Would you get rid of your lawn if it was allowed?

[queasy27]

This is not new info, but grass lawns are a detriment (https://earther.gizmodo.com/lawns-are-an-ecological-disaster-1826070720) to the environment as a whole:

"According to the EPA, we use 580 million gallons of gas each year, in lawnmowers that emit as much pollution in one hour as 40 automobiles driving— accounting for roughly 10 to 18 percent of non-road gasoline emissions.

We also dump roughly 10 times more fertilizer on our lawns than on crops, notes Columbia’s Earth Institute. These fertilizers and the 67 million pounds of pesticides with which we drench our lawns ever year degrade, releasing compounds like nitrous oxide, a greenhouse gas 298 times more potent than CO2. Potential damages from agricultural fertilizer runoff alone were estimated by one study to cost $157 billion annually.

We’ve managed to make grass do the opposite of what photosynthesis is supposed to accomplish. A recent study out of Appalachian State University pegs our lawns’ carbon footprint at around 25 million tons annually.

It gets better. All America’s farmland consumes 88.5 million acre feet of water a year. Lawns, with a fraction of the land, drink an estimated two-thirds as much. Most municipalities use 30-60 percent of drinkable water on lawns."

[Two Bills]

What will they find to worry about next?
I like grass, so stuff the Columbia Earth Institute!

[billethkid]

Growing grass in FL is nothing but a waste of time and money....ya can't grow grass on a sand dune!!

[Bjeanj]

I like a grassy lawn, especially right after it’s been mowed and trimmed.

[Arctic Fox]

It is, and I have

[graciegirl]

I sort of think that all those statistics may be exaggerated a tad, but if they were all true...I love the well kept lawns and yards here. I would not do away with green lawns and lovely trimmed bushes. Since Henry does the trimming and I don't have to.

[JimJohnson]

If getting rid of my lawn would benefit mankind, I would drop it like a bad habit.
I want to add in here, that if we would stop thinking of ourselves so much and consider what would be best for all, this would be a better world. Just because we Villagers can afford to pay high prices for water, don’t forget those less fortunate on the outskirts of our paradise. If my plush lawn is taking away their drinking water, then I will go Arizona rock yard.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Lawns are not a natural occurrence. They're completely man-invented. Grass is natural - lawns are not. If I could afford to gut it and replace it with a variety of native plants, stones, and potted plants, I would. Green lawns just look silly to me, I'll never "like" them no matter how pristine and how perfectly someone cares for theirs.

[JimJohnson]

Lawns are not a natural occurrence. They're completely man-invented. Grass is natural - lawns are not. If I could afford to gut it and replace it with a variety of native plants, stones, and potted plants, I would. Green lawns just look silly to me, I'll never "like" them no matter how pristine and how perfectly someone cares for theirs.

Well said. I agree. I have a lush green pretty lawn, but would prefer a natural look. Just not so sure the OLD GUARD of The Villages old-timers would embrace the idea of natural yards.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Well said. I agree. I have a lush green pretty lawn, but would prefer a natural look. Just not so sure the OLD GUARD of The Villages old-timers would embrace the idea of natural yards.

Some day, we will be the OLD GUARD. And then "we can be the change."

[JimJohnson]

Some day, we will be the OLD GUARD. And then "we can be the change."

Bingo! Please hurry, I’m in my 70’s now. LOL

[karostay]

If we didn't have lawns or green spaces can you imagine how much hotter it would be here? Just take a golf cart ride around Court Yard Villas

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

If we didn't have lawns or green spaces can you imagine how much hotter it would be here? Just take a golf cart ride around Court Yard Villas

Green spaces are great. Lawns are not the best green spaces. For some of us, they're pretty lousy green spaces. I'm partial - as I said already - to native plants, rocks, and potted plants. Plenty of greenery. Grasses - carefully placed and contained, and allowed to grow tall as grasses do when people aren't busy mowing them down to a couple of inches.

Tall lush green plants, wildflowers, herbs, shrubbery, and a couple of somewhat short shade trees that need only occasional pruning and no significant maintenance.

These things CAN grow in Florida, you just need someone to actually start growing it.

[Villagevip]

I like the innovation, of owners with the curved driveways, right through the lawn, hehe... Leaves only a small patch of grass or rocks for the weeds to grow..

[NotGolfer]

I would go for less grass (the upkeep as age) but personally I like the greenery of it. Grasses were put here for a reason, as were the trees etc....but that's my opinion.

[JimJohnson]

If we didn't have lawns or green spaces can you imagine how much hotter it would be here? Just take a golf cart ride around Court Yard Villas

I swear I love you, but the temp difference would be zero.

[New Englander]

I like my small lawn in my back yard and so do the birds.

[Number 10 GI]

Prior to living here we were in Tennessee. I never watered my yard at all and none of our neighbors did either. We lived in 4 different neighborhoods and I did not see one yard being watered. I lived in Iowa for a number of years and no one there watered their lawns either so where are all these lawns located that are using so much water? I believe there is a bit of exaggeration with these number thrown out by the EPA.

