The Dark History of American Lawns

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  • Опубліковано 13 тра 2024
  • The cost of America’s lawn obsession. And what you can do to fix it.
    🌱 Check out VEGO Garden, my favorite garden beds: glnk.io/zl9l4/true-food-tv
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    ______________________________________
    00:00 Intro
    00:39 How we first became obsessed with lawns
    02:59 From European elites to America elites
    03:54 Push mowers for the masses
    04:30 The pristine, green American dream
    06:10 Thirstiest. crop. ever.
    07:15 Are mowers bigger polluters than cars?
    08:28 How to feed our tiny heroes
    10:18 Is your beautiful lawn killing you?
    11:15 HOW TO FIX YOUR LAWN IN 4 EASY STEPS
    ______________________________________
    This video & description contain affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you if you click them and make a purchase. Thank you for supporting the channel.
    ______________________________________
    For partnership, licensing and speaking inquiries: info [at] truefood [dot] tv TRUE FOOD is created by MANIC MEDIA, and maintains a strict independent editorial policy: www.manicmedia.us

КОМЕНТАРІ • 375

  • @alofearth
    @alofearth Рік тому +22

    ❤️❤️❤️ ALL of your videos are full of valuable plant information along with how to "grow with a conscience." This one has impressed me the most. You, and you're platform, have probably done more to teach people how to be better stewards of our planet than most governments have done.
    Keep up the great work.
    Grow on!

    • @TrueFoodTV
      @TrueFoodTV  Рік тому +5

      That really means something to me. Thank you for the kind words.

    • @MichaelMorris-eq1hn
      @MichaelMorris-eq1hn Рік тому +2

      +1 couldn't have said it better myself

  • @tomst9417
    @tomst9417 Рік тому +61

    We live in the country on about 6 acres, 3 of which are lawn. I spend about 5 hours per week during the growing season (April-October), or about 130 hours per year just mowing it. We don't water the lawn and this summer we are in a drought so most of it is a nice crunchy brown. My long term goal is to convert about 70% of the lawn to wild , planting native trees, shrubs and wildflowers and prairie grass. I'd love to get back the time I spend mowing and use that time for my garden. In the 2 acres that has been growing wild, in spring we had our local volunteer fire department do a controlled burn. When spring turned to summer that area just exploded with wildflowers, back eyed susans, bee balm, cone flowers. It's nice to see all the pollinators, butterflies and humming birds at work out there.

    • @TrueFoodTV
      @TrueFoodTV  Рік тому +7

      Oh wow, I would love to see that! So inspiring! Keep up the amazing work.

    • @amyrenee1361
      @amyrenee1361 Рік тому +4

      Grow some clover and alfalfa! It's excellent for the soil. If you haven't learned about the Nitrogen Cycle, I highly recommend looking into it. Best wishes 💕

    • @thepenguin11
      @thepenguin11 Рік тому

      Here is a secret. You move grass 3 times a year (EU regulation on biodiversity ecological grasslands). Moving 3 times a year does not let shrubs develop and lets plants grow fully to seed. EU even pays people to do it.

    • @StefFrederick
      @StefFrederick Рік тому +1

      You should get goats or something..

  • @victoryak86
    @victoryak86 Рік тому +5

    My neighbor is a forward thinking landscape architect and she converted her front yard from boring grass (and ever present “enemy” weeds) into a sort of rock garden with a variety of low maintenance native flowers and tall grasses and ground cover that thrives on its own. So much prettier and interesting to look at.

  • @massoodn9410
    @massoodn9410 Рік тому +2

    Hi Nicole every time I watch your program, I learn so much, from sour dough to gardening, to healthy living,and healthy thinking. I was born and raised in a nation where “organic “ living was the only way of life. Always had so much energy and never got fat! All day long we played in dirt, but never got sick. Now we live in a toxic world. You are so right. You amaze me with your intelligence, courage, caring and sharing, and sense of humor too! Thank you for all you are doing.

  • @austinfreyrikrw6651
    @austinfreyrikrw6651 Рік тому +10

    Thanks for yet another great video, Nicole. Yes, this idea of an immaculate green monoculture we call “lawn” is just madness. At my place, we never water the grass, don’t put chemical fertilizer or any kind of pesticides or herbicides. I leave the lawn clippings on the lawn and sprinkle crushed egg shells and used coffee grounds as natural fertilizers. It’s nice to see the wild violets and clovers popping up by themselves.

    • @MikeR65
      @MikeR65 Рік тому

      It’s not madness and when people like you overreact it makes you look like an extremist. Insects are not disappearing because of lawns. Lawns take up a very small percentage of land in this country. Why is it that you can’t support your point of view without disparaging others??

    • @MikeR65
      @MikeR65 Рік тому

      Oh and BTW coffee grounds do not make good fertilizer unless they are composted first.

  • @walid7885
    @walid7885 Рік тому

    I need to show this to my wife. The best video of this Chanel. This is one hell of a Chanel. I learned so much from here.

