Hissssss!

Sent by Chuck B. | 5:10 PM ET | 08-02-2007

That's insane! In the middle of a drought and they're getting hit for not watering?!?

Back in May I got a warning from my town to cut my grass or else. (Oh, all right, my weeds.) My husband was deployed overseas, I can't mow myself because of my allergies, kids apparently no longer mow lawns for pocket money, and I was having a heckuva time finding someone to cut my weeds who didn't insist on at least year-long contract.

I contacted them, explained the situation and that, since it was right before the Memorial Day holiday and people would be out of town, I might have trouble meeting their deadline but that I had every intention of complying. They didn't respond, but they didn't fine me, either.

Sent by Maureen | 6:01 PM ET | 08-02-2007

Unbelievable. The lawn is probably just dormant anyway, so I don't see how that code is in violation.

I'd build a wall or plant a tall hedge around the front and be done with those nosy neighbors for good. America could use some more front courtyard gardens like in the U.K. and Ireland.

Sent by John | 7:41 PM ET | 08-02-2007

The alternatice offered is, "install some other form of landscape." The solution is to go with native xerophytic plants and landscaping. Maybe that will even shame the water-profligate neighbors into living more appropriately in the desert.

My folks live in Tucson and one of my father's greates joys is not having a lawn to mow (or snow-covered sidewalks to shovel either.) In the front yard, they have an assortment of cacti and a couple of dwarf citrus trees, all watered by a trickle system on a timer. I think it looks a lot better than a boring green slab of turf anyway.

Sent by Roger Perrone | 9:14 PM ET | 08-02-2007

It is an issue of reasonable care of your property. I have a landscape challenged neighbor that won't water his lawn without a homeowner's association courts order. This has gone on for 20 years and every year he promises to convert it to a desert style landscape, which he has never done. It isn't so simple, it is in his case inertia that results in ugly.

Sent by Linda | 11:04 PM ET | 08-02-2007

There was a story on NPR earlier this year about a woman who had removed her lawn and replaced it with drought-resistant plants. She was cited [by her HOA] and told to re-establish her lawn. I haven't heard how that turned out.

Sent by Judith | 11:14 PM ET | 08-02-2007

Would someone PLEASE tell me why there are lawns in front of houses? The kids are in their rooms playing computer games, chatting on AIM, or downloading pirated videos, so don???t tell me it???s about a place for them to play. Lawn in the backyard? Maybe. Into nude sunbathing? Get a chaise lounge. Something for the kids and dog to cavort on? O.K., there???s nothing to completely take the place of a patch of turf, but how many thousand square feet do you really need?

A lawn that is not used for recreational purposes is an act of environmental arrogance. I???m talking about arrogance in the form of a blatant or ignorant disregard for the multiple environmental impacts of growing turf, at least the way the vast majority of people approach it.

There's more at my blog if you want to follow this line of arrogance to it's full breadth. Thanks for raising the subject.

http://gardenwiseguy.blogspot.com/2007/07/murder-your-lawn-now.html

Sent by Garden Wise Guy | 12:11 AM ET | 08-03-2007

Tynan's front yard is horrible, let's be honest. But the neighbor's is far worse. How many 1000s of gallons of precious water is wasted on that per year?

Manditory NATIVE PLANT LANDSCAPING should be in effect.

Sent by ImpeachBush | 3:36 AM ET | 08-03-2007

Yes, a few days ago my neighbor of the green lawn, white rock and HD shrubs told me that my 2 city lot perennial garden is attracting bunnie. OMG...can you imagine. I asked him if he wanted me to mow down 15 years of work that has been on several local garden tours.

He just kept on saying that in my words sterile yards are better. Do not know whether to cry or laugh. I really feel for the couple in the article because I have been on that side of the fence.

Sent by R K | 7:34 AM ET | 08-03-2007

It never ceases to amaze me that people move to the Southwest or other warmer areas for the climate, then immediatly attempt to re-shape the environment to the one they just left. Besides the hideous waste of resources, this is another example of the homogenizing of america. The pressure to conform despite costs to the environment and personal lifestyle choices is the crime here.

Sent by Kathleen Branch-Gadd | 7:41 AM ET | 08-03-2007

Astroturf!

Sent by J. Green | 8:11 AM ET | 08-03-2007

At a time when people are FINALLY waking up to all the environmental issues that WE have created, it is shocking to me that someone would complain that a neighbor is not watering their lawn. #1 Be responsible. You live in a desert. Act like it. #2 Aren't there more important things in life to worry about?

Sent by Sarah | 8:11 AM ET | 08-03-2007

Unbelievable! The neighbor???s yard is criminal. The city of Tempe should reassess their requirements ??? shouldn???t one be rewarded for conserving water instead of wasting it on a lawn?

