Lawn Painting to cope with the drought. (lawns)

[CptnRn]

A painted yard is really tacky. Its for more attractive and environmentally responsible to replace the sod areas with mulch and drought tolerant native plants. That helps keep the soil cool so tree roots can thrive, it helps keep the moisture in the soil and is far more attractive. It also provides habitat for birds, insects, lizards and other living creatures that we share this planet with.

[OpenD]

Originally Posted by CptnRn

A painted yard is really tacky. Its for more attractive and environmentally responsible to replace the sod areas with mulch and drought tolerant native plants. That helps keep the soil cool so tree roots can thrive, it helps keep the moisture in the soil and is far more attractive. It also provides habitat for birds, insects, lizards and other living creatures that we share this planet with.

I couldn't agree more. However so many homeowners seem to be locked into HOA rules that demand grass lawns... a bad rule that needs updating, in my estimation... that I wondered if anyone was resorting to such techniques to try and ward off HOA nastygrams.

[sxrckr]

I would say no. This is what's sometimes done in DFW, do we really want to emulate that?
Go with a more drought-hardy grass, or xeroscape.

[owlman]

Looks good in the pictures. I'd consider it if the HOA forced me to keep it green all summer.

[CptnRn]

Originally Posted by OpenD

I couldn't agree more. However so many homeowners seem to be locked into HOA rules that demand grass lawns... a bad rule that needs updating, in my estimation... that I wondered if anyone was resorting to such techniques to try and ward off HOA nastygrams.

Our HOA is in the process of revising its guidelines to allow just his kind of change. HOA's need to change with the times, ours is, Circle C is and many others in the area are adapting.

[CarnivalGal]

I've heard of it before, but I don't know if I would do it. I think most places use a vegetable-based dye, so it doesn't damage the grass or environment. I could see why someone who had their house on the market or something would do it. Ir just had one stubborn spot of brown grass.

[CarnivalGal]

Originally Posted by OpenD

I couldn't agree more. However so many homeowners seem to be locked into HOA rules that demand grass lawns... a bad rule that needs updating, in my estimation... that I wondered if anyone was resorting to such techniques to try and ward off HOA nastygrams.

Even if my HOA didn't demand it, I like a grass lawn. It's much nicer to throw a football around or kick a soccer ball on grass than it is on dirt or rocks.

[sxrckr]

Originally Posted by CptnRn

Our HOA is in the process of revising its guidelines to allow just his kind of change. HOA's need to change with the times, ours is, Circle C is and many others in the area are adapting.

I've seen this. That's good. HOAs do serve a good purpose to keep property values up. But they also need to adapt as necessary. Some of the newer developments around the state have made being environmentally friendly from the get-go a selling point, and it's working.

[10scoachrick]

Originally Posted by sxrckr

I've seen this. That's good. HOAs do serve a good purpose to keep property values up. But they also need to adapt as necessary. Some of the newer developments around the state have made being environmentally friendly from the get-go a selling point, and it's working.

First off...painting a yard green doesn't satisfy most HOA requirements for grass lawns(green dirt, weeds?). I can see this as a temporary measure to make sure the Google Earth satellite photos turn out OK .

But seriously, folks...the brand new Pearson Place is building houses at a brisk pace. What will happen to the landscape is anyone's guess at this point. They are NOT included in Avery Ranch and will have their own HOA and sets of covenants(or not?). It will be very interesting to watch for ANY signs of environmental consciousness in this brand new development. My marketing degree didn't come with any horticultural training; but I would surely take this 'blank canvas' and try to encourage an environmentally responsible approach to the landscape in the yards as well as the common areas. But, silly me...I would also try to market some 'energy efficient' systems and materials as part of the overall package in this community. We'll see what happens. I know I would be drawn to a neighborhood that took a serious approach to energy and resource conservation...I might even look there first! (Of course, the 'footprint' of building a 4000 sq ft house to shelter 2,3,4 people calls into play an entirely different set of environmentally impactful considerations, but long-term efficiency can start with the foundation of the house).

[NakedApe]

That article isn't actually about Seattle. It's an AP article about Indianapolis and New Jersey. Seattle seems to be almost +10 on the year. Probably a sign of the apocalypse once they have to start painting their lawns. :-)