Pittsburgh sits where three rivers converge, creating steep hillsides and varied terrain that defines landscapes throughout Allegheny County. Properties from the historic South Side and Lawrenceville to neighborhoods like Squirrel Hill, Shadyside, and out toward the North Hills and South Hills deal with clay soil and slopes that create significant drainage challenges. Cold winters with snow and ice transition to warm, humid summers, and the topography means some properties get full sun while others stay shaded by hills. Yards need mulch that works on sloped terrain while managing runoff and protecting roots through Pennsylvania's freeze-thaw cycles.