It never ceases to amaze me in my southern town either. We are in the middle of a drought and the city has set strict requirements for watering (midnight to 10 am only, every other day). However, not a day goes by where I don???t see some public park, square, or cemetery being watered in the blistering and oppressive heat provided by the afternoon sun ??? by the city, of course!

Our solution was to install rain barrels around the house. For under $25 you can buy a plastic trash can, spigot, 2 washers, a nut, construction adhesive, and a little bit of plastic gutter and begin recycling the rain. It always amazes me at the amount of water we collect on the rare occasion that it does rain.

Maybe the Tynan's new front yard plan can include some big, thick, spiky, spiny desert plants that grow fast - they can block the view of the offended/offending neighbors and provide the Tynan's with painful projectiles to launch into their neighbor's direction as needed.

Sent by Jesse | 8:30 AM ET | 08-03-2007

We live in Michigan, and though our drought is (of course) nowhere near like living in the desert, our grass looks like Tynan's. Why should we waste water on our grass? I keep our perennials, shrubs, and veggie plants watered and happy, but it's wasteful even here to keep your grass looking like a golf course. I'm amazed by the arrogance of the neighbor by attempting to transform his desert plot into what he probably left behind in the midwest or northeast.

Sent by Andrea | 9:00 AM ET | 08-03-2007

Too bad no one has strong feelings about this... ;-)

Check in on Monday to see what the Tynans ended up doing. Can't wait to read how you'll react to that.

Sent by Ketzel Levine | 10:40 AM ET | 08-03-2007

I live in North Carolina where most every town in the Raleigh-Durham area is now under water restrictions. My neighbors have gone to great lengths to cultivate fescue lawns (seed, fertilizer, weed killers, water). My lawn is an example of green by neglect. I have never put anything on my lawn except a mower and I currently have the greenest lawn on the street. Any grass I have is what will grow with the maintenance I give it and the weather it has to endure. More people need to learn that the days of growing cool weather grasses in most parts of this country are over.

Sent by Chuck S. | 11:35 AM ET | 08-03-2007

As a frequent visitor to the Southwest, I am always appalled by the lawns, golf courses and swimming pools that have taken neighborhoods by storm. It is a gross misuse of water, a precious commodity that the Southwest cannot spare. If you want a lush lawn, move to the East Coast! Take a class in Xeriscaping. Maybe the Gov't in Tempe should subsidize one for interested residents, and offer tax incentives to those who practice Xeriscaping.

Sent by Jen P. | 12:03 PM ET | 08-03-2007

Please do a story on how to convert lawn to desert or xeriscaped landscaping in a practicle way. I live in Palm Springs and have always thought the lawn to be a stupid idea in the desert. I put in the drip system and lots of cacti and palms but I can't seem to get the remaining grass to die off completely. I turned of the sprinklers in June and still have a lot of splotchy grass and weeds to contend with. The transition is not going well. Both my neighbors and I hate it. Help!

Sent by Mark Thompson | 12:06 PM ET | 08-03-2007

I live next door to a professional landscaper, so you can imagine what his yard looks like. The previous owner made my yard look like something Disney would do. Not now. Of course he violates our still "strict" watering ordinances here in Florida, but I guess hasn't been caught. And he hasn't complained about my lawn nor has he called Code Enforcement (probably because I'd tell them about all his "illegal" watering). Now, to add insult to injury, the neighbor on the other side just had new sod installed. They're killing me!! I've got two large oaks in the front yard which throw down A LOT of shade. St. Augustine likes the sun. All I need is more time and money and I too can keep up with the Joneses! Let's not even discuss my weed-infested back yard...

Sent by Chip Seifert | 12:24 PM ET | 08-03-2007

Absurd! Watering residential lawns in the Southwest is one of the most flagrant and gross misuses of a scarce natural resource. Come to terms with your natural environment. Its a desert for 'pete's sake'.

Sent by Tad Bungener | 1:32 PM ET | 08-03-2007

Between people who worry about green lawns and Vegas in the neighboring state, the groundwater in that area will be gone in no time! If those people want a lush lawn, they should try a temperate climate...but then what would they do to destroy the environment there?

Sent by Kat | 1:38 PM ET | 08-03-2007

I can relate to the people in this article. I live in Atlanta where we have a strict watering requirements. On top of that, I have not interest in planting pretty flowers in my flower beds or in mowing my lawn more than once every two weeks.
I'm just not interested in landscaping. I have better things to do with my time and energy than plant flowers that will probably die in my treeless front yard and do more than the minimal amount needed to keep my yard "presentable." No show yard for me. I'd really rather have trees than a lawn anyway. So I ignore the warnings from my HOA and hope that common sense and neighborliness will win out.

Sent by NHA | 2:10 PM ET | 08-03-2007

Education is key , especially in situations like the one in Arizona.

Both neighbors , along with their city Code Compliance department would greatly benefit from a class or two in responsible garden design , installation , conservation and maintenance.