[Two Bills]

The few Florida Gardens I have seen round TV, are not so much 'natural,' more like...... 'out of control.'
Giving up using plastic bags will do more good for the enviroment, than stopping watering your lawn!
....and yes we have!

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

The few Florida Gardens I have seen round TV, are not so much 'natural,' more like...... 'out of control.'
Giving up using plastic bags will do more good for the enviroment, than stopping watering your lawn!
....and yes we have!

My reason for ditching the lawn is because I consider lawns unattractive and artificial-looking. By artificial I mean that literally, not figuratively. They look like under-trimmed astroturf. And they might as well be, for all you can do with them, which is absolutely nothing. They serve no function at all, and they require a lot of maintenance. You can't pick up a patch of St. Augustine or Zoysa and stick it in a vase to decorate the dining room table. You can't pluck a few blades to crumble into your pasta sauce.

Unfunctional green stuff on sand is as attractive to me as mildew stains on the ceiling is to pretty much everyone.

[tophcfa]

If there were no lawns where would all the dogs poop?

[asianthree]

Up north I love going barefoot in our blue grass lawn. 1/2 acre of perfectly trimmed lawn, that is so soft. Watered 3 times a week for 20 minutes per zone. Water bill for June, July, August is $93.

Here you can’t go barefoot cause the grass is crunchy, and then there is the possibility of fire ants. Friends have a CYV with up scale man made turf. It was not cheap, even has various height grass, to look very realistic. I would love to do the same.

[graciegirl]

If getting rid of my lawn would benefit mankind, I would drop it like a bad habit.
I want to add in here, that if we would stop thinking of ourselves so much and consider what would be best for all, this would be a better world. Just because we Villagers can afford to pay high prices for water, don’t forget those less fortunate on the outskirts of our paradise. If my plush lawn is taking away their drinking water, then I will go Arizona rock yard.

But it isn't taking away their drinking water.

[Aces4]

My reason for ditching the lawn is because I consider lawns unattractive and artificial-looking. By artificial I mean that literally, not figuratively. They look like under-trimmed astroturf. And they might as well be, for all you can do with them, which is absolutely nothing. They serve no function at all, and they require a lot of maintenance. You can't pick up a patch of St. Augustine or Zoysa and stick it in a vase to decorate the dining room table. You can't pluck a few blades to crumble into your pasta sauce.

Unfunctional green stuff on sand is as attractive to me as mildew stains on the ceiling is to pretty much everyone.

You do realize taste is subjective and many would find your method of “ decorating” your yard ugly. To each their own.

[graciegirl]

My reason for ditching the lawn is because I consider lawns unattractive and artificial-looking. By artificial I mean that literally, not figuratively. They look like under-trimmed astroturf. And they might as well be, for all you can do with them, which is absolutely nothing. They serve no function at all, and they require a lot of maintenance. You can't pick up a patch of St. Augustine or Zoysa and stick it in a vase to decorate the dining room table. You can't pluck a few blades to crumble into your pasta sauce.

Unfunctional green stuff on sand is as attractive to me as mildew stains on the ceiling is to pretty much everyone.

I think lawns are lovely. I don't like a bunch of junk in people's yards. And junk strewn around trees that some think are lovely. I think what people find beautiful is very interesting and very personal. I think some people have more or less innate visual taste. And some have very little affinity for what is beautiful at all, or clean, or orderly.


beautiful lawns in florida - Bing images (https://www.bing.com/images/search?q=beautiful+lawns+in+florida&FORM=HDRSC2)


Junk in yards with weeds. - Bing images (https://www.bing.com/images/search?q=Junk%20in%20yards%20with%20weeds.%20&qs=n&form=QBIR&sp=-1&pq=junk%20in%20yards%20with%20weeds.%20&sc=0-26&sk=&cvid=63FBF2AB6C6E4813A49975F6DD7608DD)


I think people who campaign against nice lawns are not so much environmentalists but perhaps allergic to the work and effort it takes to maintain a beautiful home and yard.

[Chi-Town]

If you're against lawns the Lofts at Brownwood will be ready soon.


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[OrangeBlossomBaby]

You do realize taste is subjective and many would find your method of “ decorating” your yard ugly. To each their own.

Yes, I realize that. This thread seems to be an exercise, a "what if" scenario. You can keep your lawn if you like, but if we were allowed and I could afford it (both of these things would have to be true), I would get rid of mine and replace it with some other kind of landscape.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

If you're against lawns the Lofts at Brownwood will be ready soon.


Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

I'm not "against" them. I just think they're ugly, pointless, and unnecessary. You might think wildflowers are ugly, pointless, and unnecessary - and that's fine, you don't have to grow them.

[graciegirl]

I'm not "against" them. I just think they're ugly, pointless, and unnecessary. You might think wildflowers are ugly, pointless, and unnecessary - and that's fine, you don't have to grow them.

This view will be received in different ways by your neighbors I am sure.

Most people who live in your part of town have meticulously kept lawns.

