Pools? jelly bean or rectangle?

[Donuthole]

That lawn looks great. Too bad that next spring it's going to transform into light green, think bladed, slow growing disappointment. [emoji853]

I'm not incompetent like you, but I understand your concern. (BTW, that's what pre-emergent is for).

[falafel]

I'm not incompetent like you, but I understand your concern. (BTW, that's what pre-emergent is for).

Yeah, you're incompetent in ways different than me.

Btw, I wasn't talking about having weeds or crabgrass.

[old_gregg]

watch that guy on youtube that talks about dominating your neighbors law. he’s good.

[Donuthole]

Btw, I wasn't talking about having weeds or crabgrass.

So you think the grass physically alters its genetics? Got it.

[falafel]

So you think the grass physically alters its genetics? Got it.

That's a BlueK-style counter, bro.

[cowboy]

Nice, DH. How short do you cut your grass? I prefer it as long as possible because I think it's healthier for the roots, and it seems to have more of a swamp cooler effect on the yard. Others like I short because it holds fewer mosquitoes and grows back slower. No right way, just wondering. BTW, nice work on the straight lines. You must have some farmer blood.

[Donuthole]

Generally I try to cut about 1/3 of the blade length off. And I agree, longer grass means more surface area for photosynthesis, which means more nutrients in the soil.

But this was my first mow since the sod was installed, so it had been growing for almost a month without being mowed. I wasn’t willing to commit to mowing twice within the next week. So I went a bit shorter than normal this time, and when I mow next week I’ll be back to mowing off a third each week (which is just about right when I set my mower wheels just one notch down from the highest setting and then mow once a week.

[cowboy]

Generally I try to cut about 1/3 of the blade length off. And I agree, longer grass means more surface area for photosynthesis, which means more nutrients in the soil.

But this was my first mow since the sod was installed, so it had been growing for almost a month without being mowed. I wasn’t willing to commit to mowing twice within the next week. So I went a bit shorter than normal this time, and when I mow next week I’ll be back to mowing off a third each week (which is just about right when I set my mower wheels just one notch down from the highest setting and then mow once a week.

Makes sense. Not a lawn expert but rangeland grasses are healthy taking up to 60% of the leaf if it is close to maturity and early in the season. Like you do with your lawn, I try not to take over one third of the grass in my lawn or on my range. It allows the roots to be more resilient in case there is a stress.

[Walter Sobchak]

Looks real nice DH, well done.

Next project... in-ground trampoline!

[Donuthole]

Looks real nice DH, well done.

Next project... in-ground trampoline!

Actually, I think my next project in the yard will be using Trex-type decking to build and affix a wood fence against the cinderblock wall around the pool. I’ve always hated how industrial that wall feels, but if feels especially awful against the pool. I’ll probably just stucco and paint the wall around the rest of the yard.

As for the tramp, we’ve discussed the in-ground option and decided against it. Primarily because we’ve only got 4-5 years of trampoline time left with our kids (in our experience, they lose interest around 8-9) and we don’t want to dig it in and then have it there forever. Btw, That place where the tramp is is actually where the tool shed will eventually go.

[Walter Sobchak]

Actually, I think my next project in the yard will be using Trex-type decking to build and affix a wood fence against the cinderblock wall around the pool. I’ve always hated how industrial that wall feels, but if feels especially awful against the pool. I’ll probably just stucco and paint the wall around the rest of the yard.

As for the tramp, we’ve discussed the in-ground option and decided against it. Primarily because we’ve only got 4-5 years of trampoline time left with our kids (in our experience, they lose interest around 8-9) and we don’t want to dig it in and then have it there forever. Btw, That place where the tramp is is actually where the tool shed will eventually go.

I dunno... my teenagers (and their friends) still use our in-ground tramp. I think primarily because it doesn't look like a little kids novelty toy. Maybe lose the safety netting and you'll get longer life out of your above-ground tramp.

[cowboy]

Actually, I think my next project in the yard will be using Trex-type decking to build and affix a wood fence against the cinderblock wall around the pool. I’ve always hated how industrial that wall feels, but if feels especially awful against the pool. I’ll probably just stucco and paint the wall around the rest of the yard.

As for the tramp, we’ve discussed the in-ground option and decided against it. Primarily because we’ve only got 4-5 years of trampoline time left with our kids (in our experience, they lose interest around 8-9) and we don’t want to dig it in and then have it there forever. Btw, That place where the tramp is is actually where the tool shed will eventually go.

I guess kids are all different. Our teenagers still use our tramp, and underground is the only way to keep them from blowing away here where we regularly get 50 mph winds in the spring. What do you do with the dirt from the hole if you put it underground in your neighborhood, and where do you get dirt to fill it back in if you take it out? Sometimes I take for granted my access to something as simple as dirt. My yard is still embarrassing compared to you guys though.

[cowboy]

It's because we all have an innate desire to work the land, and some of us just have a little pretend patch to work with so we make up stuff to tend.

That's a nice sentiment, but even if I only had the land my house sits on it wouldn't look the back yards in this thread. You and DH take yards to a new level.

On a side note, the straight mow lines were the first indicator, but when Donutehole starts talking about leaf length and photosynthesis, it's a sure bet he has farmer somewhere in his family tree. I'll bet he knows exactly what his fertilizer mix is, when to apply, and (more telling) why. If he was purebred snooty attorney he'd have his 'people' design his yard and a yard boy to mow the lawn and tempt his wife.

[Moliere]

Welcome to the club DH. If you want any tips on cleaning filters let me know. I did the whole thing (filters, salt cell and basket) in under 45 minutes, which is a record.

[creekster]

How often do you clean yours? They told me to clean every 6 months but I think I might need to do it more often.

Welcome to the club DH. If you want any tips on cleaning filters let me know. I did the whole thing (filters, salt cell and basket) in under 45 minutes, which is a record.