If the city employed Code Compliance officers are sorely inept in its understanding of its own environment then how do you expect the surrounding community to be educated and informed of correct horticultural practices for their yards ?

People turn to planting front and rear lawns because it has been accepted and conditioned as common place practice in our most recent horticultural history.
It served a functional, aesthetic and economical purpose but those elements of function have now evolved and are no longer relevant in current day usage.

First step would be to educate those who are put in the responsible role of enforcing environmentally reckless code compliant laws.

The second step would be to organize and enact a community wide campaign to educate the public on positive environmental and conservational practices designed for their specific areas.

Many socially progressive areas have already undertaken such steps such as the county that I live in.
Our water supply department regularly sends out newletters with our monthly bills informing the community how it can save money and natural resources.
It also has developed a demonstration garden and has enlisted the help of local horticulturists, landscape installers and landscape architects to go out into the public and educate them about sound alternative conservational practices.

In a word, Education is key

Sent by Michelle Derviss | 2:15 PM ET | 08-03-2007

Why don't they get cans of green spray paint and paint the brown grass green?

Sent by JAL | 3:21 PM ET | 08-03-2007

It's a desert. Deserts are barren. Hence deserts are often deserted. Lesson: don't live in a desert.

Education may be the key, but for some people, no matter how much education there is they won't learn anything ... ever.

Easter Island anyone?

Sent by w. glass | 3:24 PM ET | 08-03-2007

Interesting that Tempe, the city with a man made "LAKE" which wastes unimaginable amounts of water here in our drought stricken DESERT home each year enforces ridiculious rules such as these.

Come on guys these rules are so totally out of order they are laughable! And the neighbours need to get a life. How sad that they think that they are so much better than everyone else.

Sent by UK girl | 3:38 PM ET | 08-03-2007

Nothing is more disgraceful than a lawn in the Southwest. Go back east. And take your golf courses with you too.

Sent by Tea | 3:51 PM ET | 08-03-2007

I'm with K. Branch-Gadd. File a complaint against this small-minded neighbor for selfish depletion of a scarce water supply.

Sent by Burns my toast | 3:54 PM ET | 08-03-2007

FACISM FORESHADOWING for Landscaping like the following news Story in OHIO ------

Police: Man Killed Teen for Walking on Lawn (Ohio)
Las Vegas Sun ^ | 21 Mar 06 | Lisa Cornwell

As a college student in Albany in 1980 - my landlady paved her front yard with asphalt and painted it green. Maybe she was just a zealous Irish but I always consider it when my own very small lawn here in NC needs cutting....

Sent by Irish Fan | 5:14 PM ET | 08-03-2007

Amazing, did anyone stop to consider the quantities of water it takes to keep a lawn like that as green as it is, in a desert? That's water that could have been used for far more vital purposes, water is a precious resource. How about beautifying their front yard with NATIVE VEGITATION?

Sent by Wyante (y-ant) Wilmot | 5:14 PM ET | 08-03-2007

We can sympathize. We went a little farther after getting cited. We provided our city with a landscaping plan that specified which parts of our yard we were landscaping with early secondary succession, dominated by native grasses, goldenrod and other asters, specifically letting succession occur with mostly natural dispersal and succession. To their credit, the city manager and 85% of our neighbors appreciated our efforts and approve of our naturalistic landscaping. We have certainly never watered the remaining, mowed lawn.

Sent by Hank Stevens | 5:31 PM ET | 08-03-2007

I sure hope someone reports and sues the water-ers.

Sent by Hank Stevens | 5:36 PM ET | 08-03-2007

We People that "have a life" have no time to worry about how much water is waisted on our neighbor's lawn. Worry about the war, poverty, poor education, corporate corruption, crooked politicians,corporate controlled media......Get the picture??

Sent by MrGil | 5:38 PM ET | 08-03-2007

The best way to promote conservation would be to raise the price of water.

Sent by Mark | 6:05 PM ET | 08-03-2007

Alas, MrGil, we all need to worry about water. If we don't, even those like yourself "with" a life may find themselves without the H20 to sustain it.

Sent by Ketzel Levine | 8:20 PM ET | 08-03-2007

When I was a kid I almost accidentally torched my house playing with fireworks in the street because the yard was so dry a couple sparks set the whole thing ablaze. I like fireworks and I like yards, but I like my house more. Maybe I'll get rid of the yard. I'm keeping the fireworks.

Sent by ....... | 8:54 PM ET | 08-03-2007

I think there is green grass paint. I see it sprayed on the side of Texas Highways. I've wondered if it is actually some kind of fertilizer too. Maybe that would stall the authorities for awhile.

Sent by Georgette Baxter | 10:42 PM ET | 08-03-2007

Georgette, the green-blue spray on Texas highways is a fetilizer/grass seed. (I believe, I'm not positive about the seed) After a couple of weeks the grass sprouts up in its place.

