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https://n2v.almanacnews.com/square/print/2007/05/25/using-precious-water-to-keep-a-lawn-green

Town Square

Using precious water to keep a lawn green

Original post made by Annenlise Connell, Woodside: other, on May 25, 2007

I live in Woodside Highlands. My neighbor is a renter who waters his lawn until it runs out the storm drains.

I pointed this out to him, and he just replies, "but I want a green lawn." There is no way of getting through to this man.

In contrast, my landscaping requires no watering at all. It is all oaks and ivy. What kind of pressure can one put on someone who is a renter with no vested interest who has no concept that the pinnacle of "home" is a big green lawn? I'm all ears.

Annenlise Connell
Woodside Highlands, Woodside
(This letter was published in the Almanac's May 23 print edition.)

Comments

Posted by Joseph E. Davis
a resident of Woodside: Emerald Hills
on May 26, 2007 at 2:04 pm

Why is this any of your business? If he wants to pay for the water, that's his choice.

If you're really concerned about our society saving water, then the most effecitve step would be to get rid of the subsidy for agricultural use, which makes water ridiculously cheap for farmers compared to homeowners.

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Posted by Betty James
a resident of Atherton: Lindenwood
on May 27, 2007 at 8:04 am

Wow... I would be terribly offended if any neighbor of mine (Renter or not... as if that makes a difference...) minded my business.

Find a cause, volunteer, or give them millions or donate your home.

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Posted by Angela Hey
a resident of Portola Valley: Brookside Park
on May 29, 2007 at 2:41 pm

1. If he's willing to pay for water for a green lawn that's his free choice - there's a market price for everything.
2. The utility companies need to meet the demand by investing in reservoirs, desalination, water storage, wells, etc.
3. His property may well be less flammable than one with oaks surrounding it.
4. Ivy is an exotic plant - its not recommended as a plant in Portola Valley, harbors rats and more.
5. It's great that he's tending the lawn and caring for it - the owner can thank him that he's not letting the lawn go to seed
6. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder - what you may think beautiful someone else may think ugly - having a beautiful garden brings peace and tranquility to a household

Make your neighbor feel great and welcome here! That's what makes a terrific neighborhood.

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