Turf wars or Grass wars

[18 inch Crappie]

Being in a new neighborhood I have people watering 2 times a day others using Turf companys to keep there yards green and people like me who like to get ont and spot spray for weeds. The problem now is, it is war on who has the nicest yards. We talk about who does not do anything and others brag about there yards. What can I do to keep up with this madness? I mow,cut, fertlize 4 times a year, thatch in the spring and core plug. I have a watering system but only use it when needed. I think I have a nice yard but keeping up with the Jones is work. I want to have a nice yard that people talk about. Any tips info. I reed this form a lot and learn some stuff.

[DTro]

Never ending battle ain't it?

Too bad it wasn't the other way around. See who can grow the best dandelions.

[foulpole18]

Would have been tough to beat my dandelion lawn of 2 years ago. Thank god for weed killer (and a neighbor with a sprayer for his atv)

[CJH]

How about not worrying about it?

Sounds like you have a decent lawn already, or are at least doing the right things.

[BobT]

Why is it so important to "keep up with the madness?" Sounds like, "Better you than me!"

[Bear55]

I think there is a whole sub-culture of grass fanatics out there. I guess I feel lucky I don't give a hoot about my lawn unless it gets a little too long. To each their own, I'm sure I obsess about many things others think are silly.

[Moonshine]

I know the feeling. I moved this winter and I went from having the nicest lawn on the block to just an average yard (my opinion). I never really thought of it as keeping up with the Jones' though. I just like my lawn/landscaping and anything in or around my house a certain way. Remember a lawn can only get so nice, one thing to consider changing is your lanscaping.

When I was in my past home and my lawn was about as good as it could get so we went crazy with the annual flowers we planted that year, expanding out some beds and getting those huge hanging baskets. We also planted some unique perennials that were kind of neat to have. Go to Munsinger Park in Saint Cloud if you ever need ideas.

However, if you still want something for your neighbors to talk about, go buy a new Escalade and Ranger boat, park them in your driveway. That should do it.

[LwnmwnMan2]

18 -

There's a John Deere Landscapes in Ham Lake now.

Go there and get yourself some 10-0-20 with 10% Fe (iron).

The iron will give your grass a darker green color over time, without having to mow so often (lower N/nitrogen) while inducing root production (20 for the K/potassium or potash).

That's the only insider tip you're going to get from me.

[18 inch Crappie]

Why is it so important to "keep up with the madness?" Sounds like, "Better you than me!"

Its a guy thing I guess

[18 inch Crappie]

However, if you still want something for your neighbors to talk about, go buy a new Escalade and Ranger boat, park them in your driveway. That should do it.

I like the idea

[Tom7227]

Do what the Lawnman says. Then every weekend take the $20 you would have spent on some lawn foolishness and go buy some beer. Then put 3 or 4 chairs out on the drive and sit with a brew. When the nuts stop their frantic activity invite them over for a cold one. In short order - 2-3 weeks max - everyone will agree that your lawn is acceptable. You may even convince some of them that less is better.

[SFC]

x2 with the brew,u do that enough every one will have dandelions. Forget the neighbors, do enough that u and your family are happy. Introduce your neighbors to hunting and fishing, and stuff like that, thats whats really important. Family, health, water, food, shelter, fishing, hunting, neighbors lawn?

[SpitnArgueDuckClub*]

go buy a new Escalade and Ranger boat, park them in your driveway. That should do it.

+2

[chasineyes]

Originally Posted By: Moonshine

However, if you still want something for your neighbors to talk about, go buy a new Escalade and Ranger boat, park them in your driveway. That should do it.

I like the idea

+1

[chasineyes]

I believe its the fact that the lawn is the "new" guy thing. After all, you don't see many guys restoring cars or doing major woodworking/housing projects anymore. I live in the suburb and am bored out of my mind, simply due to LACK OF SPACE to have and enjoy toys. But with the lawn, I can always be working on something!!!

[Moonshine]

I just consider it something to do between sips. Keep that mindset and lawn work isn't really work...

[BobT]

The point is that it really doesn't matter what everyone else is doing. If you're satisfied with what you're doing then what else is there? You'll drive yourself crazy trying to best everyone else all the time. Of course, if that's important to you then well....

[Shack]

Quote:

What can I do to keep up with this madness?

Just stop talking with your neighbors. Next thing you know you will be moving out further to a house with a bigger lot because the paranoia of whats being said behind your back will get to you. Then you will be pulling out the trash and picking up your mail at 10:30pm when it is dark outside.

I have a couple neighbors who have said this about their previous neighborhood. I am willing to help if asked by my neighbors, but short of a wave when I see them or a crossing of paths while by the road, I stick to my own and they do the same. They moved out here for this reason.

If you just do not get caught up in development politics or neighborhood drama, do what is needed so you are pleased and the city is not issuing warnings, just live how you want to live and forget about the rest.