The theory behind the riding mower

Steve B · 2006-05-15T23:27:19+00:00

In the fifties, there was a groundswell among consumers to do work in less time, and take that extra time to go fishing or spend quality time with the family.So, in comes the riding mower. The idea was that what once took you four hours to do with inefficient tools would now take one hour, net gain three hours for napping or fishing or golfing, or whatever.Didn't happen.Net result of riding lawnmowers?You could have more grass.Same with most "labor saving" devices. You don't save time, which is then squandered on frivolous pursuits. You can do more work in the same amount of time, so now you can have and maintain more "stuff."Steve

May 15, 2006 25 Replies

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Ether Jones 20 years ago

Just let it grow for 5 years. Then rent a self-propelled walk-behind high-powered brush mower (at least 30" cut with 17HP or better motor) and clear out all the weeds and bramble and smaller trees. Make a few wide paths that can be maintained with a riding mower.

I did this on 5 acres of my property and it looks great. Some of the trees are 18' tall after only 5 years. What a view from the bay window. In the middle I made a small clearing for a secluded picnic area surrounded by Honeysuckle and Serviceberry and Russian Olive.

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Chris Lewis 20 years ago

According to ameijers :

For some strange reason, cutting down everything on the property is a rather common trait in home building. Then you have to buy back your own topsoil...

It's a good idea to consider "filling in" gaps etc., as part of good management practises.

If you can find a source of seedling trees (eg: a reforestation nursery), particularly conifers, you can plant a lot for cheap, and they usually require _no_ maintenance.

Back in '93, we bought 250 white pines for about $50 and planted them ourselves. Now some of them are >30', we've had

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Goedjn 20 years ago

On the other hand, walnut or beech trees will feed you in your dotage, and help put your grandchildren through college, so plant a mix. And *NOBODY* plants boxwood for lumber anymore. :-(

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digitalmaster 20 years ago

not around middle georgia...land is fairly cheap..I have 15 acres on a modest income from a one job family.I only have 1 acre of grass though...lol

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digitalmaster 20 years ago

especially black walnut.

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Mac Cool 20 years ago

digitalmaster:

How cheap? How much would 15 acres set me back? Wooded or field, with access.

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