Tuesday, June 2, 2015

Green and Lush, Time to Mow

This winter and spring have been amazing. Tons of rain has put a significant dent in Oklahoma's drought and caused my land to become lush and fertile. The forest is dense and the plant growth is astounding. Because I do not yet have a big fancy riding mower with which to tackle these 4 acres, I needed to hire someone to do the job.


Thick and Green Everywhere!

Last year my good friend Sharon and her husband came out with their brush hog and tractor, making short work of this land that had been neglected for so long. However, this year their brush hog is broken and the job can really be done with a standard riding mower anyway.



Add This Poison Ivy Plant is HUGE!
Not only have the desirable native plants taken off, but Poison Ivy is thriving as well. I haven't even bothered to look for Poison Oak or Poison Sumac.

Thick Growth Makes Getting Around Harder

I contacted  Aztec Lawn Service for a quote yesterday and was pleasantly surprised to find it isn't as expensive as I thought it would be! Aztec will mow my 2.5 acres of grasses and growth for $100 the first time, and then $50 a month after. Seeing as how the growing season ends around October, that means it should cost about $300 for the entire season! Whoot!

The Forest Growth is Amazing!

Keeping in mind a riding mower costs around $4000 for a decent zero-turn, I could hire Aztec for more than 10 years before I would spend that much. Plus, if I own the mower I would have to maintain it and store it.

I know the west is still suffering their drought, but I think Oklahoma can safely say we have quenched our thirst!


Comments (2)

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In the 8 years I have lived in OK, I have not seen any poison oak on our property. This year...everywhere! So there is one plus to the drought-y years! As for mowing, we bought an old Sears rider mower and mow about 3 acres with it all summer long. We are quite abusive to it (ie: we make it cut some pretty tough areas, not residential "sissy lawn") and it keeps on mowing. We paid $500 for it used 7 years ago. It has to go to the fix-it guy every once in awhile, but so far it's never been more than $60.00 (knock on wood.) My friends that are mechanically inclined swear by the older models. Cheap, easy to repair and keep on going. Of course we are lucky to have a repair person close by that is reasonable and will also come pick it up if need be. That makes a big difference!
I will keep an eye out for an older model to invest in. I think it would be a relaxing activity to ride around and mow :D

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