It depends on the land. If it is a forest or wetland , leaving it alone might be best. If there is a stream, planting things to shade the water helps keep the water cold. Knowing what is growing there, what should be growing there, and what should not be there helps.

As for tics, encouraging animals that eat them helps. Opossum and skunks come to mind. Two animals that people do not want near their homes eat a ton of tics. Chickens and other birds eat tics too.