Why are people in PHX afraid of the desert? (Phoenix: fit in, HOA)

[Maroon197]

I was born and raised here and i've always wondered why people move to the desert only to try to hide it. Every inch of natural desert has to be covered over with gravel or some stereotypical "Native American inspired" artwork (see: all the freeways in the metro area). At their homes, thousands cover up the natural desert landscape with grass, of all things. I couldn't believe it when the Republic ran that article a few months ago about how a bunch of homeowners in some suburban subdivision were up in arms because the HOA had decided to let the public area grass go dormant (brown) in winter. Does anyone understand how NATURE works? Does anyone here even like nature? The desert can be a beautiful place, but you'd almost never know it looking at the majority of the Phoenix area.

[homesweetazhome]

You are right. When people move here from other areas of the country they often try to make their property look like wherever they came from instead of embracing where they are.

[ArizonaBear]

Originally Posted by homesweetazhome

You are right. When people move here from other areas of the country they often try to make their property look like wherever they came from instead of embracing where they are.

People tend to do what you described pretty much everywhere (climate permitting).

[LoneStarJerry]

Originally Posted by ArizonaBear

People tend to do what you described pretty much everywhere (climate permitting).

Very true, it happens everywhere. It's not really right or fair to the natives of an area, but it's reality.

[ibarrio]

Originally Posted by ArizonaBear

People tend to do what you described pretty much everywhere (climate permitting).

Yup...and add to the fact that if you want to cut back on dust in your home you have no choice but to cover up your dirt lots...

[wit-nit]

[

QUOTE=Maroon197;7013382] At their homes, thousands cover up the natural desert landscape with grass, of all things. I couldn't believe it when the Republic ran that article a few months ago about how a bunch of homeowners in some suburban subdivision were up in arms because the HOA had decided to let the public area grass go dormant (brown) in winter.

So true and so sad/mad that people want to try and mess with mother nature, especially those grass lovers.

[acrylic]

I'd hate to have a home in Phoenix and have grass in it. Really, that kind defeats the whole purpose of trying to fit in with the landscape.

[roundball]

Some/most of the oldest parts of Phoenix have grass. Right?

[musicforme]

My wife and I expect to move to the Phoenix area in July once our second daughter is a month or two old (she's still in the oven getting baked).

I'm looking forward to leaving the mower, trimmer, edger, and shrub trimmer back in Texas.

[roundball]

Originally Posted by musicforme

I'm looking forward to leaving the mower, trimmer, edger, and shrub trimmer back in Texas.

That's what I also thought. Our first house here had grass in the front. I detested it. Even if you do have a "desert" front yard, you have a 90% chance of having at least some bushes in your front yard that need to be trimmed, way to often. I moved here without ever visiting (my wife did). I thought it would be more of a "desert" then it actually is. There are trees and grass everywhere!

IMHO grass in the back is a must. So don't sell everything before you get here.