[tophcfa]

I don't understand how watering a lawn is considered wasting water? The water gets pumped up from an underground aquifer and sprinkled onto the lawn. The water then gets absorbed into the ground and eventually percolates it's way back down into the grounds aquifers. All that happens is that the water gets temperairly displaced before it eventually returns into the ground water system. Unless the water gets put into a capsule and is shot up into space, all water used remains inside the earths atmosphere where it eventually finds its way back into the water supply, nothing wasted.

[tophcfa]

To answer the OP's question, no I would not get rid of my lawn if it was allowed. However, I am considering getting rid of our garden and turning that into additional lawn. I am sick and tired of pulling weeds from the garden, but I don't have to weed the lawn. I would much rather spend my free time swimming laps and golfing than pulling weeds.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

I don't understand how watering a lawn is considered wasting water? The water gets pumped up from an underground aquifer and sprinkled onto the lawn. The water then gets absorbed into the ground and eventually percolates it's way back down into the grounds aquifers. All that happens is that the water gets temperairly displaced before it eventually returns into the ground water system. Unless the water gets put into a capsule and is shot up into space, all water used remains inside the earths atmosphere where it eventually finds its way back into the water supply, nothing wasted.

The needs of the lawn involve more than just water. Pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, are all being "absorbed" into the ground where it then percolates into the aquifers, mixes with natural bacterium, consumed by other bacterium, fungi, and whatever bugs and insects live off the sludge, which then feeds whatever birds and other animals feed on the insects and bugs, which then becomes food for the next animal up the food chain, and so on and so forth.

And then, the water is churned right back into your lawn by way of your sprinkler system. Do you not notice how nasty that water smells? Maybe it's because I'm relatively new but I can't even turn the hose on to clean the bugs off my car in the driveway without gagging.

[tophcfa]

The needs of the lawn involve more than just water. Pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, are all being "absorbed" into the ground where it then percolates into the aquifers, mixes with natural bacterium, consumed by other bacterium, fungi, and whatever bugs and insects live off the sludge, which then feeds whatever birds and other animals feed on the insects and bugs, which then becomes food for the next animal up the food chain, and so on and so forth.

And then, the water is churned right back into your lawn by way of your sprinkler system. Do you not notice how nasty that water smells? Maybe it's because I'm relatively new but I can't even turn the hose on to clean the bugs off my car in the driveway without gagging.

Where we live, between SS and LSL, all of our water (including the outside hose and irrigation) is potable water and isn't any different than the water that comes out of our kitchen sink.

[delima2000]

Would love Astro turf. That would free up a lot of time and save a lot of money

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Would love Astro turf. That would free up a lot of time and save a lot of money

The problem with astroturf is that nothing grows underneath it. It creates a desert, and eliminates the natural environment completely. If you were to sell the home and the new owner wanted to put in a lawn, the cost and time to restore the ground to growable conditions would be extensive.

For a small patch of ground, it's not bad. We used it up north as the ground cover for our above-ground pool, so when we climbed the ladder and climbed back down again we didn't get our feet dirty or stub our toes on the tile patio.

We had a neighbor who used astroturf to cover the cement stairs to their front door. It was way too bright green, maybe if they had gotten a more subtle hue it would've looked okay. Very functional though.

[eyc234]

It is allowed to remove grass in your lawn by law. We are doing it now and can not wait to have it all gone. Too much water, chemical fertilizer, weeding chemicals, disease chemicals and bug chemicals, grass clippings disposal, polluting mowers. Planting the correct plants, in the correct place, Florida native, drought tolerant and freeze tolerant for this zone is imperative.

[JimJohnson]

It is allowed to remove grass in your lawn by law. We are doing it now and can not wait to have it all gone. Too much water, chemical fertilizer, weeding chemicals, disease chemicals and bug chemicals, grass clippings disposal, polluting mowers. Planting the correct plants, in the correct place, Florida native, drought tolerant and freeze tolerant for this zone is imperative.

:bigbow:

[graciegirl]

The needs of the lawn involve more than just water. Pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, are all being "absorbed" into the ground where it then percolates into the aquifers, mixes with natural bacterium, consumed by other bacterium, fungi, and whatever bugs and insects live off the sludge, which then feeds whatever birds and other animals feed on the insects and bugs, which then becomes food for the next animal up the food chain, and so on and so forth.

And then, the water is churned right back into your lawn by way of your sprinkler system. Do you not notice how nasty that water smells? Maybe it's because I'm relatively new but I can't even turn the hose on to clean the bugs off my car in the driveway without gagging.

The water in your hose, or in the sprinkling system smells here because it has laid quietly for awhile in a warm dark place and smelly little one celled critters that you appear to know about has grown in it. Once that first water is cleared, it isn't smelly. Many things are different here in this warmer climate. Another thing is bugs that can quickly grow in your home. Most of us are very grateful for pesticides to keep them out. Some of Florida's roaches need saddles. AND love me those pesticides to kill the Fire Ants. Their bites hurt and sting and last for a couple of weeks.

Better living through chemistry.

