What is with all the rocks?? (renting, houses, to buy)

[Finger Laker]

Originally Posted by MotleyCrew

We saw some artificial grass at Robson Ranch this weekend. I could not believe it wasn't real. for the grass lovers here...use that and save some water...please.

No

[AZgarden]

Part of the big draw to Ocotillo in south Chandler is the grass, mandated by the HOA , for every home in the front yard. Now some have gotten away with just an elongated patch of grass and rocks around the border, but everyone has to have both summer and winter grass. The water is cheap. It's reclaimed and kept separate from the pipes with the Chandler water. How and why this ever started I don't know, but it does provide greenery all year, along with the lakes and big pines.

[ajonesaz]

Originally Posted by MotleyCrew

We saw some artificial grass at Robson Ranch this weekend. I could not believe it wasn't real. for the grass lovers here...use that and save some water...please.

If it's just for looks sure, I wouldn't want my kids or pets on it during the summer. Artificial grass gets hotter than concrete. Not to mention the link to pediatric cancer from artificial grass playing fields - no thanks.

[ElleTea]

Originally Posted by ajonesaz

If it's just for looks sure, I wouldn't want my kids or pets on it during the summer. Artificial grass gets hotter than concrete. Not to mention the link to pediatric cancer from artificial grass playing fields - no thanks.

Depending on the type, it can also smell bad. Like burning plastic (which is what it is, right?)


Wet N Wild has it, and I don't understand why. You can't walk on it, touch it, or really go near it. It looks green but it'll burn your feet!

[Valley Native]

I despise rock yards because they're unsightly, and the rocks have a tendency to scatter all over the place. Not very pleasant walking on a sidewalk where rocks have been strewn about & having them stuck in the bottom of your shoes, or driving over them in the street. Besides, rock yards contribute to the heat island effect, and they can be a pain to keep up when weeds grow through the rocks. Nothing worse than pulling up weeds on a hot surface in the middle of the summer when it's 110+ degrees outside. No thanks!

Contrary to what the meddlers say, I'm keeping my grass. Greenery is much more aesthetically pleasing, adds a cooling effect, and I can afford the water bills. It's a lot more work. upkeep, and expense than rock/xeriscape, but it's worth it. For those who claim that grass lawns in a desert environment go against Mother Nature: so what? Don't we as humans tamper with Mother Nature just by LIVING in a desert environment?!

[Hschlick84]

Grass looks good if you do the landscaping correctly.

random homes in Aurora, CO

[ElleTea]

How grass looks in Aurora Colorado or anywhere that isn't Phoenix isn't really relevant. Grass DOES look great in areas where it belongs.

[sargeant79]

Originally Posted by Valley Native

I despise rock yards because they're unsightly, and the rocks have a tendency to scatter all over the place. Not very pleasant walking on a sidewalk where rocks have been strewn about & having them stuck in the bottom of your shoes, or driving over them in the street. Besides, rock yards contribute to the heat island effect, and they can be a pain to keep up when weeds grow through the rocks. Nothing worse than pulling up weeds on a hot surface in the middle of the summer when it's 110+ degrees outside. No thanks!

I can think of something worse...mowing a lawn when it's 110+ degrees outside. My grass yard will be gone in 3 weeks when I replace it with xeriscaping. I can't wait.

Originally Posted by Valley Native

Contrary to what the meddlers say, I'm keeping my grass. Greenery is much more aesthetically pleasing, adds a cooling effect, and I can afford the water bills. It's a lot more work. upkeep, and expense than rock/xeriscape, but it's worth it. For those who claim that grass lawns in a desert environment go against Mother Nature: so what? Don't we as humans tamper with Mother Nature just by LIVING in a desert environment?!

To each unto their own. But what is aesthetically pleasing is in the eye of the beholder. I personally think a nicely done xeriscaped yard is far better looking, but that's just my tastes. Enjoy your grass yard if that's your thing.

[Finger Laker]

Originally Posted by ElleTea

How grass looks in Aurora Colorado or anywhere that isn't Phoenix isn't really relevant. Grass DOES look great in areas where it belongs.

Like in my yard. Belongs there and looks great.

[DetroitN8V]

Originally Posted by Finger Laker

Like in my yard. Belongs there and looks great.

Ditto. And my dogs seem to like playing and peeing on it.