Why Grass? (Phoenix: HOA, landscaping, neighborhood)

[dew2773]

What is the deal with all of these tiny patches of grass in everyone's yard? It must take insane amounts of water to keep it alive... isn't that such a waste? And most of them are so small....seriously what's the point?

[ZonyPony]

Originally Posted by dew2773

What is the deal with all of these tiny patches of grass in everyone's yard? It must take insane amounts of water to keep it alive... isn't that such a waste? And most of them are so small....seriously what's the point?

Good point, actually.

Just about as soon as the grass is planted, the desert sets out to kill it!

[YAZ]

Yep.

Don't see too many folks in Michigan trying a "Desert Landscape".

They may wish they were here in January though.

[amatrine]

I planted grass where I live. There is so much dust out here, that I was having asthma attacks daily. Having kids, and a dirt yard did not fare well. Had to mop daily. now the ground holds down water, and there is less dust in the house.

[exit2lef]

I had synthetic grass installed in my backyard several months ago. It provides a soft play area for my offspring, requires no water, needs minimal maintenance, and looks great. In my opinion, the best justification for grass, whether real or artificial, is for the benefit of children. I don't think real grass just for ornamental purposes is a worthwhile use of water.

[AZgarden]

My HOA mandates grass in the front yard, in summer and in winter. Can't have desert landscaping in this subdivision. The water is reclaimed, so it isn't too expensive. Just a bear to mow when its 110 outside.

[fcorrales80]

My parents do not live an in HOA but they do have a Neighborhood Committee which CANNOT set any rules; however, they make agreements and help keep the neighborhood clean. They also use reclaimed water much like the golf courses in Phoenix to water their yards. Reclaimed water is not connected to drinking water but is captured in many ways and stored underground in tanks for use with landscaping.

[HX_Guy]

Originally Posted by PhxBarb

My HOA mandates grass in the front yard, in summer and in winter. Can't have desert landscaping in this subdivision. The water is reclaimed, so it isn't too expensive. Just a bear to mow when its 110 outside.

Nice, what subdivision. I love grass...the way it looks as well as it's cooling effect.

[azgardener]

Originally Posted by silverbear

I had synthetic grass installed in my backyard several months ago. It provides a soft play area for my offspring, requires no water, needs minimal maintenance, and looks great. In my opinion, the best justification for grass, whether real or artificial, is for the benefit of children. I don't think real grass just for ornamental purposes is a worthwhile use of water.

I think you are pulling our leg. I don't know anyone with children that calls them "offspring" or any one with children that lets them play on that stuff in the summer sun. It gets 20-30 degrees hotter than the ambient tempature Thats no fun.

It does not matter what type of L/S you have most peoel are equal oppertunity water wasters.

[exit2lef]

Originally Posted by azgardener

I think you are pulling our leg. I don't know anyone with children that calls them "offspring" or any one with children that lets them play on that stuff in the summer sun. It gets 20-30 degrees hotter than the ambient tempature Thats no fun.

It does not matter what type of L/S you have most peoel are equal oppertunity water wasters.

Interesting reply. I don't care what others call their children; sometimes I like to say "offspring." Our artificial turf is shaded by several trees and therefore stays quite comfortable even on hot days. I don't know what "L/S" means, so I can't even begin to address your other point.