I am anxious to learn the outcome. I would be tempted to pave the yard with concrete out of spite! (I would not actually do that, though)

I hope more media-sources (hint hint) offer tips and articles on xeriscaping and a wide variety of native plants that locals can use. I find great articles all the time on this topic. Sadly, they seldom include many, if any, planting options or ways to get started. (not to mention budget-friendly start-up ideas!)

Sent by kerry | 12:44 AM ET | 08-04-2007

Well - you've gotten to the heart of a long-running debate, not just in Tempe, but elsewhere throughout the parched parts of the US. It's just more ridiculous that the debate still exists in Tempe. I do not know the Tynans, but I know their house - I used to walk past it and a hundred others with similar lawns on my way home from school when I was a kid. Since that time about half of those yards have been converted to xeriscapes. And I know Tempe - it's a great place to live, and has aspirations of being a model city. The problem is in the "model" itself: it is fundamentally irresponsible and foolhardy to encourage, urge, or mandate that residents keep green lawns when drought is the primary and NORMAL weather condition. Wake up, Tempe - be the paradigm shift for the rest of the country to follow!

Sent by Malena | 1:14 AM ET | 08-04-2007

roger perrone is right on! the neighbors are being selfish and in denial. i got rid of my grass and put in hand pruning plants but I am in Houston. the spores are relentless. all the yard guys want to mow and go.forget hand cutting. i love the az area for this reason. NO MOWERS! it is noise pollution. they ought ot call hgtv to do a native landscape. it will give the neighbors something really to talk about. az is having serious water issues with conitnued development...in spite of the floods in tucson..a rarity

Sent by texglam | 10:35 AM ET | 08-04-2007

Regardless of aesthetic preferences for yards, lawns are consumptive of water, fertilizer, topsoil and other natural resources; polluting (runoff from pesticides, fertilizers and stormwater); and expensive (Consumer Reports estimates a cost of $600 per acre per year).

Native, drought-tolerant plants, as have been mentioned above, are an attractive cost-effective solution.

Sent by Crispin | 11:20 AM ET | 08-04-2007

ridiculous! the amout of time and resources that are spent on maintaining an "attractive" lawn. imagine what could be done with those hours/dollars, i guess some can't think of anything better to do... a property planted to suit the enviroment would require minimal maintenance, and have little to no enviromental impact

Sent by walt | 11:21 AM ET | 08-04-2007

I used to live in Tempe, AZ back in the mid-'80s. The older residents of Sun City and other developments have rocks and cacti in their front & back yards. Somewhat similar to a desert!!! They have it right. That stupid lake in Tempe wasn't there when I was there. It was a dry river bed and should stay that way. Arizona, Nevada and southern California waste so much water it's sad. All residents who choose to live in deserts should have desert landscapes, period. Have you been to Scottsdale, AZ? It's disgusting with all of those SUVs and golf courses. It's idiotic, selfish people who are allowed to live like this.

(and will NPR please delete 21 of 22 posts by "walt")

Sent by William Cooper | 11:47 AM ET | 08-04-2007

If you're fond of grass, what the hell are you doing in AZ? Quit wishing you lived somewhere green! You live somewhere brown! I got over the "beauty of the desert" thing in about five minutes and moved my grass-lovin ass back to where plants actually survive, thrive, and change color with the seasons -- no need to add water. Tynan's neighbor should do the same. The Sonoran desert is an unbearably hot, barren, brown place with the occasional interesting sunset. Deal with it or get out.

Sent by Cindy Mancini - Franklin, TN | 12:56 PM ET | 08-04-2007

Now Cindy, be nice.

Sent by Ketzel Levine | 12:58 PM ET | 08-04-2007

Hey, I'm just tellin it like it is. If you love the desert, great! Live like it. But don't waste our collective resources living in denial. Pretty please? ;)

Sent by Cindy | 1:10 PM ET | 08-04-2007

What I want to know is, what is with the empty containers plopped in front yards in Tempe?

Sent by Mike Bush | 1:25 PM ET | 08-04-2007

I know the answer... provide the neighbor with green lensed glasses.

Sent by Rebecca O'Neil | 1:29 PM ET | 08-04-2007

Who is judge what is beautiful and what is ugly. Everyone has their own perception. It is unfortunate that the neighbor is more concerned with the aesthetic than the reality of drought.

Sent by Lori | 2:06 PM ET | 08-04-2007

This is exactly the kind of mentality that is being encouraged by our enlightened leader in the White House. Despite proven science (and common sense), many people still prefer to ignore reality. I'll take a dry brown lawn any day if it means conserving water. Uneducated Republicans can have their green lawns and pesticides. The rest of us know better.

Sent by mox | 3:03 PM ET | 08-04-2007

I know! I know!
It needs a flock of PINK FLAMINGOS!

