[jrose]

I plan to retire and move to The Villages around August. I was wondering if I should bring my lawn mower. Does anyone cut his or her own grass? I would like a Courtyard Villa for the privacy and my buddy Otis (pug). Do people lock the gate that accesses the side and rear of their villa's? Also it looks like some of the new construction has no grass. I have a friend who lives in Poinciana and they just love it.
You people are just great I'm just going to sell my house and come down and make it all work out.

Jim

[redwitch]

Otis is a cutey!

I've seen a few people mowing their own lawns. Most of us look at them like they're nuts. Lawn service is big business here.

Locked gates? Some do, some don't. Kinda like some lock up their house, some really don't.

If you haven't figured it out, TOTV is very addictive, so welcome aboard!

[johnfarr]

I'm one of those crazies who mows my lawn. About 40% of my full-time neighbors mow theirs, too. I first tried gardeners and the few I used were unreliable, so I decided to do my own. If you have St Augustine (Flor/Tam) grass you'll appreciate a self-propelled mower, as the grass needs to be kept 3 1/2-4 inches high, as the little mower wheels get bogged down in it. I work with a neighbor and when either of us is out of town, we do the other's lawn. If both are gone we have a gardener do them. I understand that the name Flor/tam is a derivative of University of Florida and Texas A & M who developed the strain of grass.

Many of the newer sections in TV have zoyzia, which is nicer to walk on in bare feet, easier to mow, but goes dormant and turns brown in the winter.

In the summer mowing should be done in early AM, before it gets too hot. Flor/tam needs to be mowed weekly in summer, monthly (or less) in winter. No need to bag clippings - just set mower on mulch.

[Villages Kahuna]

When we closed on our house in TV we didn't plan to move in for several months, so we definitely needed a lawn mowing service. When I contacted a few and got bids of $45-55 for our 1/4 acre cul-de-sac lot, I was initially taken aback. That's until I found that it was $55 A MONTH!

I couldn't figure out how they could do the lawn mowing and trimming for only about $10 a week until I saw how quickly they could mow using their "zero turning radius mowers". They can be in and out, mowing trimming and blowing in less than half an hour. It sure is a lot cheaper than what I had to pay "up north". Of course you pay 12 months a year, even though they only cut and trim every couple of weeks in the colder months.

If it were me, I'd leave the lawnmower up north and find other types of activities to fill my time instead of lawn mowing in the heat of the summer. Laying by the pool with a good book is a possible alternative.

[BETTY1212]

Just make sure if you do use a lawn company DO NOT pay for a full year up front...I learned that the hard way

[mmclover]

jrose,

I am planning on leaving my rider mower with the house when I sell and and sit on my lani and watch someone else cut the grass after years of yard work. I also plan to lock my courtyard gate to keep my guy in. I would feel terrible if he got out and got lost.

Love your pug. I have a pug named Benson.

[swrinfla]

jrose:

with redwitch! Folks who do their own mowing are somehow weird! :joke:

SWR

[JohnN]

I enjoy mowing, I've always found it to be good "therapy".. BUT>...
I may reconsider when I get to TV....

[F16 1UB]

I've always enjoyed mowing and always cut my grass at opposite angles every other cutting. Some of the neighbors noticed and started doing the same. I may be one of those that mows his own yard and edges regardless how weird I may look. I consider it good exercise plus the gratification in seeing a job well done.

[Packer Fan]

;D ;D ;DShameless Plug alert, Shamless Plug alert

Just remember that if you do decide to do your own lawn, make sure you get the best pushmower you can - I agree self propelled. A sears Craftsmen with a Briggs and Stratton Engine or a Snapper is the way to go...

Now for full disclosure - I work for Briggs(yes, I have a few years until I retire), so I am not entirely biased - but why not support a company that is mainly still Made in America! And believe me, a Briggs powered lawnmower(we own snapper and simplicity too) will last you as long as you own your place in the Villages.

Now in all seriousness - for $55 bucks a month, why the heck would you do it yourself??? That is really cheap.

Ed

[Hyacinth Bucket]

At home we have a garden tractor that my husband uses to mow the lawn. Lawn ????????

What it really is a bunch of green weeds. Our property used to be pasture land for cows. Grass seeds have never made it here, as the weeds are stronger and take over the grass.

He really enjoys not mowing. One less chore that he does, since the kids grew up and moved out.

Hyacinth Bucket

[Russ_Boston]

I've always been a 'lawn' guy. I took pride in having the best lawn on the block.

BUT

I could give it up in a NY minute! No offense Gov. Spitzer :joke:

It really comes down to a time issue. If TV is as active as i hear then maybe i'll just let someone else do the chores. Or even buy a lawn free villa.

[njgranny]

A friend of ours who lives in the Villages, has a neighbor who cuts his grass for a minimal amount of money (which he has to force him to take). The neighbor wants the exercise and enjoys cutting the grass.