[tuctba]

For a relatively small lot for our Jasmine I figured the annual cost to keep it green at least $2000. (Cutting, pest and fertilization and watering). This does not include if something goes bad and you need some sod replacement.
Although I love a lawn I have thought in the long run artificial turf may be less costly.


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[merrymini]

I would live to replace my lawn with ground cover but my other half will not see it that way. That does not resolve the weed problem but would not need the water, chemicals and mowing which costs several hundred a year. You can, by Florida statute, replace grass with specific plants, but The Villages also has placed some restrictions, meaning they are not keen on it but cannot stop you because state laws allow it. I love to garden so have a great many nectar and hosts plants for bees and butterflies. I would replace the grass with those if I could! Go monarchs!

[graciegirl]

Another wonderful use for pesticides here is to kill Fire Ants. They look like innocent little ****ants and climb on your ankle while you are distracted and then the lead ant blows a whistle or exudes a signal and the little bastards all bite you at once and the sting hurts and stings for a couple of weeks. Almost everyone changes their mind about pesticides after a run in with Fire Ants. Almost no one defends them with the "they were here before we were" defense.

Sometimes Greenies are helpful and sometimes they are unrealistic. Try to cut the use of one use plastics, and reuse, recycle and repurpose and don't feed the alligators or the birds. Palm trees also attract Palm Rats. They get into your attic and raise families and their urine is very strong.

fire ant stings - Bing images (https://www.bing.com/images/search?q=fire+ant+stings&FORM=HDRSC2)

[odyboys7]

If it were allowed I would take out the grass, add some more plants , a tree, some rock, and a little bit of artificial turf. No more fertilizers, no more mowing and a lot less water used.
:a040::bigbow:

[Nucky]

Would I get my lawn removed if allowed? Not even a remote chance. After a lifetime up north of costs that are 4 to 5 times the cost here to maintain a beautiful lawn, I take great pride in our little patch of paradise.

I get it that others have the directly opposite view as mine. That's fine. I respect that.

I love the idea of my neighbors having an unspoken competition on whose property looks the best. There are over 45 houses on my street and every one of the owners loves their lawns. Nobody has taken the lawn removal route yet. (If you know me, quiet on which street it is please)

I'd give up that Palm Tree in a heartbeat.

What a nice feeling it is to come home to a manicured lawn and a crisp, sharp looking Love Shack. :1rotfl:

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

For a relatively small lot for our Jasmine I figured the annual cost to keep it green at least $2000. (Cutting, pest and fertilization and watering). This does not include if something goes bad and you need some sod replacement.
Although I love a lawn I have thought in the long run artificial turf may be less costly.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Previous owners paid to have a big brown patch of the lawn weed-controlled and re-grown at the edge of the driveway, and now it's a big brown patch again.

No idea what's causing it but I don't care. We'll probably just pull up that section, dig up whatever they're calling "dirt" underneath it, replace that with actual dirt, some natural (descented) manure fertilizer, crushed shell, and finally ground cover. The maintenance will be minimal once it's in - maybe $25 per year. Get some railroad ties or other edging material to make it look manicured, maybe have some kind of short flowering shrubbery on the edge closest to the house.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Would I get my lawn removed if allowed? Not even a remote chance. After a lifetime up north of costs that are 4 to 5 times the cost here to maintain a beautiful lawn, I take great pride in our little patch of paradise.

I get it that others have the directly opposite view as mine. That's fine. I respect that.

I love the idea of my neighbors having an unspoken competition on whose property looks the best. There are over 45 houses on my street and every one of the owners loves their lawns. Nobody has taken the lawn removal route yet. (If you know me, quiet on which street it is please)

I'd give up that Palm Tree in a heartbeat.

What a nice feeling it is to come home to a manicured lawn and a crisp, shart looking Love Shack. :1rotfl:

We definitely agree on the palm tree issue then! Not a fan of palms in Florida. Love those gorgeous water oaks, as long as they're a healthy distance from the house and equally healthy distance from the street. Them roots are scary!

[tophcfa]

Another wonderful use for pesticides here is to kill Fire Ants. They look like innocent little ****ants and climb on your ankle while you are distracted and then the lead ant blows a whistle or exudes a signal and the little bastards all bite you at once and the sting hurts and stings for a couple of weeks. Almost everyone changes their mind about pesticides after a run in with Fire Ants. Almost no one defends them with the "they were here before we were" defense.

Sometimes Greenies are helpful and sometimes they are unrealistic. Try to cut the use of one use plastics, and reuse, recycle and repurpose and don't feed the alligators or the birds. Palm trees also attract Palm Rats. They get into your attic and raise families and their urine is very strong.

fire ant stings - Bing images (https://www.bing.com/images/search?q=fire+ant+stings&FORM=HDRSC2)

Totally agree, I was on my hands and knees pulling weeds a while back and I must have put my left hand in a fire ant zone. I got about 15 bites on my hand and wrist that were extremely painful and lasted almost two weeks. I could barely grip a golf club the first week! I will now never hesitate to take any necessary measure to kill those little bastards.