Sent by MOM | 4:41 PM ET | 08-04-2007

Am I the only one who notices the class issues in this missive from the city? The root of the various offenses is that they "present a slum-like appearance." This phrase, more than anything else in the notice, highlights what the city's main concerns: the appearance of prosperity.

Sent by Marie | 5:57 PM ET | 08-04-2007

So I don't have the FREEDOM in America to maintain my front yard how I want!?!? A homeowners' association is the final arbiter of aesthetics?!?! Is this the "freedom" we are exporting to Iraq...and soon Iran...and then North Korea...and then...?

Sent by Charles | 6:57 AM ET | 08-05-2007

I salute those people for not watering their lawn. Green grass is not the end all be all of America. Politicians in arizona don't understand water conservation at all. Think about this...billions are being spent in the war for oil... and just imagine what that fight will be like when we start running out of fresh water!

Sent by Ryan Delia | 3:05 PM ET | 08-05-2007

Freedom isn't free... This is not a testament to war, but admonition to those who don't participate in local politics. The Tynans and people who believe the city of Tempe should have responcible water policies must let the elected officials know what they expect. If the citizens don't get results they want, then they need to vote the politians out of office. If not then those citizens have to deal with whatever they get.

Sent by Joval | 3:21 PM ET | 08-05-2007

Those who feel that a patch of desert land is ugly really needs to rethink their perceptions of beauty. It's a ridiculous thing to dislike how one's lawn is kept and then to impose your own arbitrary will on a neighbor. I don't see a great difference between this and slapping a fine on my neighbor's forehead who still seems to have inclinations towards leg warmers.

In fact, why don't they move out of the blooming desert? Why move to a desert, and then selfishly leech resources to bring grasslands to your front yard?

In fact, why live in the desert at all? It's a horrible place, I hate it here. (pout)

Sent by Mr. Frantasticle | 8:55 PM ET | 08-05-2007

Here in Portland,OR, we have very wet winters, but from July until October there is little or no rain. Many people allow their lawns to grow dormant until the fall rains arrive, even in years when there is no drought. Most homeowners find this practice sensible and environmentally sound. One has to wonder whether the desert sun has baked the common sense out of Tempe officialdom.

Do let us know the outcome!

Sent by Maxine | 9:21 PM ET | 08-05-2007

I have been gardening for over 40 years. Most of that time has been spent replacing lawn with plants. My "lawn" what there is of it is mostly ground ivy and clover. It is happy with the amount of water Mother Nature gives it , and the occasional wetting when I park the car on it to wash it. Which by the way is a trick I learned from my sister who lives in Tucson and grows only native plants in her front yard. It stays green, has nice flowers and needs only enough mowing to keep what little grass there is below the 6" that my town allows. Most people don't know the difference between wild and nursery plants. This includes the guy from city hall who inspects lawns. A weed is after all a plant that grows where you don't want it to. At the moment I'm growing tomatoes and peppers on my front lawn in with the flowers. Put some rocks around it, stick in some gnomes and a birdbath and if some poor soul with no life questions it give them some fancy names. Most wild plants have interesting names anyhow. I have always been too busy with my own yard to stick my nose in my neighbor's and I feel sorry for people whosw lives are so barren that they have nothing else to think about. Unless they are creating an inviornmental or health hazard leave 'em alone.

Sent by Lynn Duncqan | 9:06 AM ET | 08-06-2007

Tempe has long been all about "keeping up appearances"; when I was a grad student there years ago I saw a copy of their first historic preservation plan, in which the dominant criteria were pleasant appearance and suitability for redevelopment. Admittedly, they've gotten better since then but it's clear that a quaint myopia lingers still.

From the photos, it looks as though the Tynans don't live in a neighborhood served by the Salt River Project's flood-watering system. In older Tempe streets, the lawns are slightly sunken and most have a little "water gate" intalled. The idea was that periodically, the gates would be opened and water would flood the yard, giving everything a good soak with minimal wastage from sprinkler evaporation. This was of course made possible by the concentration of water from elsewhere (where _did_ that dry river bed come from, anyhow?)but when I lived there it seemed a sensible alternative to losing half your lawn water before it even hit the ground.

As for the town lake, and the dry river bed in which it resides, that's turned out better than anyone expected (including me). I was skeptical of the inflatable-sector dam's being able to hold up but by all accounts it's worked. So, count this as one more successful-in-the-short-run refutation of the fact of living in a desert!

Sent by dave | 9:34 AM ET | 08-06-2007

Yeaaaaa Tynans!!!! My dad hatched a similar idea in l955 El Cajon, CA by planting our entire yard in no-mow, drought-hardy, evergreen ivy. He also grew honeysuckle on trellises over three sides of our house to block the intense year-round sun. The neighbors thought Daddy was some kind of Bohemian and avoided him and the buggy and horse he drove in on. We kids did not suffer the kind of yard chores of the other kids, but the parents looked askance at us and carefully monitored our interactions with their little darlings.

