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Lawn Care Companies Getting Early Start With Warm Spring

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Have you noticed a buzz in your neighborhood lately from all the leaf blowers?

Lawn care professionals are out clearing out leaves and sticks out of gutters, windows and yards three weeks ahead of schedule. That's all because of our recent warm weather and early arrival of spring.

"We're probably 2 ½ to three weeks ahead of schedule," said Brian Ylitalo, who runs Ylitalo Land and Snow Care Company with his brother Brad, who said no snow means no weighted down leaves.

"This year everything was dried up and you can just get going," said Brad.

Homeowner Bill Walters couldn't believe the two man crew showed up so early in the spring.

"I'm from Minnesota and I've never seen it like this before," said Walters.

The biggest surprise is the length of the grass.

"It's tall enough to mow and that doesn't usually happen until May," said Brad.

"Yesterday I could see the grass blowing in the wind, so it does look pretty long, it's probably four to five inches," said Walters.

It may seem early, but heading into the next few months the No. 1 tool will be your lawnmower.  Expers say make sure to get the blades sharpened, change the oil and clean out any debris from last year.

It is, however, too soon to plant your favorite flowers because there could still be a frost or freeze.

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