, moisture is adequate. If it only permeates an inch, the dirt is completely dry. Water early in the morning so leaves dry rapidly. If you choose to allow the yard go dormant, water lightly every a couple of weeks, around a half inch, simply to keep crowns alive.

Watch for diseases. Brown spot reveals as uneven tan spots with a dark margin. Summer spot can be more insidious, often connected to compaction and stressed roots. Social controls precede: develop blades, stay clear of late-day watering, and avoid nitrogen. An educated landscaping company in Philadelphia can suggest when fungicides are warranted for high-value grass, however a lot of home grass recuperate with fall oygenation and overseeding.

Fall: Philly's prime-time television for healing and renovation

From Labor Day to Halloween is the pleasant area. Dirt is cozy, air is cooler, and weeds are much less aggressive. If I could only pick one season to purchase, it would be fall.

Core aeration in September reduces compaction, improves oxygen exchange, and opens up channels for nutrients and water. On clay-heavy lawns, pulling cores at least once a year makes a dramatic distinction over a couple of seasons. I like hollow-tine aerators and a double pass if the soil is heavily compacted.

Overseeding right after oygenation works well. Tall fescue mixes that consist of turf-type selections produce a thick, fine-bladed appearance with better disease resistance. Go for 3 to 5 extra pounds of seed per 1,000 square feet for overseeding, higher for complete renovation. Topdressing with a quarter inch of evaluated garden compost aids hold seed, improves microbial life, and smooths minor undulations.

Fertilization belongs below. A well balanced loss program provides 0.75 to 1 pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet in early fall and another light application 6 to 8 weeks later, changed based on soil examinations. This technique drives root growth and carbohydrate storage space, which settle following spring.

Broadleaf weeds are surprisingly susceptible in fall. Therapies for clover, plantain, and dandelion are much more efficient currently due to the fact that plants are pulling resources continuously right into their roots. If you favor a lighter chemical impact, place treatment remains a clever compromise.

Leaf monitoring issues. Wet leaves stifle turf and invite snow mold and mildew. Mulch mowing, which chops leaves right into fine bits, operates in most instances and returns organic matter to the dirt. When the volume exceeds what the lawn mower can manage, accumulate and compost or ask your landscaping services Philadelphia service provider to haul them. The objective is constantly the exact same: protect against matting and maintain light getting to the grass.

Winter: safeguard what you built

Once development quits, make a last clean-up pass. The last cut usually lands around 2.75 to 3 inches, somewhat lower than your summertime elevation. This helps in reducing snow mold and mildew risk, though we do not obtain the persistent snow cover seen in northern areas. Stay clear of hefty foot web traffic on icy or saturated lawns. If the ground defrosts during a cozy spell, withstand the lure to rake or function the grass until the dirt companies again.

Winter is additionally a great time to assess bigger modifications. Do you have areas that never ever prosper because of shade or drainage? A smart landscaping Philadelphia redesign may change those failures with shade-tolerant perennials, decorative crushed rock, or widened beds that reduce maintenance and water usage. The most effective landscaper in Philly will create with runoff regulations and neighborhood plant palettes in mind, so your backyard looks natural in the neighborhood.

The service food selection that really helps

When people search for lawn care services Philadelphia, they commonly see package packages that look interchangeable. Under the hood, however, there are significant distinctions. Here is a functional way to consider solution options.

Mowing and bordering. Useful when growth is quickly. The quality of work programs in details: rotating mowing patterns to avoid ruts, trimming equally without scalping, and blowing trimmings out of beds instead of hiding plants.

Fertilization and weed control. Seek suppliers who make use of slow-release resources for the majority of the nitrogen, time feedings to spring and fall, and favor area sprays for weeds. Programs with five to 7 brows through annually are common, however the content of those gos to matters greater than the count.

Aeration and overseeding. This is the solitary most impactful yearly service for compressed Philadelphia grass. If a company attempts to skip it, be skeptical. Slit seeding can match or replace overseeding in extreme thinning due to the fact that it tucks seed right into shallow soil furrows where dampness lingers.

Soil screening and amendments. The distinction in between thinking and screening turns up in your grass within two seasons. pH adjustments, potassium changes, and raw material methods are difficult to establish without data.

Topdressing and garden compost unification. Especially on newly developed homes, where topsoil is slim and subsoil is dense, a yearly quarter inch of compost after oygenation builds fertility and enhances framework. It is not fancy, but it works.

Irrigation appointments or upgrades. If you have an automated system, request head-to-head insurance coverage audits and matched rainfall nozzles. If you depend on hoses, have your service provider mark a basic watering plan that fits your schedule.