Sent by Dorothy Christian Chapman | 9:46 AM ET | 08-06-2007

The Tynans neighbor and the City of Tempe are a bunch of fools to think that wasting water on a lawn is the right thing to do. Wake up and smell the coffee!!! There is a major drought hitting the USA and they should be cited for their gross over indulgence of a finite resource. Water is a precious commodity! If you want a green lawn move to a state that actually has an average rainfall and realize that you live in a desert!!! ( note the dictionary definition of desert:arid barren land incapable of supporting any considerble population without an artificaial water supply) A big round of applause to the Tynans and a huge Shame on you! to the nosy neighbors and the City of Tempe!

Sent by Christine Schopieray | 10:38 AM ET | 08-06-2007

My neighbor across the street is a retired farmer. He has created purpose in his free time to destroy every plant in his lawn that is not Kentucky bluegrass. He over fertilizes at the wrong times, so much of what he spreads on his lawn ends up washed into our already polluted watershed. He over mows his lawn, which increases evaporation and requires more watering to keep it green. His large tractor mower also increases compaction of his soil, which decreases its ability to absorb water.

Yet, he has reported me to our city council a number of times. At last count, my lawn has over 15 species of plants in it. That diversity allows particular species to thrive in microclimates that suit them. In our current draught, I have come to appreciate how these species cope with a lack of water much better than standard lawn grass varieties. And I like seeing yarrow and wild daisies make a run at flowering when we're not mowing cuz the grass isn't growing. That farmer dude hates my yard. Hates hates hates.

I have to chuckle because I don't give a tinker's damn what he thinks. I just wish some part of his limited conciousness could acknowledge that for years I have refrained from berating him for his own lack of knowledge about sustainable yard management, permaculture and responsible water use. His current gripe is the unsightliness of my water barrels that capture rain off my garage, greenhouse and home. The good news is I'll outlive him and my blood pressure is much healthier.

Sent by CJ | 11:24 AM ET | 08-06-2007

To quote Wikipedia:
"Water resources are sources of water that are useful or potentially useful to humans. It is important because it is needed for life to exist. Many uses of water include agricultural, industrial, household, recreational and environmental activities. Virtually all of these human uses require fresh water. Only 2.7% of water on the Earth is fresh water, and over two thirds of this is frozen in glaciers and polar ice caps, leaving only 0.007% available for human use. Fresh water is a renewable resource, yet the world's supply of clean, fresh water is steadily decreasing. Water demand already exceeds supply in many parts of the world, and as world population continues to rise at an unprecedented rate, many more areas are expected to experience this imbalance in the near future."

The Tynans are doing the right thing. We never water our lawn and we live in the Northwest where water is more plentiful. But even in the Northwest there are signs of climate change, and conserving fresh water should be on everyone's list of things to pay attention to! Unfortunately, the Tynan's neighbor is the kind of person who pays attention to appearances and "toys" (I note 3 vehicles in their driveway, including an SUV and a truck, so they waste fossil fuels as well as water) and will refuse to acknowledge reality until their backs are against the wall. How sad for all of us, not just their immediate community.

Sent by Patty McManus | 3:46 PM ET | 08-06-2007

Boo on the neighbors! If it offends them so much, the effort should be on them. They should use their water source, their hose, and water the yard themselves.

Furthermore, both their golf-course style lawn and complaint are a waste of taxpayers dollars.

Sent by CC | 3:49 PM ET | 08-06-2007

In the West, it's hard to keep a lawn that's not native to begin with. I live in Denver, and finally we are not in a drought but it's been HOT and DRY. Recently the monsoon has arrived and it has helped restore some lawns, but the intense summer heat burns up anything and watering restrictions put a damper on the same problem: parched soil.

We have gone to more native plants and grasses that are more drought resistant than say, Kentucky Blue. Rock garden anyone?

Sent by CR | 4:49 PM ET | 08-06-2007

The City of Tucson actually has restrictions on the amount of of turf you can putin and here in Albuquerque you can get rebates from the City for removing grass.So the region isn't nuts.
The Phoenix area is total a fake it was created in the 1950's. It would be almost impossible to live there without air conditioning. Plant some native grass, sedum,yarrow, penstemons, some agaves and octotillo on the grumpy neighbor's side. They are quite prickly and will screen the yard so that you can actually use it.

Sent by maggie | 5:45 PM ET | 08-06-2007

I grew up in Tempe AZ and lived there for almost 30 years. Now I live on the west side. The housing developments are newer and mostly desert landscaped. This appears to be an older neighborhood and I doubt very much there's an HOA. This notice came from the city, not the HOA. The Tynan's lawn looks pretty typical for a June or July summer day. The monsoons will soon come soon, and the brown will become temporarily green. Their neighbor needs to get a clue. Maybe if they venture out a few blocks they'll see why.

