Milwaukee's Lake Michigan location brings clay soil and lake-effect weather to landscapes throughout the metro area. Properties from the historic Third Ward and Bay View to neighborhoods like Wauwatosa, Shorewood, and out toward Brookfield deal with heavy clay that's common throughout southeastern Wisconsin. Cold winters with lake-effect snow, bitter wind chills, and ice transition to warm, humid summers, and the proximity to the lake moderates some temperatures while creating its own weather patterns. Yards throughout Milwaukee County need mulch that works with challenging clay soil while providing serious winter protection and managing moisture during spring thaws.