Pest and disease monitoring. Rather than scheduled pesticide applications, the best business check, record, and treat when thresholds are gotten to. Japanese beetle grubs, chinch insects, and fungal diseases require different timing. Spraying on a calendar wastes money and invites resistance.

Watering in the city: sensible, not perfect

Many Philly residential properties do not have in-ground watering. That is great. I have actually taken care of lots of attractive lawns with a number of oscillating lawn sprinklers and an inexpensive timer. The method is discipline.

Set sprinklers so they overlap somewhat, providing roughly one inch each week spread over 2 deep soakings. Utilize a tuna can or a rain scale to measure. Move lawn sprinklers carefully to stay clear of dry streaks. If a warm front hits, increase duration, not regularity. Morning watering prevents leaf dampness overnight, which gas fungus.

Side backyards and tiny courtyards can be stubborn. Wind tunnels in between rowhomes make circulation unequal, and fences obstruct spray. In those areas, soaker pipes under a light compost can exceed overhanging watering.

Mowing height, blades, and clippings: tiny options, large payoffs

I harp on trimming because it is one of the most frequent touch a grass gets, and little errors substance. Set your mower high, hold that line in summertime, and prevent eliminating more than one third of the blade at a time. If a wet week transforms your lawn right into a jungle, make use of a dual pass at higher deck setups rather than requiring a single drastic cut.

Sharpen blades at least twice a season. If you see white frayed suggestions on the yard a day after cutting, your blade is plain. Torn tips lose water swiftly, invite disease, and make the yard appearance gray.

Leave trimmings unless they mat. They return nitrogen and organic matter. On heavy growth weeks, bagging is much better than smothering the grass. If a lawn care philadelphia grass treatment company leaves windrows or globs, inquire to decrease or take a second pass.

The shade and tree root problem

Philadelphia's mature areas have lots of maples, oaks, and sycamores. Trees and grass contend fiercely for water and nutrients. If you have actually subjected origins at the surface area, stacking soil ahead is risky. Roots need oxygen. Rather, produce a mulched ring out to the drip line where sensible, and approve a lowered turf footprint.

In spotted color, great fescues can earn a place in the seed mix, however they do not enjoy foot traffic. Take into consideration stepping rock courses or expanded beds via high-traffic color areas. A good lawn maintenance Philadelphia plan equilibriums visual appeals with truth, saving you from reseeding the exact same area year after year.

Organic, low-input, and hybrid programs

Plenty of house owners intend to reduce artificial inputs. That is possible, specifically if you invest in dirt wellness, trimming discipline, and overseeding. Organic plant foods build microbial life and launch nutrients gradually. Garden compost topdressing, fallen leave mulching, and clover integration all add to a resilient lawn.

Be honest concerning compromises. Weed stress will certainly be higher in year one and 2, specifically versus perennial weeds like violet. Many of my customers succeed with hybrid programs: natural fertility, social practices like oygenation and compost, and targeted herbicides just where required. A yard care company in Philadelphia that recognizes this balance can customize a course that appreciates your choices while keeping the grass presentable.

Pricing assumptions and value checks

Costs differ by home dimension, access, and service scope, but you can orient on your own with harsh varieties across the city and close suburban areas. Mowing on little rowhome lawns may run in the small weekly cost range throughout optimal period, while quarter to half-acre suburban whole lots can set you back numerous times that. Aeration lawn care services philadelphia EAS Landscaping and overseeding often comes under a mid-three-to-high-three-figure array relying on dimension and seed choice. Complete renovation, which includes non-selective kill, multiple seed passes, and topdressing, can press well over a thousand for bigger properties.

Value reveals itself in results and interaction. If a team turns up accurately, leaves clean sides, proactively flags issues, and hits the important loss window on time, they are earning their maintain. If they skip aeration, stay clear of dirt tests, or press mid-summer nitrogen for cool-season turf, press for explanations or think about other options.

When to call a landscaping company rather than pushing lawn fixes

Sometimes, the most intelligent action is to alter the canvas. If your front backyard gets less than three hours of light, lawn will always battle. If runoff splits channels with your side backyard after tornados, turf is not the solution. Landscaping Philadelphia jobs that add swales, absorptive courses, and native plantings can solve the underlying problems and lower upkeep long term.

A qualified landscaping company in Philadelphia assumes like an engineer and a gardener. They must evaluate slope, dirt seepage, and plant option along with aesthetic allure. Work with teams that value your home's building style and the community's personality, not just the Pinterest vision.

