My otherwise good looking lawn has brown grass, almost looks like straw ,
mixed in with it not in any particular pattern. A few weeks ago, the entire
lawn was a deep dark green. Now some is green and some is this brown grass
or the edges are brown. Any ideas/explanations. Could it be the unusual
amount of rain we have gotten along the north east. Any observations
appreciated. Thanks

John

"john" <big_wig48 [at] cox.net> wrote in message
news:gsPqg.64343$9c6.32010 [at] dukeread11...
> My otherwise good looking lawn has brown grass, almost looks like straw ,
> mixed in with it not in any particular pattern. A few weeks ago, the
> entire lawn was a deep dark green. Now some is green and some is this
> brown grass or the edges are brown. Any ideas/explanations. Could it be
> the unusual amount of rain we have gotten along the north east. Any
> observations appreciated. Thanks
>
> John

What kind of grass?

How much rain?

Your lawn may have some sort of fungus.

"Kyle Boatright" <kboatright1 [at] comcast.net> wrote in message
news:8K6dnZdwE7aX8jHZnZ2dnUVZ_v-dnZ2d [at] comcast.com...
>
> "john" <big_wig48 [at] cox.net> wrote in message
> news:gsPqg.64343$9c6.32010 [at] dukeread11...
> > My otherwise good looking lawn has brown grass, almost looks like straw
,
> > mixed in with it not in any particular pattern. A few weeks ago, the
> > entire lawn was a deep dark green. Now some is green and some is this
> > brown grass or the edges are brown. Any ideas/explanations. Could it be
> > the unusual amount of rain we have gotten along the north east. Any
> > observations appreciated. Thanks
> >
> > John
>
> What kind of grass?
>
> How much rain?
>
> Your lawn may have some sort of fungus.
>
Chinch or fungus.

Mike Robinson wrote:
> "Kyle Boatright" <kboatright1 [at] comcast.net> wrote in message
> news:8K6dnZdwE7aX8jHZnZ2dnUVZ_v-dnZ2d [at] comcast.com...
> >
> > "john" <big_wig48 [at] cox.net> wrote in message
> > news:gsPqg.64343$9c6.32010 [at] dukeread11...
> > > My otherwise good looking lawn has brown grass, almost looks like straw
> ,
> > > mixed in with it not in any particular pattern. A few weeks ago, the
> > > entire lawn was a deep dark green. Now some is green and some is this
> > > brown grass or the edges are brown. Any ideas/explanations. Could it be
> > > the unusual amount of rain we have gotten along the north east. Any
> > > observations appreciated. Thanks
> > >
> > > John
> >
> > What kind of grass?
> >
> > How much rain?
> >
> > Your lawn may have some sort of fungus.
> >
> Chinch or fungus.


>From the description and without seeing it, impossible to say. In hot
weather, it's normal upon close inspection to see some brown/dead
blades in cool season grass evenly distributed throughout the turf.
The tips of the blades could be brown from mowing, more so if the blade
is not sharp. The overall turf still looks good though.

On the other hand, if you have scattered patches where the grass is all
or mostly brown, then it's either disease, fungus, or insects. Take a
sq ft sample of turf at the boundary area to a local agricultural ext
service, if there is one in your area.

"Kyle Boatright" <kboatright1 [at] comcast.net> wrote:
> "john" <big_wig48 [at] cox.net> wrote in message
> news:gsPqg.64343$9c6.32010 [at] dukeread11...
> > My otherwise good looking lawn has brown grass, almost looks like straw
> > , mixed in with it not in any particular pattern. A few weeks ago, the
> > entire lawn was a deep dark green. Now some is green and some is this
> > brown grass or the edges are brown. Any ideas/explanations. Could it be
> > the unusual amount of rain we have gotten along the north east. Any
> > observations appreciated. Thanks
> >
> > John
>
> What kind of grass?
>
> How much rain?
>
> Your lawn may have some sort of fungus.
>
Most lawns in N Ohio have at least a little red thread disease since the
dew point went up to 70. (to be expected) A feeding helps control it most
times but a fungicide will make it be gone fairly quick. (expensive)

Chinch bug and webworm are on the prowl now too, here in N Ohio.

