[gfmucci]

Originally Posted by ldj1938

St Augustine and mine looks great because I cut my own lawn.* My neighbors, however, with one exception, are getting scalped.* I think their reasoning is that they don't have to come back and mow as often.

*What mower do you use?* Both Toro and Honda self-propelled walk-behinds are rated highest by Consumer Report for bagging and muching.* Cub Cadet is close behind.* A low end rider (approx. $900) is $400 to $500 more than the best walk behinds.

The financial break even point between buying the necessary equipment and paying $50 a month for mowing and blowing will be about a year plus or minus depending on the equipment you get.* (Actually, I do mowing, edging, and then vacuuming with the mower. I don't believe in blowing. It pollutes the air and puts organic debris into our storm water system - it is not a "best management practice.") I figure 5 or 6 years of doing it myself until I'm too old or infirm can save a lot of money...and I've been doing a pretty good job doing it myself for 35 years - while working full time!* Now I'll have all the time in the world.* Yaaaaaaaa!!!