A simple, seasonal checklist you can show your provider

  • Early springtime: soil test if past due, hone lawn mower blades, use pre-emergent when dirt strikes mid 50s, light slow-release feeding, cut at 3 to 3.5 inches.
  • Late spring: spot-treat weeds, display for grubs if there is a background, verify watering insurance coverage, keep trimming elevation steady.
  • Summer: increase trimming to 3.5 to 4 inches, water deeply in early mornings as needed, stay clear of hefty nitrogen, manage illness stress with cultural practices.
  • Early loss: core aerate, overseed with turf-type high fescue mix, topdress with compost, apply a balanced loss fertilizer.
  • Late loss: second light plant food if ideal, compost or get rid of leaves before they mat, last mow around 2.75 to 3 inches.

How top-rated providers make their reputation

I have watched firms make luxury online reputations the sluggish means, over years of regular area work. They do the unglamorous things well. They stop briefly after a thunderstorm to reschedule a mow rather than rut your dirt. They switch over from covering weed control to spot spray the first time you ask, after that clarify the realistic timeline for enhancement. They urge autumn oygenation also if it is the busiest week of their year, since they know that is when it counts.

When you assess lawn care services Philadelphia homeowners advise, look beyond social proof to procedure. Ask exactly how they train employees, what they do when a work goes wrong, and how they take care of side cases like new sod in a heat wave. Great solutions specify. If the salesman can not explain the seed blend they utilize, the nitrogen resource in their fertilizer, or the target soil pH, keep interviewing.

A couple of edge cases worth calling out

New building and construction grass typically remain on compressed subsoil with a slim veneer of topsoil. Anticipate a 2 to 3 year turn-around if you commit to aeration, compost topdressing, and cautious watering. Quick fixes hardly ever hold.

Pet damages concentrates in winter and very early spring. Flush those locations with water to thin down salts, after that topdress with a light layer of garden compost and seed when soil warms. High fescue recuperates much better than bluegrass under repeat traffic.

Sidewalk strips warm up and dry out faster than the grass proper. Take into consideration drought-tolerant blends, a small drip line under compost, or switching grass for a tough perennial border. It is far better to have a strip that looks purposefully planted than a churned-up patchwork of weeds and dust.

Slope locations can take advantage of slit seeding incorporated with erosion control coverings for a season. Once developed, deeper-rooted high fescue surpasses rye in holding soil.

Bringing all of it together

A Philly lawn thrives when you sync with the city's periods and soils. Spring establishes the table, summer season examinations your perseverance, and drop rewards the job. The best grass treatment business in Philadelphia amplifies your efforts with exact timing, truthful guidance, and sharp implementation. They recognize when to seed and when to wait, when to feed and when to hold back, when to combat weeds and when to reassess the planting.

Whether you maintain the job in-house or companion with an expert team, the principles stay the exact same. Develop healthy soil. Mow high with sharp blades. Water deeply but not regularly. Freshen and seed in autumn. Pick plants that match the website rather than requiring the website to match the plant. With that said method, your yard ends up being more than a green surface. It becomes a resistant landscape that looks excellent in April, endures July, and rebounds with vitality in October. Which, in Philly's climate, is the mark of job well done.

EAS Landscaping Address: 1234 N 25th St, Philadelphia, PA 19121
Phone: +1 267-670-0173
Website: https://easlandscaping.com/

EAS Landscaping

EAS Landscaping

EAS Landscaping is a Philadelphia-based landscape design and construction company specializing in artistic, sustainable outdoor spaces, including landscaping, hardscaping, garden design, and custom landscape architecture for residential projects.

View us on Google Maps
1234 N 25th St
Philadelphia, PA
19121
US

Business Hours

  • Monday: 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Thursday: 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Friday: 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Saturday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
  • Sunday: Closed

Follow Us


EAS Landscaping is a landscaping company

EAS Landscaping is based in Philadelphia Pennsylvania United States

EAS Landscaping address is 1234 N 25th St Philadelphia PA 19121 United States

EAS Landscaping phone number is +1 267 670 0173

EAS Landscaping website is https://easlandscaping.com/

EAS Landscaping operates on Tuesday from 8:30 AM to 6 PM

EAS Landscaping operates on Wednesday from 8:30 AM to 6 PM

EAS Landscaping operates on Thursday from 8:30 AM to 6 PM

EAS Landscaping operates on Friday from 8:30 AM to 6 PM

EAS Landscaping operates on Saturday from 9 AM to 1 PM

EAS Landscaping is closed on Sunday

EAS Landscaping operates on Monday from 8:30 AM to 6 PM

EAS Landscaping is connected with Brooks Brothers Construction

Brooks Brothers Construction provides hardscaping services for EAS Landscaping

Horace Captain leads hardscaping projects for Brooks Brothers Construction

Horace Captain has over 30 years of hardscaping experience

EAS Landscaping provides landscaping services

EAS Landscaping provides hardscaping services

EAS Landscaping provides landscape design services

EAS Landscaping provides landscape construction services

EAS Landscaping provides native plant installation and guidance

EAS Landscaping provides garden design services

EAS Landscaping provides residential landscape architecture services

EAS Landscaping provides fencing services

EAS Landscaping does not provide lawncare services

EAS Landscaping installs sod only as part of a larger design project

EAS Landscaping specializes in artscape landscape projects

EAS Landscaping collaborates with clients to create sustainable landscape designs