ps. now is the time to prevent grubs.. in case anyone forgot

--
http://NewsReader.Com/

"Mike Robinson" <onthost [at] gmail.com> wrote:
> "Kyle Boatright" <kboatright1 [at] comcast.net> wrote in message
> news:8K6dnZdwE7aX8jHZnZ2dnUVZ_v-dnZ2d [at] comcast.com...
> >
> > "john" <big_wig48 [at] cox.net> wrote in message
> > news:gsPqg.64343$9c6.32010 [at] dukeread11...
> > > My otherwise good looking lawn has brown grass, almost looks like
> > > straw
> ,
> > > mixed in with it not in any particular pattern. A few weeks ago, the
> > > entire lawn was a deep dark green. Now some is green and some is this
> > > brown grass or the edges are brown. Any ideas/explanations. Could it
> > > be the unusual amount of rain we have gotten along the north east.
> > > Any observations appreciated. Thanks
> > >
> > > John
> >
> > What kind of grass?
> >
> > How much rain?
> >
> > Your lawn may have some sort of fungus.
> >
> Chinch or fungus.
>
Or both and webworm. doomed lol

--
http://NewsReader.Com/

Steveo wrote:

> Kyle Boatright wrote:
> > john wrote in message
> > news:gsPqg.64343$9c6.32010 [at] dukeread11...
> > > My otherwise good looking lawn has brown grass, almost looks like straw
> > > , mixed in with it not in any particular pattern. A few weeks ago, the
> > > entire lawn was a deep dark green. Now some is green and some is this
> > > brown grass or the edges are brown. Any ideas/explanations. Could it be
> > > the unusual amount of rain we have gotten along the north east. Any
> > > observations appreciated. Thanks
> > >
> > > John
> >
> > What kind of grass?
> >
> > How much rain?
> >
> > Your lawn may have some sort of fungus.
> >
> Most lawns in N Ohio have at least a little red thread disease since the
> dew point went up to 70. (to be expected) A feeding helps control it most
> times but a fungicide will make it be gone fairly quick. (expensive)

http://www.attra.org/attra-pub/bakingsoda.html

>
> Chinch bug and webworm are on the prowl now too, here in N Ohio.
>
> ps. now is the time to prevent grubs.. in case anyone forgot
>
> --
> http://NewsReader.Com/

Jim Ledford <jimled [at] bellsouth.net> wrote:
> Steveo wrote:
>
> > Kyle Boatright wrote:
> > > john wrote in message
> > > news:gsPqg.64343$9c6.32010 [at] dukeread11...
> > > > My otherwise good looking lawn has brown grass, almost looks like
> > > > straw , mixed in with it not in any particular pattern. A few weeks
> > > > ago, the entire lawn was a deep dark green. Now some is green and
> > > > some is this brown grass or the edges are brown. Any
> > > > ideas/explanations. Could it be the unusual amount of rain we have
> > > > gotten along the north east. Any observations appreciated. Thanks
> > > >
> > > > John
> > >
> > > What kind of grass?
> > >
> > > How much rain?
> > >
> > > Your lawn may have some sort of fungus.
> > >
> > Most lawns in N Ohio have at least a little red thread disease since
> > the dew point went up to 70. (to be expected) A feeding helps control
> > it most times but a fungicide will make it be gone fairly quick.
> > (expensive)
>
> http://www.attra.org/attra-pub/bakingsoda.html
>
Oh yeah baking soda will cure the red thread disease, and your daddy's
gout.

--
http://NewsReader.Com/

"Steveo" <moparholic [at] hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:20060707214733.336$W5 [at] newsreader.com...
> Jim Ledford <jimled [at] bellsouth.net> wrote:
> > Steveo wrote:
> >
> > > Kyle Boatright wrote:
> > > > john wrote in message
> > > > news:gsPqg.64343$9c6.32010 [at] dukeread11...
> > > > > My otherwise good looking lawn has brown grass, almost looks like
> > > > > straw , mixed in with it not in any particular pattern. A few
weeks
> > > > > ago, the entire lawn was a deep dark green. Now some is green and
> > > > > some is this brown grass or the edges are brown. Any
> > > > > ideas/explanations. Could it be the unusual amount of rain we have
> > > > > gotten along the north east. Any observations appreciated. Thanks
> > > > >
> > > > > John
> > > >
> > > > What kind of grass?
> > > >
> > > > How much rain?
> > > >
> > > > Your lawn may have some sort of fungus.
> > > >
> > > Most lawns in N Ohio have at least a little red thread disease since
> > > the dew point went up to 70. (to be expected) A feeding helps control
> > > it most times but a fungicide will make it be gone fairly quick.
> > > (expensive)
> >
> > http://www.attra.org/attra-pub/bakingsoda.html
> >
> Oh yeah baking soda will cure the red thread disease, and your daddy's
> gout.
>
> --
> http://NewsReader.Com/

Or leave it since it won't kill the grass.