[BostonRich]

There are great alternatives if you can use them:

Herniaria Glabra Green Carpet Ground Cover Seeds - Rupturewort (https://www.outsidepride.com/seed/ground-cover-seed/herniaria-glabra.html)

[TomOB]

How much water does Nestle's take?

[ColdNoMore]

Would you get rid of your lawn if it was allowed?

In a heartbeat.

[tibbetts]

Set up a standard for no grass lawns and get rid of them, You have to remember that every drop of water that goes on a lawn, you pay more for the sewer than the water. Get rid of it, save money and if you want Grass. keep yours and I'll get ride of mine.

[graciegirl]

Set up a standard for no grass lawns and get rid of them, You have to remember that every drop of water that goes on a lawn, you pay more for the sewer than the water. Get rid of it, save money and if you want Grass. keep yours and I'll get ride of mine.

I am so pleased that you do not have the majority opinion. In order to have drinkable water you must boil sea water and capture the vapor. OR let the earth do it, it recycles water all the time through rains and evaporation.

If a person does not wish to live in a neighborhood with cut green lawns then they can choose to do so. It is $150 a month cheaper to live outside The Villages. I am not ashamed to say that I very much enjoy our watered and cut lawn and our planted flowers and bushes and are not ashamed of using insecticides. These waves of opinion on what is right or wrong go to far sometimes.

[Topspinmo]

Majority of water waste ruins down the storm drain due over watering, sprinklers not adjusted right watering street or driveways and watering too much. If you see water running down the street drain for 15 or 20 mins. Of you’re 40 to 45 minutes over watering each station then you’re wasting water 💧. See it all the time 3/4 of water run off and going down the drain especially in CYV that has rock yards with few shrubs.

[Number 10 GI]

If you want to see Florida "natural" yards, drive on Warm Springs Ave and check out the homes on the south side of the road west of the entrance to McClure Village. One place has it's own antique (junk) collection, glad I'm not his neighbor. There are some on the north side of the road that are quite interesting with their natural Florida flora. As they say "beauty is in the eye of the beholder" but in my eyes those places look nasty and reflect the lack of the owner's pride in their home.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

If you want to see Florida "natural" yards, drive on Warm Springs Ave and check out the homes on the south side of the road west of the entrance to McClure Village. One place has it's own antique (junk) collection, glad I'm not his neighbor. There are some on the north side of the road that are quite interesting with their natural Florida flora. As they say "beauty is in the eye of the beholder" but in my eyes those places look nasty and reflect the lack of the owner's pride in their home.

Naturalistic gardens are not unkempt. What you're looking at are yards of people who don't give a damn about what their property looks like.

You can have a beautifully well-maintained, tidy landscaped property without a lawn, and many people do. A google search will provide you with hundreds of thousands of photos showing you exactly that.

[graciegirl]

Naturalistic gardens are not unkempt. What you're looking at are yards of people who don't give a damn about what their property looks like.

You can have a beautifully well-maintained, tidy landscaped property without a lawn, and many people do. A google search will provide you with hundreds of thousands of photos showing you exactly that.

Most people here, I would guess more than 90%, do not like that style. They like grass that is well kept and bushes that are well kept. Most residents are older, and used to the time when people took great pride in their homes and yards. They don't like wild flowers growing here and there and they really don't like railroad ties unless they are carefully placed as beds. Most don't even like to see a car in the driveway or a carport with a bike and a couple of golf carts unless they are precisely parked.

[Number 10 GI]

Naturalistic gardens are not unkempt. What you're looking at are yards of people who don't give a damn about what their property looks like.

You can have a beautifully well-maintained, tidy landscaped property without a lawn, and many people do. A google search will provide you with hundreds of thousands of photos showing you exactly that.

Your "naturalistic garden" isn't natural then.

[JimJohnson]

No offense meant, but if a nice lawn is more important than the benefit of all, I find you guilty of selfishness. We have seen water rationing in The Villages several times during our life here. That alone is an indicator of a problem with water in our area. Water to many of us is a way to show off, but water to many less fortunate is a source of survival. I am in for an Arizona style rock yard if that will help.

[JimJohnson]

After looking back at previous posts, I feel the need to add a comment. I am older, I love a golf course lawn with flowering bushes etc, BUT, I also accept the fact that I am not the only one living in Florida that needs fresh water. If changing my yard from plush green to desert sand will help the greater population, count me in. I am thankful that I am wealthy enough to water a yard during a drought, but I am also kind enough to understand that what is best for all is far more important. Please think of others first.

[Velvet]

I like the look of manicured lawns but it’s difficult with our grass in Florida. I also like well kept native plants and “natural” landscape. I am an unashamed admirer of beauty.
Rocks are easy to maintain (the lazy part of me seriously considered this) there are some lovely Zen meditation gardens in Japan. It is possible to achieve in TV but would probably look hot and arid and unnatural. Perhaps with a water element added it might look less artificial. Nothing replaces living things for me.

