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lI grew up with busy parents. They had full-time jobs and 3 kids, and, therefore, a host of priorities that dutifully included lawn maintenance. However, yard work was at the bottom of the to-do list.
I think our neighbor intentionally maintained his lawn to always be a couple inches shorter than ours, so that the line was distinct. As if to say, "This is where the neat people live, next to the people who don't mow their lawn." Whenever my mother would get the hairy eyeball from our anal-retentive next-door neighbor, she would, like clockwork, force me to mow the lawn. I appeased her only after I was sufficiently bribed or threatened, because nothing makes a surly pre-teen look more dorky than mowing the lawn.
Guess what? I still think mowing the lawn is dorky. Don't get me started on the lawn mowers you sit in and drive.
Benefits of Letting Your Lawn Grow
There are several benefits to leaving your lawn un-mowed. Some may consider a wild yard an eyesore, but that is because our cultural norm is incorrect. So don't listen to those nosy neighbors. They are just following outmoded cultural thought paradigms. : )
If you mow your lawn excessively, stop it. If you mow it routinely but not excessively, see how long you can let it grow before you feel like you must cut it if you cannot bear to be the kooky one on the block. If you are only mowing your lawn to keep up with your neighbors, I implore you to heighten and explore the length of time between mows.
- Not mowing your lawn reduces lawn-mower carbon emissions and saves gas.
- Your lawn will produce more oxygen.
- Provides a habitat for inner-city animals.
- Longer grass is more pleasant for bare feet.
- Weeds can be useful.
Note: Some cities require you to mow your lawn. Check with your local municipalities before throwing away your mower.
Also, keep in mind that this tip may not be for you. If you must have a tidy lawn, use an electric mower and leave your clippings on your yard. That's a pretty green alternative to a wild lawn.
More on Lawn Care:
Plant a Chestnut Tree, Get More Carbon Offset For Your Buck
Save up to 92% on Outdoor Water Costs with a Moisture Sensor
10 Reasons to Quit Bagging Grass Clippings
How Green is Your Garden?
Got a tip or a post idea for us to write about on Planet Green? Email pgtips (at) treehugger (dot) com.
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