"Mike Robinson" <onthost [at] gmail.com> wrote:
> "Steveo" <moparholic [at] hotmail.com> wrote in message
> news:20060707214733.336$W5 [at] newsreader.com...
> > Jim Ledford <jimled [at] bellsouth.net> wrote:
> > > Steveo wrote:
> > >
> > > > Kyle Boatright wrote:
> > > > > john wrote in message
> > > > > news:gsPqg.64343$9c6.32010 [at] dukeread11...
> > > > > > My otherwise good looking lawn has brown grass, almost looks
> > > > > > like straw , mixed in with it not in any particular pattern. A
> > > > > > few
> weeks
> > > > > > ago, the entire lawn was a deep dark green. Now some is green
> > > > > > and some is this brown grass or the edges are brown. Any
> > > > > > ideas/explanations. Could it be the unusual amount of rain we
> > > > > > have gotten along the north east. Any observations appreciated.
> > > > > > Thanks
> > > > > >
> > > > > > John
> > > > >
> > > > > What kind of grass?
> > > > >
> > > > > How much rain?
> > > > >
> > > > > Your lawn may have some sort of fungus.
> > > > >
> > > > Most lawns in N Ohio have at least a little red thread disease
> > > > since the dew point went up to 70. (to be expected) A feeding helps
> > > > control it most times but a fungicide will make it be gone fairly
> > > > quick. (expensive)
> > >
> > > http://www.attra.org/attra-pub/bakingsoda.html
> > >
> > Oh yeah baking soda will cure the red thread disease, and your daddy's
> > gout.
> >
> > --
> >
>
> Or leave it since it won't kill the grass.
>
Nope, just makes it look sickly for the most part. I can prevent most of it
with Bayleton. (expensive)

--
http://NewsReader.Com/

> Nope, just makes it look sickly for the most part. I can prevent most of
it
> with Bayleton. (expensive)
>
> --
> http://NewsReader.Com/
Yea its one of those annoying, expensive, but not deadly things.
We have been seeing a lot of red thread and chinch in southern ontario right
now.

I have a similar problem. In addition to the straw appearance, my lawn
seemed to have stopped growing. I also noticed numerous spots where
animals had apparently "core aerated" the lawn, probably in search of
grubs.

For reference, I'm in Southern New Jersey and have an irrigation
system.

Based on not wanting to repeat last year (described below), I applied
the following:

- Spectracide Grub Stop at the recommended rate.
- Bayer Fungus Control. I kind of miscalculated, and put down about 5
lbs. per 1000 ft**2 instead of 3.

The lawn seems to be growing again.

I have a problem like this every year. Last year, I had a lawn service
fertilize. During early spring, the lawn looked great - check the
photo from May, 2005. However, it had to be cut three time a week. By
late July it was awful. My theory was that the service applied too
much nitrogen, causing all top growth and no roots.

I had the lawn core aerated last fall, and overseeded at that time,
and in early spring. In shady areas, I used Poa supina grass. I
applied starter fertilizer in May.

The lawn looked pretty good until a couple of weeks ago - the June
2006 photo. As I said, it seems to have bounced back a little.

Any suggestions about what could be going on? The bad spots don't seem
to correlate with sun/shade or any other obvious factor. One thing I
noticed is that in a spot where two trees were removed last year, the
grass is growing well and is very green. (I had the soil tested a
couple of years ago, and it was OK, but this makes me wonder.) I don't
know whether to fertilize or not to.

