Finally broke down and decided to get a sprinkler system, the sand and dust was tearing up mower bearings and filters. Also tired of choking down 2#s of dust mowing this place. So spending more then I should to get the system put in with all top quality equipment. 
 
 Now my neighbor who sells lawn seed takes pity on me and is going to seed my entire yard FREE! Hey that sounds great he will use it for a new video he is doing on new lawn installs. He will come out and spray Roundup on the entire yard to kill EVERYTHING. Then all I have to do is till the entire yard, bring in many loads of black dirt, level, rock pick rack and have it as smooth as a babies bottom.
 Well now I can't have a video of the house with cars, junk. dirty windows, untrimmed bushes, ect. So now I get to spend every waking moment for the next few weeks on the house getting everything ready for a free lawn. Along with weddings, grad parties parades, scout stuff, reunions and all the rest going on I ask.

  WHEN THE HELL WILL I GET TIME FOR THE FREAKIN CAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You could have said "no" ;)

I've learned that free stuff is often the most expensive. LOL! Think of it this way- it's all stuff that you wanted done. You just didn't want to do it. Once it's overwith, you'll be stoked! Until then, it does kinda suck though...

We've never been "yard snobs"... if it was green (including weeds) it was cool. But I've been convinced (by our labor the last 4 weeks in prep for our open house) that having a nice lawn, some flowers & shrubs, is kinda cool! It does change your outlook and gives a sense of pride in having a nice looking place. (also makes mama happy!)

I have spent so much time and money on the yard in the past years it is unreal. I had 30 12 yard loads of black dirt hauled in and had the lawn so green and smooth it was great. The next year I lost more trees and tore the lawn up dropping them. Same thing following years till now it is just weeds and burnt grass. Still have a couple of trees to drop but I may do that in winter. Just really tired of the dust cloud when mowing and the sand tearing up the lawn mower. Still have the moguls in the yard that forces you to creep along with the mower or blow out the back. Got the quote for 45 yards of black dirt spread and leveling the entire yard that will be another $1200.

When we moved into this house, our lawn was a mess. Nobody lived there for 2 summers, so the landscaping was way overgrown. The previous summer, the city mowed it, then billed the "owner". The second year, we moved in July, but the city hadn't gotten there yet. one neighbor mowed the front once, while the back was knee deep. It took a full tank of gas to slowly cut that back down since it was so high. My wife and I have mad a deal so far: Raise grass in the front, kids in the back. My front is nowhere near where I would like it, but I also get veto'd often when it comes to needing mroe grass seed and fertilizer. We also get about 400 million tree seeds a year. The back yard is kinda wrecked from the dog, the pool, firepit, and the playset. Here's a befre right when we moved in, and after when I got the brunt of the landscaping done. I think I spent about $500 on it, but the effect is amazing. The whole front entrance was completely blocked from the street so you couldn't see. Since then, the house has been painted and the grass is now thicker and greener.

After doing the math for what it cost to fertilize/weed kill and all that it was cheaper to hire a company. I spent $350 on the stuff for 2 applications put down myself and it was not nearly enough. Scotts came out and did it for $90 per application and did 4 applications a year so by the time I figure in my time to buy pick up and apply it was cheaper spending the $10 more. The added part it did look better and I had far less weeds was a bonus. My neighbor had given me 10 gallons of driveway sealer when he moved. 2 weeks ago decided to seal coat the driveway myself. Now buying the squeegee, crack filler, another 3 trips for more stuff a total bill of $200 was spent on sealing the driveway. Wife pointed out it was $175 for the folks to come out and do it professionally 2 years ago. So like I said this free stuff is killing me

Dave,

when you get done with your yard you will be a pro. Just so the free stuff works in your favor I'll give you $200 to come out and do my yard. I have a really small yard so this could be a good deal for you

-- Edited by Tim H on Thursday 10th of June 2010 01:08:09 PM

Tim, the only thing that could be better then that is free car repair from you.