Lawns, trees and gardens

[Sean]

I think it's time to bring down the gas-powered lawncare habits that have spread across the entire continent. I constantly see individuals and companies blowing leaves from one place to another. To these people I say: If you are so obsessed with moving leaves around, buy a rake and use your muscles.

Along the same lines, I am sick of hearing (and seeing and smelling) gas-powered lawnmowers all over my neighbourhood. I especially detest the concept of putting our drinking water on the lawn, along with chemical fertilizers so that it grows faster, and then mowing it down a week later with one of the least efficient gas powered devices available to mankind. It is a waste of time, energy and money, as well as a huge contributor to pollution. All for the image of having a well manicured "estate grounds".

Here is a great idea for a program that could be promoted in our city:
http://www.cleanaircounts.org/lawnmowerleafblowerbuyback.shtml

And some data that should make you think twice before firing up the noisy beasts:
A gas-powered leaf-blower emits as much tailpipe emissions during one hour of use as an automobile traveling across 350 miles. Bear in mind, however, that while a car spreads its air pollution over a wide area, the leaf blower will concentrate its emissions in your yard.
http://www.newdream.org/consumer/outdoorcleaning.php

The air pollution from cutting grass for an hour with a gasoline powered lawn mower is about the same as that from a 100 mile automobile ride
http://www.mindfully.org/Air/Lawn-Mower-Pollution.htm

Gallon for gallon — or, given the size of lawnmower tanks, quart for quart — the 2006 lawn mower engines contribute 93 times more smog-forming emissions than 2006 cars, according to the California Air Resources Board.
http://www.nytimes.com

As a side note, my neighbour actually asked me to cut down the tree in our back yard (a tree which is probably older than our houses) because it was too difficult for her to clean the leaves up. Her back yard is mostly garden, so she can't just rake them. In my opinion this is a despicable request. Let the leaves feed your garden!

If you ever meet with a neighbour requesting anything like this, be aware that the City is probably on-side with leaving the tree alone:
Trees are only removed when they become a liability to the New City and its residents. Requests for tree removal due to seed production, leaves dropping and clogging eves troughs or the inability of the homeowner to continue raking leaves cannot be accepted as valid reasons for removal. The subsequent homeowner may appreciate a shade or ornamental tree on their property.
http://www.myhamilton.ca/myhamilton/CityandGovernment/CityDepartments/PublicWorks/Parks/Forestry/

[mrG]

I live in a condo and it beats me why they cannot leave the lawn alone....
Itlooks like all the work they do is to insure that landscaping company can come back and do some more.... Yet they are killing grass with prison-buzz cut, and herbicides.... They say there is no proff their chemicals will cause health condition, yet there is no proff othervise....

I wish we could have "optin" program for lawn care

[Chips]

[mrG]

[block42]

I use the old-school non-motorized push mower to cut my lawn and hand powered hedge shears to trim my hedges. I can't wait to take my lawn out and plant indigenous species.

[mrG]

[Sean]

[Block43]

My front yard is shady so i'm looking at ontario woodland plants. I don't water/fertilize/pestiside.

[mrG]

[Guest]

Block 42 should be block43 (it was a typo).

[mrG]

[Sean]

Interesting to see some movement in Hamilton regarding our water usage sine the near flooding we had in December.

I guess it takes a "near miss" to get the attention of anyone at all.

[Sean]

Lawnmower trade in program at Canadian Home Depot Stores!

http://www.cleanairfoundation.org/mowdownpollution/index.asp

"To participate, drop into any Home Depot location across Canada from April 19-29, 2007 to return your higher polluting gas lawnmower or trimmer. You’ll receive an instant rebate off the purchase of a cleaner alternative lawncare product including push, electric or low-emission gas mowers and trimmers. Working with the Auto Recyclers of Canada, we’ll ensure your returned gas lawnmower or trimmer is recycled responsibly – free of charge."