Martin

On Wed, 5 Jul 2006 22:01:54 -0400, "Kyle Boatright"
<kboatright1 [at] comcast.net> wrote:

>
>"john" <big_wig48 [at] cox.net> wrote in message
>news:gsPqg.64343$9c6.32010 [at] dukeread11...
>> My otherwise good looking lawn has brown grass, almost looks like straw ,
>> mixed in with it not in any particular pattern. A few weeks ago, the
>> entire lawn was a deep dark green. Now some is green and some is this
>> brown grass or the edges are brown. Any ideas/explanations. Could it be
>> the unusual amount of rain we have gotten along the north east. Any
>> observations appreciated. Thanks
>>
>> John
>
>What kind of grass?
>
>How much rain?
>
>Your lawn may have some sort of fungus.
>

You can fert again with a summer fertalizer, also check for chinch bugs. An
easy way is to take a can, cut both ends off, and fill it with water on the
grass until it stays full, come back in an hour and look for tiny bugs
floating on the surface, if they are there then apply an pesticide to
eliminate them.

Mike Robinson wrote:
> You can fert again with a summer fertalizer, also check for chinch bugs. An
> easy way is to take a can, cut both ends off, and fill it with water on the
> grass until it stays full, come back in an hour and look for tiny bugs
> floating on the surface, if they are there then apply an pesticide to
> eliminate them.


Hmmm, unless you have some kind of miracle can, in far less time than
an hour, the can will be empty.

<Martin> wrote in message news:fdo5b2tpkosla0gq3g2ljabm9efaskr366 [at] 4ax.com...
> I have a similar problem. In addition to the straw appearance, my lawn
> seemed to have stopped growing. I also noticed numerous spots where
> animals had apparently "core aerated" the lawn, probably in search of
> grubs.
>
> For reference, I'm in Southern New Jersey and have an irrigation
> system.
>
> Based on not wanting to repeat last year (described below), I applied
> the following:
>
> - Spectracide Grub Stop at the recommended rate.
> - Bayer Fungus Control. I kind of miscalculated, and put down about 5
> lbs. per 1000 ft**2 instead of 3.
>
> The lawn seems to be growing again.
>
> I have a problem like this every year. Last year, I had a lawn service
> fertilize. During early spring, the lawn looked great - check the
> photo from May, 2005. However, it had to be cut three time a week. By
> late July it was awful. My theory was that the service applied too
> much nitrogen, causing all top growth and no roots.

Martin. Without wanting to sound offensive, why do so many Americans
seemingly hire people to care for their lawns? It just seems bizarre to me.
I may understand if people had really big properties and needed gardeners
but this doesn't seem to be the case. Can you shed some light on it for me
please.

rob

Rob,

I can't claim to speak for others. In my case, the cost of the
complete service was comparable to the cost of buying the materials
myself at retail prices. However, based on the poor results the lawn
service obtained, I'm taking care of the lawn myself again.

I could add that some people are allergic or sensitive to some lawn
treatments, especially pestacides (the use of which vs. organic
methods is another topic altogether) and don't want to expose
themselves to lawn treatment materials.

There is also the question of expertise. Growing grass isn't rocket
science, but given the volume of Usenet traffic, books, magazines,
radio shows, etc. about lawn problems, people may turn to
"professionals" in an attempt to obtain better results.

Finally, if people want to put their disposable income into lawn care
and use their time for something else, that's fine with me.
Personally, I enjoy yardwork, or I'd buy a condo, but obviously, that
answer doesn't work for everyone.

Martin



On Mon, 10 Jul 2006 21:47:23 +1200, "George.com" <roblyn [at] ihug.co.nz>
wrote:

>
><Martin> wrote in message news:fdo5b2tpkosla0gq3g2ljabm9efaskr366 [at] 4ax.com...
>> I have a similar problem. In addition to the straw appearance, my lawn
>> seemed to have stopped growing. I also noticed numerous spots where
>> animals had apparently "core aerated" the lawn, probably in search of
>> grubs.
>>
>> For reference, I'm in Southern New Jersey and have an irrigation
>> system.
>>
>> Based on not wanting to repeat last year (described below), I applied
>> the following:
>>
>> - Spectracide Grub Stop at the recommended rate.
>> - Bayer Fungus Control. I kind of miscalculated, and put down about 5
>> lbs. per 1000 ft**2 instead of 3.
>>
>> The lawn seems to be growing again.
>>
>> I have a problem like this every year. Last year, I had a lawn service
>> fertilize. During early spring, the lawn looked great - check the
>> photo from May, 2005. However, it had to be cut three time a week. By
>> late July it was awful. My theory was that the service applied too
>> much nitrogen, causing all top growth and no roots.
>
>Martin. Without wanting to sound offensive, why do so many Americans
>seemingly hire people to care for their lawns? It just seems bizarre to me.
>I may understand if people had really big properties and needed gardeners
>but this doesn't seem to be the case. Can you shed some light on it for me
>please.
>
>rob
>