Sent by belinda | 11:32 PM ET | 08-06-2007

Tell them to move to Sothern California, that low watter use yard will do fine, that is compleet be BS Those palm species that have that thare dead frns hannig colse are there to keep them cool, also as proction to it's flowers, the tall grasses live on least years decay, and also help it hold morning mist evon more so on ths coast.

Sent by Christopher Grant | 3:13 AM ET | 08-07-2007

That empty planter in the green lawn is a real eyesore. I say call the authorities until they either remove it,or fill it with something beautiful that needs lots of water.

Sent by Orinthal | 10:44 AM ET | 08-07-2007

In reference to Dave's comment "I was skeptical of the inflatable-sector dam's being able to hold up but by all accounts it's worked", this may well not be the case. I recently heard, (on NPR), that the dams are not holding up as expected. They are degenerating at a far faster pace than was expected necessitating imminent replacement with a dam which has a longer life, while offering the same benefits of being inflatable. Yet more needless expense on a project which does little to accentuate desert living in my humble opinion.

Sent by UK Girl | 11:52 AM ET | 08-07-2007

FYI, Ketzel has posted a follow-up story.

Sent by andy carvin | 1:24 PM ET | 08-07-2007

No No NO! That green lawn is beautiful. It's the house that's hideous.

But seriously, although "Astroturf" does bring to mind a tarp-like plastic carpet, it's not what it used to be. It's better. Take a look at these photos: http://www.easyturf.com/photogallery/ResidentialApplications

I only wish the manufacturers would offer some less-than-perfect products that would be plausible in more typical residential settings, where kids play in large vegetation-flattening swarms, mail-carriers wear paths, visitor's cars can't quite manage to stay on the pavement, etc.

I'd also like to see them consider temperature sensitive dyes, so the faux-turf would change colors appropriately with the seasons.

A whole new market for realism-enhancing turf accessories would bloom: imagine artificial plantain or crabgrass clumps on spikes, a bit of spray-on browning where the barbeque pit sat for too long.

The ultimate detail for undetectably artificial turf is, of course, the movable artificial dog poo, but that's already on the market.

My friends and neighbors know me to be a great guy, but also lazy and cheap, so a flawless deep green lawn would look very out of place at my house.

Sent by Jeffrey Bee | 7:12 PM ET | 08-07-2007

I live in Fort Collins, Colorado where, as the person from Denver wrote, it is hot and dry, even if we have had a week of afternoon monsoons.
Ever since we bought our house, I have been in the process of eliminating the grass, but it's bloody expensive no matter what you do. Anyway, I shouldn't have worried about getting rid of the grass, because the weeds are getting the upper hand. Part of my solution is to turn one segment of the lawn into a giant Sunflower ranch!!!
I line the walkway and a small section of the lawn with Mammoth Sunflowers. YOu can save the seeds and just cover them on the ground and they will bloom the next year. It's really cool to have a village of 7-8 foot tall sunflowers! Now, can someone just tell me what to do with the backyard where two large dogs have turned it into weed infested garter snake farm? Something that costs zero $$$?

Oh, by the way, I found this website where the person suggested putting white sugar on the lawn. Saying that it creates a great environment for grass.
Has anyone ver heard of this? It sounded wild.

Sent by Gwen | 7:14 PM ET | 08-07-2007

I have to say this has been an interesting discussion. Glad to hear from so many people who are supportive of our

choice. And good to hear from people who are on the other side of the street from a neglected yard - I appreciate

your comments as well.

Looking through the thread, there are a great many things that I can take away from the conversation.

I've been thinking that, while there have been some entertaining solutions posed... to both blockading ourselves apart from our neighbors with spiny cactus or responding to the city's notice with creative approaches like astroturf, green spray paint, green glasses, Pink Flamingos and more (we talked about playing it up by hauling over a rusted camaro or some decrepit farm implements and a bleached cows skull) we still have both a responsibility to be both a good citizen in our community and a pleasant neighbor.

That's why I'll be sure to keep Linda's astute observation about "reasonable care" in mind.

I'll try to follow through with Jen P's suggestion about taking a class in xeriscaping. Now that we have defined an

aesthetic, I think I'll get a bit of caliche under my nails and convert our backyard to xeriscape as well.

In the City of Tempe's defense, they do offer a substantial rebate program for transforming a yard to xeriscape. (I

believe it's $250 for the front and $250 for the back). I'll definitely follow through in submitting the forms.

Dave's mention of the Salt River Project's flood-watering system is an interesting one (no, we do not live within this system's boundaries). I was talking with a co-worker about this today and he mentioned that flooding your lawn every two weeks actually helps to recharge the aquifer. Is this true? I never knew this. If so, it certainly puts those lawns and that practice in a different light.