[valuemkt]

Original question .. Would I get rid of my lawn ? Hell no .. While I prefer Zoysia over St Augustine, my green lawn will accept all of our rain and absorb it into ground.. If you like brown, head west to Arizona where the brown landscape is butt ugly IMO.. and we get a bit too much rain for cacti here. Don;t need the earth science lesson or told my answer to a simple question is wrong. Would I ?? NO, thank you for asking.

[Aces4]

After looking back at previous posts, I feel the need to add a comment. I am older, I love a golf course lawn with flowering bushes etc, BUT, I also accept the fact that I am not the only one living in Florida that needs fresh water. If changing my yard from plush green to desert sand will help the greater population, count me in. I am thankful that I am wealthy enough to water a yard during a drought, but I am also kind enough to understand that what is best for all is far more important. Please think of others first.

If we’re going to “think of others first”, you would need to get rid of all the golf courses here. Pickleball courts should probably be dismantled because they cause run off along with the golf cart paths and to save all our resources the rec centers should be torn down. Fact is there will be little to keep. Well, isn’t that a sad thought. But for the good of others...

[inda50]

I would like to have a choice, but in The Villages I do not.

[chrisinva]

Take a look here to reduce your lawn size and maybe, carefully, get rid of it - Villages chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society.

Especially look at the Landscape tab and the Resources tab.

Home - TheVillages (http://thevillages.fnpschapters.org/)

:cool:

[JimJohnson]

Take a look here to reduce your lawn size and maybe, carefully, get rid of it - Villages chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society.

Especially look at the Landscape tab and the Resources tab.

Home - TheVillages (http://thevillages.fnpschapters.org/)

:cool:
Good info source, thank you.:coolsmiley:

[Number 10 GI]

I would like to have a choice, but in The Villages I do not.

You do have a choice, you can choose to move to a community that meets your expectations.

[Topspinmo]

I like the look of manicured lawns but it’s difficult with our grass in Florida. I also like well kept native plants and “natural” landscape. I am an unashamed admirer of beauty.
Rocks are easy to maintain (the lazy part of me seriously considered this) there are some lovely Zen meditation gardens in Japan. It is possible to achieve in TV but would probably look hot and arid and unnatural. Perhaps with a water element added it might look less artificial. Nothing replaces living things for me.


Rocks are not as easy as you think especially if you have bushes. Few years weeds will still pop up and If you have the ugly hollies those leaves are very had to kick up out of rocks. course most think there yard man got it easy because of the rocks. I hear blowers and suckers for hours trying to get leaves and twigs out of rock yards. Course most expect every leave to be cleaned up and don’t have clue how hard that is. Neighbors jut had there yard shrubs (all of them) and rocks removed. Mat repair and new rocks put down. Well see in couple years if weeds start to pop up.

[Nucky]

We just did a small test area about three weeks ago. We scrapped out the stone about 4 inches deep that we put down last year with a double layer of weed block then we crisscrossed 4 layers of an even better quality weed block in the 5 x 5-foot area. We then screened and cleaned the stone which was no big deal and put down the beautiful clean stones and manicured them perfectly. I bet Mrs. Nucky a Coffee that the weeds or grass would pop thru within a month. Well, BINGO it happened within a month with a vengeance. We tried the Industrial Vinegar route to be environmentally friendly before the test with no luck.

I have every intention of slowly removing every stone that we laid down last year and putting down 4 layers of the weed block and skipping the no big deal screening of the stone and then putting the wiring for the decorative Pink Flamingo Lights (Kidding) in conduit under this operation. We will then spray it all with the strongest most Miserable Heavy Duty Industrial Weed Murderlizer (Not Kidding) that I can find. I will do 2 to 3 feet a day until finito completo. Our youngest son will probably help me during the Chrismas week and knock it out in a couple of hours. He likes to work in the yard.

I can't imagine anyone thinking about stoning the entire lawn. Maybe I'm doing something wrong. I've done a lot of decorative landscaping in my life. I know I am in the south. I know there is a gigantic difference between here and there. I know that if you put weed block down and stone the entire lawn you will be one sorry individual. You can't say you haven't been warned. I've said it before and I'll say it again. We live in The Tropics, Jurassic Park.

One last thing. There is a house on W Boone in The Hysterical section that took up the lawn and put down wood chips and then a few weeks later added small plants that I would imagine are going to be ground cover at some point. You wanna see a disaster? Give it a look-see. I wouldn't call on them, that's not my thing but to prevent another person from making the same mistake you gotta see this. Don't call on them lets see where this goes in a year. Should be just wonderful.

Drop The Stone Keep The Lawn!

[Aces4]

We just did a small test area about three weeks ago. We scrapped out the stone about 4 inches deep that we put down last year with a double layer of weed block then we crisscrossed 4 layers of an even better quality weed block in the 5 x 5-foot area. We then screened and cleaned the stone which was no big deal and put down the beautiful clean stones and manicured them perfectly. I bet Mrs. Nucky a Coffee that the weeds or grass would pop thru within a month. Well, BINGO it happened within a month with a vengeance. We tried the Industrial Vinegar route to be environmentally friendly before the test with no luck.