George.com wrote:
> <Martin> wrote in message news:fdo5b2tpkosla0gq3g2ljabm9efaskr366 [at] 4ax.com...
> > I have a similar problem. In addition to the straw appearance, my lawn
> > seemed to have stopped growing. I also noticed numerous spots where
> > animals had apparently "core aerated" the lawn, probably in search of
> > grubs.
> >
> > For reference, I'm in Southern New Jersey and have an irrigation
> > system.
> >
> > Based on not wanting to repeat last year (described below), I applied
> > the following:
> >
> > - Spectracide Grub Stop at the recommended rate.
> > - Bayer Fungus Control. I kind of miscalculated, and put down about 5
> > lbs. per 1000 ft**2 instead of 3.
> >
> > The lawn seems to be growing again.
> >
> > I have a problem like this every year. Last year, I had a lawn service
> > fertilize. During early spring, the lawn looked great - check the
> > photo from May, 2005. However, it had to be cut three time a week. By
> > late July it was awful. My theory was that the service applied too
> > much nitrogen, causing all top growth and no roots.
>
> Martin. Without wanting to sound offensive, why do so many Americans
> seemingly hire people to care for their lawns? It just seems bizarre to me.
> I may understand if people had really big properties and needed gardeners
> but this doesn't seem to be the case. Can you shed some light on it for me
> please.
>
> rob


Can't speak for Martin, but as an American, I'll give you my opinion.

People have it done because it's convenient and reasonably priced
(courtesy of Mexico). I do my own, which is about a 1/3 acre of lawn,
because it's one good way to get a little excercise in. But today,
people have a lot less time. Thirty years ago, people tended to have
more fixed work schedules. Now, it's not unusual for people to be
traveling more on business, working longer/irregular hours, plus taking
kids to soccer, little league, 2 people in the family working full
time, etc. So, just knowing that the lawn is taken care of for a
reasonable price sounds like a good deal.

When I moved in, my next door neighbor, a Dr, told me he uses a service
because he doesn't want the hassle of getting fertilizer, chemicals,
etc. Plus, beyond cutting grass, you have to know what you are doing.
There is definitely value in a good lawn service. For example, they
see many lawns and should be able to correctly identify pest or disease
problems.

Funny thing though. If you look at the border line between me and the
Dr, on my side it's nice, thick lush grass. On his side it instantly
turns to crap. Sparce grass, full of weeds, ground chewed up at mower
turn around points, looks like hell. It really would make a great
marketing photo for a lawn service if it were only the other way
around! But there are good services out there. My friend has one and
his lawn looks fantastic.

"George.com" <roblyn [at] ihug.co.nz> wrote:
> Without wanting to sound offensive, why do so many Americans
> seemingly hire people to care for their lawns? It just seems bizarre to
> me.
>
The service industry is a big part of our economy, from pizza to brain
surgery. Why should lawncare be any different?

--
http://NewsReader.Com/

"Steveo" <moparholic [at] hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:20060711214058.693$SH_-_ [at] newsreader.com...
> "George.com" <roblyn [at] ihug.co.nz> wrote:
> > Without wanting to sound offensive, why do so many Americans
> > seemingly hire people to care for their lawns? It just seems bizarre to
> > me.
> >
> The service industry is a big part of our economy, from pizza to brain
> surgery. Why should lawncare be any different?

increasingly here to (New Zealand). Pizza can be delivered, thats ok as I
like pizza. I also like caring for my lawn. Seems a waste of time having one
and letting someone else look after it. If you simply want some green
outside but not the hassle of caring for it why would you care too much what
it looks like.

rob

On 12 Jul 2006 01:37:11 GMT, Steveo <moparholic [at] hotmail.com> wrote:

>"George.com" <roblyn [at] ihug.co.nz> wrote:
>> Without wanting to sound offensive, why do so many Americans
>> seemingly hire people to care for their lawns? It just seems bizarre to
>> me.
>>
>The service industry is a big part of our economy, from pizza to brain
>surgery. Why should lawncare be any different?