EAS Landscaping team has expertise in horticulture

EAS Landscaping team has expertise in landscape construction

EAS Landscaping team has expertise in project management

EAS Landscaping team has expertise in material logistics

EAS Landscaping won Philadelphia Sustainable Landscape Award

EAS Landscaping was awarded Best Urban Garden Design Philadelphia

EAS Landscaping received Recognition for Artistic Landscape Excellence

EAS Landscaping Google Maps link is https://maps.app.goo.gl/S64Ns9YXGW3pb42m8

EAS Landscaping has a YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPgmI0GioirEfnZG7hl4t7Q

EAS Landscaping has an Instagram profile https://www.instagram.com/easlandscaping/

EAS Landscaping uses social media for brand promotion

EAS Landscaping uses social media to showcase landscaping projects


Frequently Asked Questions About Lawn Care in Philadelphia


How much does lawn service cost in Philadelphia?

Lawn service in Philadelphia typically costs between $40 and $80 per visit for standard mowing. Pricing varies based on lot size, grass height, terrain, and service frequency. Additional services such as edging, trimming, or seasonal cleanup increase the total cost.

How much does lawn care cost in PA?

In Pennsylvania, routine lawn care generally ranges from $35 to $90 per visit. Monthly costs average $120 to $250 depending on services included. Fertilization, weed control, and aeration are usually priced separately.

What services are offered by Lawnstarter lawn care service in Philadelphia?

The platform typically offers lawn mowing, edging, trimming, and debris cleanup. Optional services commonly include fertilization, weed control, aeration, overseeding, and leaf removal. Availability can vary based on provider coverage and season.

What is the best grass to grow in Philadelphia?

Cool-season grasses perform best due to Philadelphia’s climate. Tall fescue is widely used for its heat tolerance and durability. Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass are also common, often blended for resilience.

What is the average pay for a lawn care worker in PA?

The average lawn care worker in Pennsylvania earns approximately $15 to $20 per hour. Entry-level roles are typically lower, while experienced operators earn more. Pay varies by season, employer, and skill level.

What is the best lawn care for beginners?

Basic lawn care for beginners includes regular mowing, proper watering, and seasonal fertilization. Maintaining correct mowing height and sharp blades prevents stress and disease. Weed control and soil testing can be added gradually.

Do you need a license for lawn care in PA?

General lawn mowing and maintenance do not require a state license in Pennsylvania. However, applying pesticides or herbicides commercially requires certification from the state. Local business registration may also be required.

What is the best time of year for lawn care?

Spring and fall are the most important seasons for lawn care. Fall is ideal for aeration, overseeding, and fertilization. Spring focuses on cleanup, early fertilization, and weed prevention.

What is the most expensive part of landscaping?

Hardscaping is typically the most expensive part of landscaping. This includes patios, retaining walls, drainage systems, and stonework. Costs are driven by materials, excavation, and labor intensity.

Is $20 an hour good in PA?

An hourly rate of $20 is above the statewide median for many labor roles. It is generally considered competitive for skilled or physically demanding work. Cost of living differences can affect how far this wage goes.

How many lawns can a 2 man crew mow in a day?

A two-person crew can typically mow 12 to 20 average-size lawns per day. Productivity depends on lawn size, travel distance, equipment efficiency, and service scope. Smaller, clustered properties increase output.

What is the difference between a landscaper and a groundskeeper?

A landscaper focuses on design, installation, and improvement of outdoor spaces. A groundskeeper maintains existing landscapes through mowing, pruning, and general upkeep. The roles differ mainly in scope and long-term responsibility.


Looking for lawn care in Philadelphia near Betsy Ross House ? Professional lawn care services help maintain healthy grass, control weeds, and keep outdoor spaces consistently maintained throughout the season.

I am a enthusiastic professional with a rich background in consulting. My drive for game-changing solutions drives my desire to scale thriving ventures. In my professional career, I have established a identity as being a pragmatic leader. Aside from scaling my own businesses, I also enjoy coaching entrepreneurial risk-takers. I believe in motivating the next generation of problem-solvers to actualize their own desires. I am often venturing into groundbreaking possibilities and uniting with like-hearted risk-takers. Upending expectations is my inspiration. In addition to dedicated to my startup, I enjoy visiting dynamic destinations. I am also focused on outdoor activities.