  • @michelleprull4105
    @michelleprull4105 Рік тому +13

    I got chickens about 6 years ago and made my husband stop spraying the lawn for them. My “lawn” is now as natural as can be and I’m too that point where an immaculate lawn looks ugly to me.

    • @TrueFoodTV
      @TrueFoodTV  Рік тому +1

      Awesome!!

    • @MikeR65
      @MikeR65 Рік тому

      That’s just plain ridiculous! Grass is beautiful!!

    • @michelleprull4105
      @michelleprull4105 Рік тому +1

      @@MikeR65 not when all you can see is the amount of chemical that went into it.

  • @KlairedeLysOfficial
    @KlairedeLysOfficial Рік тому +8

    I'm planning on getting some of the taller metal beds this year. I already have two of them, but the next four will be the taller ones. Anything to save my back in the long run (plus, they look gorgeous!)

    • @TrueFoodTV
      @TrueFoodTV  Рік тому +1

      That's a really great idea! When/if I expand my garden, I would do the same!

  • @Decypha77
    @Decypha77 Рік тому +3

    I upvoted this before I even watched. I watched and it was exactly what I thought it would be.
    My wife hates the idea of a non-manicured "natural" loan. So we've had to compromise.
    We have a formal garden in the acre closest to the house. The other 2.5 acres is more natural.
    Planning to experiment with a food forest, hopefully relatively self sustaining, somewhere in the external garden.

  • @michaelsylvester7272
    @michaelsylvester7272 Рік тому +2

    Hi Nicole,
    I always leave more educated after watching your channel.
    You are so right on this about grass 🌱 it's a big markup.

  • @Andre-qo5ek
    @Andre-qo5ek Рік тому +2

    Thank you for the TLDR timestamp. always appreciated.

  • @monicareid8858
    @monicareid8858 Рік тому +23

    I can’t love this enough!!!
    I just bought 20 acres that have been vacant over 30 years. While it’s grown wild, and has lovely diversity, invasive plants have also taken hold and overrun much of the growth and inhibited native plants from taking root.
    So I’ve been removing invasive species (invasive honeysuckle, buckthorn, multiflora rose, choking clematis, and many others).
    I’ve also brought in and planted over a hundred bare root trees known to be beneficial to our state’s natural environment-sold by the DEC, Upstate NY.
    While I hope to build a small cabin, and eventually a home, I plan to maintain wild growth, bring in more native species, grow food in small regions while keeping the woods intact, and only harvest what I absolutely need.
    My degree is in biology with an ecological emphasis
    My career is is another field (which I love)
    It’s lovely to finally use my background for good.
    Thank you so very much for this video!!
    Get the word out!!!

    • @MikeR65
      @MikeR65 Рік тому +2

      Building a cabin on the land will ruin its biodiversity. You need to let the entire property stay wild!!!

    • @Aoudhubillahi
      @Aoudhubillahi Рік тому

      Hardiness Zones was/is a brilliant consideration in Architecture and Landscaping Design. Although I am not a biologist nor botanist glad to hear that you are considerate of regional native species.

    • @TrueFoodTV
      @TrueFoodTV  Рік тому +6

      Well done, Monica!!!! What you're doing to nurture the environment is so inspiring! Thank you for all your hard work on those 20 acres.

  • @robertb966
    @robertb966 Рік тому

    I love this, Great content! Totally support.

  • @teacheronanadventure
    @teacheronanadventure Рік тому +2

    Thank you for this information! It’s so hard to explain to people and change the mindset. I’ve seen “homesteader” UA-camrs put down 850 rolls of sod in their yard before and it’s now so painful to see 😭

  • @adamolsen6411
    @adamolsen6411 Рік тому +1

    Thank you for sharing this message!!

  • @joecannes2421
    @joecannes2421 Рік тому +1

    Very informative as usual, thank you Nicole

  • @kkagogo6566
    @kkagogo6566 Рік тому +2

    Excellent video! A real eye opener. I'm going to implement some of your suggestions. Thank you so much!

  • @tiam8042
    @tiam8042 Рік тому

    Great video as always. Thank you for educating us.

  • @TheRustyRazorOriginal
    @TheRustyRazorOriginal Рік тому +2

    Cultivated weeds for no reasonable use but to make the house look nice. Here in Iowa we enjoy when the July hot dry weather hits and don't have to mow it for two or more months. I spend my growing flowers for the bee's and Humming Birds around the house and grapes for a fence. Best thing to do is create flower beds that have many different zones to attract pollinators

  • @bhaktuhlife
    @bhaktuhlife Рік тому

    Amazing information, excellent delivery that is much needed .

  • @BELightTT
    @BELightTT Рік тому

    @TURE FOOD TV Thanks you so much for making this video!! I spent a large majority of my life as an urbanite in NYC, but always with the heart and soul of an environmental steward and conservationist. Lots of love and support for my urban farmers, for sure. But last year, I had to move back home with my mom, who lives in a classic sort of suburb. And I find myself irate almost daily and screaming at the walls (because no one will listen🤣) about this EXACT TOPIC! Almost word for word! I am so grateful to have found your channel. Thank you for putting into words and broadcasting this message. It gives a lot of support to the other voices (like mine) which are not as readily heeded. It makes us feel less alone and more empowered to keep spreading this message.🙏

    • @TrueFoodTV
      @TrueFoodTV  Рік тому +1

      Such kind words. Thank you. From one NYC refugee to another.