When I want something done right, or don't have time to do it right, I
usually get someone else to do it.

This include pizza and brain surgery, so I understand why people hire
others for their yard work.

later,

tom [at] www.FindMeShelter.com

"George.com" <roblyn [at] ihug.co.nz> wrote:
> "Steveo" <moparholic [at] hotmail.com> wrote in message
> news:20060711214058.693$SH_-_ [at] newsreader.com...
> > "George.com" <roblyn [at] ihug.co.nz> wrote:
> > > Without wanting to sound offensive, why do so many Americans
> > > seemingly hire people to care for their lawns? It just seems bizarre
> > > to me.
> > >
> > The service industry is a big part of our economy, from pizza to brain
> > surgery. Why should lawncare be any different?
>
> increasingly here to (New Zealand). Pizza can be delivered, thats ok as I
> like pizza. I also like caring for my lawn. Seems a waste of time having
> one and letting someone else look after it.
>
Some have it done because of time constraints, others have it cared for
because they don't know much about it. Some are just lazy.

Nothing at all bizarre about it.

--
http://NewsReader.Com/

George.com wrote:
> Martin. Without wanting to sound offensive, why do so many Americans
> seemingly hire people to care for their lawns? It just seems bizarre to me.
> I may understand if people had really big properties and needed gardeners
> but this doesn't seem to be the case. Can you shed some light on it for me
> please.
>
> rob
>

Because we have 4 million Mexicans to keep busy.

--
Art

For many it's probably a matter of available hours. My house is on 1 acre
(~4,000 sq meters) waterfront, with about half of it being lawn, the
remainder in gardens or oak hammock. I use a lawn service to mow it each
week because it would take me 4-5 manhours to mow and trim, and those are
hours I can spend in the wood shop, or fishing in the lake, or --- .
Especially when I'm working, there aren't enough hours in the week to do my
own lawn care and the other tasks around the house that need doing.

Regards --

"Steveo" <moparholic [at] hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:20060713130950.921$tl [at] newsreader.com...
> "George.com" <roblyn [at] ihug.co.nz> wrote:
>> "Steveo" <moparholic [at] hotmail.com> wrote in message
>> news:20060711214058.693$SH_-_ [at] newsreader.com...
>> > "George.com" <roblyn [at] ihug.co.nz> wrote:
>> > > Without wanting to sound offensive, why do so many Americans
>> > > seemingly hire people to care for their lawns? It just seems bizarre
>> > > to me.
>> > >
>> > The service industry is a big part of our economy, from pizza to brain
>> > surgery. Why should lawncare be any different?
>>
>> increasingly here to (New Zealand). Pizza can be delivered, thats ok as I
>> like pizza. I also like caring for my lawn. Seems a waste of time having
>> one and letting someone else look after it.
>>
> Some have it done because of time constraints, others have it cared for
> because they don't know much about it. Some are just lazy.
>
> Nothing at all bizarre about it.
>
> --
> http://NewsReader.Com/

"JimR" <jimr [at] invalid.net> wrote in message
news:0qBtg.4185$vO.34 [at] newsread4.news.pas.earthlink.net...
> For many it's probably a matter of available hours. My house is on 1 acre
> (~4,000 sq meters) waterfront, with about half of it being lawn, the
> remainder in gardens or oak hammock.

I understand time in the hammock is important.

rob

"Steveo" <moparholic [at] hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:20060713130950.921$tl [at] newsreader.com...
> "George.com" <roblyn [at] ihug.co.nz> wrote:
> > "Steveo" <moparholic [at] hotmail.com> wrote in message
> > news:20060711214058.693$SH_-_ [at] newsreader.com...
> > > "George.com" <roblyn [at] ihug.co.nz> wrote:
> > > > Without wanting to sound offensive, why do so many Americans
> > > > seemingly hire people to care for their lawns? It just seems bizarre
> > > > to me.
> > > >
> > > The service industry is a big part of our economy, from pizza to brain
> > > surgery. Why should lawncare be any different?
> >
> > increasingly here to (New Zealand). Pizza can be delivered, thats ok as
I
> > like pizza. I also like caring for my lawn. Seems a waste of time having
> > one and letting someone else look after it.
> >
> Some have it done because of time constraints, others have it cared for
> because they don't know much about it. Some are just lazy.
>
> Nothing at all bizarre about it.

