Big Step--Fired the Lawn Service

[OldDogNewTrick]

Well, big step for me. I work mostly from home now so will integrate this into my weekly schedule. Purchased a deeply discounted electric mower, (no gas, oil, fumes, etc). Pays for itself in 2 months. I'm anticipating not only economic but health benefits as well. Too easy for me to sit 12 straight hours at the desk.

Next week, getting rid of the maid service.

[SunshineGirl]

Good for you!

[Dee18]

+1 on the electric mower. ...and today I need to mow for the first time this year.

[MooseOutFront]

Ours is gone now too. I liked not having to do it, but this is a no-brainer thing that I have to embrace.

The cleaning lady on the other hand...  That's a line in the sand for my wife so I wouldn't consider bringing it up in the near term.

[pachnik]

good for you on stopping the lawn service.  Mowing the lawn is good exercise as well. 

[OldDogNewTrick]

Update on do it yourself lawn service. Yesterday mowed my yard. Was actually very pleasant, got a bit of sun and raised the heart rate. Husband trimmed, pulled weeds, and leaf blowed. We did a much better job than the paid for guys. We feel good about the exercise, the fact all our lawn implements are electric, and the impact on our budget.

This step towards a simpler life was a big success.

[reginna]

Good for you! So many benefits. Exercise, Vitamin D, oh and money!!

[BaldStache]

Great job! I just did the same thing yesterday.

I'm in the same boat. I work from home and sit on my ass most of the day in front of my computer.

I picked up an electric blower and hedge trimmer for $25 on CraigsList and going to get a manual reel mower for about $40. That's less than I paid each month for lawncare service.

Also fired my accountant this year and did my own taxes saving me $475. Plus I found a mistake in last year's taxes which may net me an additional $4k from an amended return.

Nothing beats DIY!

[warfreak2]

Plus I found a mistake in last year's taxes which may net me an additional $4k from an amended return.

Uh, yeah. Doesn't sound much like your accountant was worth the money!

[Thegoblinchief]

I enjoy mowing the lawn but recently cancelled fertilizer/weed control that my Dad sold me at a steep discount. It's hard to replicate professional chem treatments but in my case we are going to slowly rip most of front lawn up to attempt gardening.

[OldDogNewTrick]

I enjoy mowing the lawn but recently cancelled fertilizer/weed control that my Dad sold me at a steep discount. It's hard to replicate professional chem treatments but in my case we are going to slowly rip most of front lawn up to attempt gardening.

Here in Florida people over fertilize and weed control their lawns to death....everything eventually makes its way into the Gulf and we'll have terrible algae blooms with dead fish. I'm a huge proponent of xeriscaping and small small lawns. We plant Bahia much to the chagrin on our neighbors who all have St. Aug.

I'd lke to report back letting the lawn service go has been great! Our yard looks better and I'm getting a tan early this year.

[Thegoblinchief]

I enjoy mowing the lawn but recently cancelled fertilizer/weed control that my Dad sold me at a steep discount. It's hard to replicate professional chem treatments but in my case we are going to slowly rip most of front lawn up to attempt gardening.

Here in Florida people over fertilize and weed control their lawns to death....everything eventually makes its way into the Gulf and we'll have terrible algae blooms with dead fish. I'm a huge proponent of xeriscaping and small small lawns. We plant Bahia much to the chagrin on our neighbors who all have St. Aug.

I'd lke to report back letting the lawn service go has been great! Our yard looks better and I'm getting a tan early this year.

Even though Jacob at ERE admits he sucks at gardening, his focus on the silliness of inedible landscaping struck home when I read the book.