I have every intention of slowly removing every stone that we laid down last year and putting down 4 layers of the weed block and skipping the no big deal screening of the stone and then putting the wiring for the decorative Pink Flamingo Lights (Kidding) in conduit under this operation. We will then spray it all with the strongest most Miserable Heavy Duty Industrial Weed Murderlizer (Not Kidding) that I can find. I will do 2 to 3 feet a day until finito completo. Our youngest son will probably help me during the Chrismas week and knock it out in a couple of hours. He likes to work in the yard.

I can't imagine anyone thinking about stoning the entire lawn. Maybe I'm doing something wrong. I've done a lot of decorative landscaping in my life. I know I am in the south. I know there is a gigantic difference between here and there. I know that if you put weed block down and stone the entire lawn you will be one sorry individual. You can't say you haven't been warned. I've said it before and I'll say it again. We live in The Tropics, Jurassic Park.

One last thing. There is a house on W Boone in The Hysterical section that took up the lawn and put down wood chips and then a few weeks later added small plants that I would imagine are going to be ground cover at some point. You wanna see a disaster? Give it a look-see. I wouldn't call on them, that's not my thing but to prevent another person from making the same mistake you gotta see this. Don't call on them lets see where this goes in a year. Should be just wonderful.

Drop The Stone Keep The Lawn!

Right on the money with your observations, Nucky! I’ve never seen nice looking natural landscaping after a few years pass, unless.professional yard care is administered along with pest control and lots of weed killing chemicals.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

I wouldn't want an all-stone lawn either. Something more on the order of this: USA and Canada 2013/PowellsWood Garden Federal Way 130503/IMG_9051_Powellswood_Garden (http://www.rhodogarden.com/mixed/USA_2013/PowellsWood%20Garden%20Federal%20Way%20130503/slides/IMG_9051_Powellswood_Garden.html) except Florida-specific plants.

[eyc234]

Right on the money with your observations, Nucky! I’ve never seen nice looking natural landscaping after a few years pass, unless.professional yard care is along with pest control and lots of weed killing chemicals.

Then go look at the native plant society club and they have lots of great looking yards. Also it is very easy to stop most weeds and grass. Use pine straw it smothers weeds, stops seeds from germinating, adds organic matter and keeps soil moist. Look inn all the beds in public spaces not much grass or weeds.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Then go look at the native plant society club and they have lots of great looking yards. Also it is very easy to stop most weeds and grass. Use pine straw it smothers weeds, stops seeds from germinating, adds organic matter and keeps soil moist. Look inn all the beds in public spaces not much grass or weeds.

I noticed in the areas near LSL - I think on Buena Vista, where the line of those gorgeous oak trees are - there's no grass but instead, a low-growing ground cover. By low-growing I mean just a few inches off the soil, and it's a lovely shade of green. I was thinking of finding out what it was and whether or not it'd make a good addition to the flower bed.

[Aces4]

Then go look at the native plant society club and they have lots of great looking yards. Also it is very easy to stop most weeds and grass. Use pine straw it smothers weeds, stops seeds from germinating, adds organic matter and keeps soil moist. Look inn all the beds in public spaces not much grass or weeds.

Perfect example of why it doesn’t normally work. You either need pros or someone in a group dedicated to the style. Most people don’t want to focus that hard at this age to maintain all that.

Pine straw has been discussed previously on TOTV and it can create a fire hazard, attract bugs and vermin when close to homes. Weeds still grow through it, it has to be replaced often and probably works fine in the public spaces here where they are constantly reapplying it, spraying for bugs and have rat traps set.

[Aces4]

I wouldn't want an all-stone lawn either. Something more on the order of this: USA and Canada 2013/PowellsWood Garden Federal Way 130503/IMG_9051_Powellswood_Garden (http://www.rhodogarden.com/mixed/USA_2013/PowellsWood%20Garden%20Federal%20Way%20130503/slides/IMG_9051_Powellswood_Garden.html) except Florida-specific plants.

I agree, the GRASS in the pics looks beautiful!

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Perfect example of why it doesn’t normally work. You either need pros or someone in a group dedicated to the style. Most people don’t want to focus that hard at this age to maintain all that.

Pine straw has been discussed previously on TOTV and it can create a fire hazard, attract bugs and vermin when close to homes. Weeds still grow through it, it has to be replaced often and probably works fine in the public spaces here where they are constantly reapplying it, spraying for bugs and have rat traps set.

Most things worthwhile take effort. Whether you pay someone else to do the effort on your behalf, or you do it yourself, or gather like-minded people to embrace a group effort. Just like perfectly manicured grass lawns take effort to maintain.

I agree with the pine needles but there are alternatives, and bugs and vermin are usually not a problem with a properly maintained naturescape. You plant things that naturally attract pollinators, and either repel pests, or attract other animals that will consume the pests (such as common snakes found all over the Villages). Again - it takes effort.

[Aces4]

Most things worthwhile take effort. Whether you pay someone else to do the effort on your behalf, or you do it yourself, or gather like-minded people to embrace a group effort. Just like perfectly manicured grass lawns take effort to maintain.