I understand the time constraint bit, some are just too busy, as well as
having a large section that needs constant care. Some sized estates do need
gardeners. I guess I just roll my eyes at people who pay good money to
others for a perfect lawn whereas all it is to them is a 'trophy' to match
their nice house and nice car. Making lawns a consumer item, to more
accurately define my original question, strikes me as being plain dumb. I
guess that reflects your service industry statement Steve, the ever
increasing dreep of capitalism in to new 'markets'. In many ways one of the
things wrong about our current environmental practises. To my mind, just
dumb.

rob

"George.com" <roblyn [at] ihug.co.nz> wrote:
> "Steveo" <moparholic [at] hotmail.com> wrote in message
> news:20060713130950.921$tl [at] newsreader.com...
> > "George.com" <roblyn [at] ihug.co.nz> wrote:
> > > "Steveo" <moparholic [at] hotmail.com> wrote in message
> > > news:20060711214058.693$SH_-_ [at] newsreader.com...
> > > > "George.com" <roblyn [at] ihug.co.nz> wrote:
> > > > > Without wanting to sound offensive, why do so many Americans
> > > > > seemingly hire people to care for their lawns? It just seems
> > > > > bizarre to me.
> > > > >
> > > > The service industry is a big part of our economy, from pizza to
> > > > brain surgery. Why should lawncare be any different?
> > >
> > > increasingly here to (New Zealand). Pizza can be delivered, thats ok
> > > as
> I
> > > like pizza. I also like caring for my lawn. Seems a waste of time
> > > having one and letting someone else look after it.
> > >
> > Some have it done because of time constraints, others have it cared for
> > because they don't know much about it. Some are just lazy.
> >
> > Nothing at all bizarre about it.
>
> I understand the time constraint bit, some are just too busy, as well as
> having a large section that needs constant care. Some sized estates do
> need gardeners. I guess I just roll my eyes at people who pay good money
> to others for a perfect lawn whereas all it is to them is a 'trophy' to
> match their nice house and nice car. Making lawns a consumer item, to
> more accurately define my original question, strikes me as being plain
> dumb. I guess that reflects your service industry statement Steve, the
> ever increasing dreep of capitalism in to new 'markets'.
>
Professional lawncare is hardly a new market.
>
> In many ways one
> of the things wrong about our current environmental practises. To my
> mind, just dumb.
>
> rob
>
Not everyone is an expert in grounds care like you are Rob, hence the need
for the trained professional. That's true with most things, not just
agriculture.

--
http://NewsReader.Com/

"Steveo" <moparholic [at] hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:20060714065845.170$bl [at] newsreader.com...
> "George.com" <roblyn [at] ihug.co.nz> wrote:
> > "Steveo" <moparholic [at] hotmail.com> wrote in message
> > news:20060713130950.921$tl [at] newsreader.com...
> > > "George.com" <roblyn [at] ihug.co.nz> wrote:
> > > > "Steveo" <moparholic [at] hotmail.com> wrote in message
> > > > news:20060711214058.693$SH_-_ [at] newsreader.com...
> > > > > "George.com" <roblyn [at] ihug.co.nz> wrote:
> > > > > > Without wanting to sound offensive, why do so many Americans
> > > > > > seemingly hire people to care for their lawns? It just seems
> > > > > > bizarre to me.
> > > > > >
> > > > > The service industry is a big part of our economy, from pizza to
> > > > > brain surgery. Why should lawncare be any different?
> > > >
> > > > increasingly here to (New Zealand). Pizza can be delivered, thats ok
> > > > as
> > I
> > > > like pizza. I also like caring for my lawn. Seems a waste of time
> > > > having one and letting someone else look after it.
> > > >
> > > Some have it done because of time constraints, others have it cared
for
> > > because they don't know much about it. Some are just lazy.
> > >
> > > Nothing at all bizarre about it.
> >
> > I understand the time constraint bit, some are just too busy, as well as
> > having a large section that needs constant care. Some sized estates do
> > need gardeners. I guess I just roll my eyes at people who pay good money
> > to others for a perfect lawn whereas all it is to them is a 'trophy' to
> > match their nice house and nice car. Making lawns a consumer item, to
> > more accurately define my original question, strikes me as being plain
> > dumb. I guess that reflects your service industry statement Steve, the
> > ever increasing dreep of capitalism in to new 'markets'.
> >
> Professional lawncare is hardly a new market.

have to take your word on that Steve as you are a little closer to the
action than me. We have a thriving lawn mowing/dos laying business in NZ but
not yet the micromanagement style that the US seems to have. Personally I
hope we don't.

