Acidic soil, deer and the edge of the woods
Soil under pines and oaks is acidic and low in nutrients, so lawns and beds need compost and, where tests suggest it, lime. Deer browse many popular shrubs, and ticks are a fact of life near the woods, which is why open lawn edges and gravel borders are popular.
Route 149 and the surrounding roads give access to most of the village, though side roads can be sandy and tight. Fallen needles and leaves collect in drainage swales and can block them. We choose plants that deer tend to avoid, keep mulch beds neat and plan drainage so storm water moves across the lot without carving ruts.