Kudos to Hank getting involved with the city manager and letting the lawn go back to its natrual state. Thanks also to Joval for suggesting I get involved with city government or at least voice my concerns about responsible water policies to our elected officials. (I volunteered on a minor advisory committee for two years, so I know what a committment that can be).

Great hearing from everyone. Thanks again for all your suggestions.

Sent by John Tynan | 1:37 AM ET | 08-08-2007

There is no lawn requirement. The issue is barren earth. Maricopa County is under a dust control mandate by the feds. Bermuda is, by definition in the SW, a summer lawn, but it needs water, if that is the surface material of CHOICE. Please do not try to say this is a native desert environment. The desert varnish that took centuries to establish is long gone in central Tempe. And let's not get to lazy while wrapping yourself up in environmentalist crap. Alternatives are property line to property line granite and rock or a mixture of stone and plants, preferrably drought tolerant.

Dust and pollens are pollutants easily controlled by methods other than grass. The friable quality of air in the desert demands dust control. A little education and efort and the problem is solved. Just don't shove dead bermuda at me and call it responsible. Long before it's even a discussion of ugly in anyones eyes, it's polluting and harmful. It's really hard to wrap your arms around a dead bermuda sprig and call yourself a tree hugger.

Sent by Bill | 5:38 PM ET | 08-09-2007

My lawn. My choice.

I recommend every property owner in America read "American Green" by Ted Steinberg. Simple fact: my neighbors have no "right" to demand that my lawn conform to their aesthetic priorities. The city has no "right" to legislate my landscaping choices. If local ordinances say they do...they can come take care of my lawn for me, or pay for the upkeep. You take care of your lawn, I'll take care of mine. Or not. My freedom of choice.

Sent by Michael Johnson | 12:08 AM ET | 08-11-2007

As W. Glass notes, "Education may be the key, but for some people, no matter how much education there is they won't learn anything ... ever."

To put it another way:
You can lead a horticulture, but you can't make her think.

Sent by Tom Humiston (HUM-iston) | 3:07 PM ET | 08-11-2007

Surprising since the City Of Temps has never done anything about the 'Jungle House" on East Fremont. The jungle house is on Fremont between Mill and Rural and the trees/bushes are so overgrown that you can not even see that there is a house there! No kidding!!

Sent by Babs | 5:13 PM ET | 08-12-2007

Has anyone ever been to Southern AZ. I visit my sister there, but I avoid the summer months. I turn brown in 100 degree plus heat! Why wouldn't grass? If those people have nothing better to do with their time than cite someone for not conforming to a ridiculous, impractical, and wasteful American ideal, then perhaps they should volunteer in their community. When one turns to such hateful means as gossip and finger pointing, they really must find out what is wrong with themselves.

Sent by Molly | 3:03 PM ET | 08-14-2007

I second the flock of PINK FLAMINGOS! And add an empty cement pond to stand them in.

Sent by Janning | 8:42 PM ET | 08-15-2007

Arizona isn't the oly place, Try Ardmore Ok. Only it was a citation to mow when we had had 40 inches of rain in 8 weeks. Come on let's mow mud!

Sent by Gina Newton | 3:20 PM ET | 08-18-2007

HELP!! What can we do about this? I also have been getting the same tickets (next time is $300) for having a mixed grass and desert landscape. I've been trying to get rid of the grass for the past year and it keeps coming back. Tempe is ticketing me because I'm not able to control mother nature. Anyone who wants to come together and change this ludacrous law, contact me.

Sent by Julie | 3:31 PM ET | 08-29-2007

Please don't suggest the complaining neighbors return to the Midwest or Northeast! I don't want them here either! Lawn obsession is so mid 20th century. The only wildlife attracted to lawns are (non-gardening) middle aged men, and Japanese Beetles.

Sent by Linda | 1:49 PM ET | 08-30-2007

i must weigh in on this...there are so many beautiful plant options which will tolerate the heat with significantly less water and will continue to produce oxygen. it doesn't have to be done all at once and you might be surprised that your neighbors will love it and want to come up with something alternative and lovely themselves. there are many books and most nurseries which can help. get creative!!

Sent by waterwitch | 6:50 PM ET | 09-04-2007

Ouch, Bill. That hurt. You make a good point about the need to control dust in Maricopa County which is absolutely true.

I'll admit that a person's motive to xeriscape may not be entirely pure or altruistic; maybe it's more of an aesthetic choice, and maybe there was a bit of irony at play; what is it that Ketzel called it, "postmodern parched?"

But to xeriscape is a significant choice, and not an inexpensive one, which takes a leap of faith (especially in some older neighborhoods) and a significant amount of planning.

Even if xeriscaping doesn't make a person an environmentalist, I'd say they deserve a fair amount of credit, regardless of their motives.

Sent by John Tynan | 12:53 AM ET | 09-06-2007

Glendale arizone code inforcement harassed me into trimming my 5 palm trees.

Sent by ray | 8:57 PM ET | 03-12-2008