> > In many ways one
> > of the things wrong about our current environmental practises. To my
> > mind, just dumb.
> >
> > rob
> >
> Not everyone is an expert in grounds care like you are Rob, hence the need
> for the trained professional. That's true with most things, not just
> agriculture.

Not an expert Steve, not at all. I have learnt stuff but trial and error and
talking to others has given me info and I am still learning by doing. Thats
not really the point though.

My dad, as an example, simply wants a green lawn and it kept cut. He has
grown grass/lawn (being an ex dairy farmer in younger days) for 1/2 a
century. He is old enough now he cant be bothered cutting it himself so he
gets a 'little man' in to do it for him. He wants to enjoy himself doing
other things. I have no issue with that philosophy. He doesn't however care
too much what type of grass he has, whether it is mowed in strips or whether
he has some board leaf weed in it. If it is green and growing he is
comfortable. He then doesn't bother getting the 'little man' to spray it or
fertilise it or whatever. If he wants that done he is able to himself.

Maybe we have a different philosophy than the US in this area. I however
just can't see the point of trophy lawns as a consumer item. Other people
will disagree vehermently with my opinion, so be it.

rob

"George.com" <roblyn [at] ihug.co.nz> wrote in message
news:e97uuf$7qq$1 [at] lust.ihug.co.nz...
>
> "Steveo" <moparholic [at] hotmail.com> wrote in message
> news:20060714065845.170$bl [at] newsreader.com...
> > "George.com" <roblyn [at] ihug.co.nz> wrote:
> > > "Steveo" <moparholic [at] hotmail.com> wrote in message
> > > news:20060713130950.921$tl [at] newsreader.com...
> > > > "George.com" <roblyn [at] ihug.co.nz> wrote:
> > > > > "Steveo" <moparholic [at] hotmail.com> wrote in message
> > > > > news:20060711214058.693$SH_-_ [at] newsreader.com...
> > > > > > "George.com" <roblyn [at] ihug.co.nz> wrote:
> > > > > > > Without wanting to sound offensive, why do so many Americans
> > > > > > > seemingly hire people to care for their lawns? It just seems
> > > > > > > bizarre to me.
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > The service industry is a big part of our economy, from pizza to
> > > > > > brain surgery. Why should lawncare be any different?
> > > > >
> > > > > increasingly here to (New Zealand). Pizza can be delivered, thats
ok
> > > > > as
> > > I
> > > > > like pizza. I also like caring for my lawn. Seems a waste of time
> > > > > having one and letting someone else look after it.
> > > > >
> > > > Some have it done because of time constraints, others have it cared
> for
> > > > because they don't know much about it. Some are just lazy.
> > > >
> > > > Nothing at all bizarre about it.
> > >
> > > I understand the time constraint bit, some are just too busy, as well
as
> > > having a large section that needs constant care. Some sized estates do
> > > need gardeners. I guess I just roll my eyes at people who pay good
money
> > > to others for a perfect lawn whereas all it is to them is a 'trophy'
to
> > > match their nice house and nice car. Making lawns a consumer item, to
> > > more accurately define my original question, strikes me as being plain
> > > dumb. I guess that reflects your service industry statement Steve, the
> > > ever increasing dreep of capitalism in to new 'markets'.
> > >
> > Professional lawncare is hardly a new market.
>
> have to take your word on that Steve as you are a little closer to the
> action than me. We have a thriving lawn mowing/dos laying business in NZ
but
> not yet the micromanagement style that the US seems to have. Personally I
> hope we don't.
>
> > > In many ways one
> > > of the things wrong about our current environmental practises. To my
> > > mind, just dumb.
> > >
> > > rob
> > >
> > Not everyone is an expert in grounds care like you are Rob, hence the
need
> > for the trained professional. That's true with most things, not just
> > agriculture.

if I sound like an expert Steve it is because I am a know all bastard. If
you were being sarcastic with that comment then you have already figured me
out.

rob