MrFireStation posted: " We need to heal the wounds that divide our nation. I'm not talking about the upcoming midterm election, I'm talking about what we do with the heaps of leaves that fall on our lawns each autumn. Like politics, we're divided into two parties that do" MrFireStation
We need to heal the wounds that divide our nation. I'm not talking about the upcoming midterm election, I'm talking about what we do with the heaps of leaves that fall on our lawns each autumn.
Like politics, we're divided into two parties that don't seem to understand each other: the "BAGGERS" and the "MULCHERS".
The Baggers are lawn traditionalists. They believe that it's critical to get the leaves off the grass before the snow falls, or the lawn will be choked with rotting leaves. They fear that will prevent the roots from getting vital air & water in the spring. Followers of the Bagger party are willing to put in extra effort necessary to raking up bags & bags of leaves and get them to the county composting site.
Mulchers are the newer party. Mulching mowers became commonplace in the 1990s and encouraged people to just mow'em over and let the little clippings fall where they may. They understand that their lawn may not be as neat and tidy as the Baggers, but tout the environmental benefits of Mulching as the clippings help restore vital nutrients to the soil. It's natural, they claim.
I'm a Mulcher, but I live in a neighborhood where most people are Baggers. I know the Baggers are looking down on me, but I believe that mulching is easier & better for the lawn. I'm a longtime follower of Jerry Baker - "The Lawn Doctor" - who insists that mulching will save your back from having to rake and let you spend your fall afternoons watching football.
Just like in politics, the "Experts" and "Mainstream Media" have a partisan bias. They are pushing mulching - which should maybe make us suspicious. Looking online, I see Popular Mechanics and Family Handyman recommending mulching mowers over rakes. The big lawn care companies, Scott's, TruGreen, and Pennington, also promote the Mulching party. The horticulturists at our University of Minnesota is pushing homeowners to mulch, as well.
Since it is arguably easier, I could definitely see the Mulching party putting the Bagger party out of the debate before much longer. Perhaps, in time, they will go the way of the now defunct LEAF BURNING party.
No comments:
Post a Comment