I agree with the pine needles but there are alternatives, and bugs and vermin are usually not a problem with a properly maintained naturescape. You plant things that naturally attract pollinators, and either repel pests, or attract other animals that will consume the pests (such as common snakes found all over the Villages). Again - it takes effort.

Which will be the perfect hobby for a retiree who loves to spend their now free time with their yard. That is fine but most of us are not so inclined and want to pursue interests that waited while we toiled for over 50 years. The truth is that it takes just as many dollars, just as much time if not more and just as many chemicals for the “natural” look. As I said several posts ago, to each their own.

[twoplanekid]

Grass seems to be the exception here. :icon_wink:

Access to this page has been denied.:icon_wink: (https://www.movoto.com/sun-city-az/@33.597539,-112.271824/)

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Grass seems to be the exception here. :icon_wink:

Access to this page has been denied.:icon_wink: (https://www.movoto.com/sun-city-az/@33.597539,-112.271824/)

Not sure why you'd bring up Arizona - it's a completely different climate. Sun City is a desert town in an arid desert state. Growing grassy lawns there would be truly wasteful because they literally don't have enough water to maintain it. Water is a premium there. Not sure why they don't have desert-friendly stuff on their lawns like cactii and flowering sage and the like, it looks sparse.

[eyc234]

Perfect example of why it doesn’t normally work. You either need pros or someone in a group dedicated to the style. Most people don’t want to focus that hard at this age to maintain all that.

Pine straw has been discussed previously on TOTV and it can create a fire hazard, attract bugs and vermin when close to homes. Weeds still grow through it, it has to be replaced often and probably works fine in the public spaces here where they are constantly reapplying it, spraying for bugs and have rat traps set.

So what is the difference in paying to have yard mowed, fertilized, bug sprayed, chemicals to stop disease and beds weeded vs putting down pinestraw. It is also false about attracting bugs and vermin. A fire hazard possibly but not very likely.

[graciegirl]

Most things worthwhile take effort. Whether you pay someone else to do the effort on your behalf, or you do it yourself, or gather like-minded people to embrace a group effort. Just like perfectly manicured grass lawns take effort to maintain.

I agree with the pine needles but there are alternatives, and bugs and vermin are usually not a problem with a properly maintained naturescape. You plant things that naturally attract pollinators, and either repel pests, or attract other animals that will consume the pests (such as common snakes found all over the Villages). Again - it takes effort.

Bugs and vermin are staples in all areas of lawn here.

Lawn Insect Pests - Gardening Solutions - University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (http://www.gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/lawns/problems-and-solutions/lawn-insect-pests.html)

Fire Ants and Lovebugs and others are seasonal, but some are year around. Most of us are grateful for pesticides. Even tiny ants rise out of the bath drain at times. And Palm Trees and Fruit trees and feeding birds attract Rattus Rattus.

[graciegirl]

Then go look at the native plant society club and they have lots of great looking yards. Also it is very easy to stop most weeds and grass. Use pine straw it smothers weeds, stops seeds from germinating, adds organic matter and keeps soil moist. Look inn all the beds in public spaces not much grass or weeds.

Home - TheVillages (http://thevillages.fnpschapters.org/)

[Scdet]

We own a home in the keys also and have all peacock, it's wonderful, no watering, cutting, or fertilizing.

[graciegirl]

One of the reasons pesticides and insecticides are needed here in our lawns.

Fire Ants - Gardening Solutions - University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (http://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/care/pests-and-diseases/pests/fire-ants.html)

[JimJohnson]

This has been a long thread and I have enjoyed reading the variety of reply’s. The best thing I got from it has been that we can and should respect all ideas. Thanks to the OP for a great discussion topic.

[JimJohnson]

Just for information.
Ants really hate vinegar, and you can make a cheap, easy pesticide just using vinegar and water. Mix a 50/50 solution of vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray it directly onto the ants to kill them, then wipe up the ants using a damp paper towel and discard them.

[tophcfa]

Just for information.
Ants really hate vinegar, and you can make a cheap, easy pesticide just using vinegar and water. Mix a 50/50 solution of vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray it directly onto the ants to kill them, then wipe up the ants using a damp paper towel and discard them.

Or just dump boiling water on them.

[courtyard]

If I were allowed to rock out my front and back lawns, I would save $1,200 a year for mowing, fertilizing, pesticiding services...not to say how much watering money I would save, too.

[ROCKETMAN]

I would get rid of my lawn in a heart beat. We have Souza and we’re the first block to get it in 2005. I have had all the big name lawn people and never could get it right with every excuse in the world. Not enough water, too much water, bugs, etc. Have tru green now who do a descent job and cheaper than most

[graciegirl]

I would get rid of my lawn in a heart beat. We have Souza and we’re the first block to get it in 2005. I have had all the big name lawn people and never could get it right with every excuse in the world. Not enough water, too much water, bugs, etc. Have tru green now who do a descent job and cheaper than most

John Phillip?

[patfla06]

Absolutely not.