  • @mjturner916
    @mjturner916 Рік тому +1

    my dad and I just. talked about this yesterday. My yard is planted and uncut with lots of visitors.

  • @dilshaddelawalla
    @dilshaddelawalla Рік тому

    Love it! Thank you! I have been thinking about this.

  • @sanjuansteve
    @sanjuansteve Рік тому

    Liked and Shared my lovely friend!
    I love your message and fight to share it constantly.

  • @jasonterry8883
    @jasonterry8883 Рік тому +1

    Great video!!

  • @Intentionaltia
    @Intentionaltia 10 місяців тому

    I love this video thank you!

  • @daveebert1925
    @daveebert1925 Рік тому +2

    Very Well Done. Thank You...

  • @arachnid33
    @arachnid33 Рік тому

    My lawn looks like yours! It took a few years but now I love it. So pretty to see all the pollinators in the clover. It is also very drought resistant.

  • @markbedard6238
    @markbedard6238 Рік тому

    Love this video please dont lose your beauty and love for our earth we need more teachers of all things green like you god bless

  • @brucegrover5799
    @brucegrover5799 Рік тому +1

    Love this!! Thank you TFTV family. :-) We're going to do this. I'm SO sick of our lawn. Fortunately we haven't put down any pesticides or fertilizer so the transition should be easier. We're going to research native plants and find the way forward. LOVE!

    • @TrueFoodTV
      @TrueFoodTV  Рік тому

      Bruce!! yessssss... let me know how/if I can help/advise. Love to you guys.

    • @tomscott2.0communisteditio64
      @tomscott2.0communisteditio64 Рік тому

      Hi Bruce, one of the more important things for a plant within its soil is the microbial activity present within that soil, the content of bacteria and certain algae’s. You’ll be pleased to know grass is one of the single best plants in supporting soil microbial development, and it’s massively helped by the majority (though not all) synthetic fertilisers.

  • @ginalombardo7358
    @ginalombardo7358 Рік тому +1

    I loved this lesson & I don't even have a lawn to speak of. ( I rent & the lawn is taken care of by the best bidding lawn care company for that year).
    I find all of your garden & food lessons interesting.
    I will be sharing this with my siblings who have lawns. Thanks for sharing.

    • @MikeR65
      @MikeR65 Рік тому

      Don’t get upset if they don’t take your advice.

  • @goodlife7756
    @goodlife7756 Рік тому

    Outstanding!!

  • @amandazhu5118
    @amandazhu5118 Рік тому

    what an incredibly well-researched video! Thank you for bringing attention to this!

    • @MikeR65
      @MikeR65 Рік тому

      You have got to be kidding!

  • @sdega315
    @sdega315 Рік тому +2

    I'm a backyard beekeeper. I let my lawn go to clover and short green things! I also have a colony of Coletes bees that emerge in May, live their best life 10 inches off the ground for about 6 weeks, and wait for next spring.

  • @rsellers
    @rsellers Рік тому +1

    Well done!

  • @happytrails125
    @happytrails125 Рік тому

    Everything thing you addressed in this video I have done for almost 15 years now...its so beautiful and I was able to have it registered as a wildlife habitat.

  • @hjfisk2849
    @hjfisk2849 Рік тому

    I happened onto your channel a few months ago because I was curious about olive oil so I happened on to your video: Olive oil - How it’s made? Not long after that I became a subscriber to your channel. Recently I watched your video: The dark history of American lawns. Having done some other research on this I have decided to allow about half of my yard to transform into a meadow. At the moment this means I have simply stopped mowing. I will enjoy watching the change as we move into fall and winter, then next spring I will do more. I very much enjoy your channel. I worked in and retired from the Food Industry so I find your channel to be VERY interesting. I appreciate the richness and depth of the information you present and the professionalism of your videos.

  • @aleenaprasannan2146
    @aleenaprasannan2146 Рік тому +2

    My ground cover is like a curated canvas of volunteer plants. So far I have found four kinds of ferns in just a small patch of land, some clover, and recently a creeper with tiny round leaves and tiny violet flower have turned (haven't figured out what it is yet). I also have an endemic flower, Torenai bicolor which also popped up own it's own and now it just reseed all the time.
    From what I have learned, if you are patient enough to wait and see what naturally pops up, nature will gift you the best plants for your garden. Just persuade nature, don't force it.
    I also got a great tip to only cut out plants and leave the roots to decompose, instead of uprooting it. A lot of biochemical activity happen between roots and soil biomes and leaving the root zone intact will benefit the other plants

    • @patrickpleasant151
      @patrickpleasant151 Рік тому +1

      I like the way you write it has a poetic quality I can tell you genuinely appreciate the details of your environment I feel as if I've seen it all for myself now. Here's hoping you're a Malabar Catholic and if you're a not I'm sure you won't mind if I light a candle for you as a blessing the next time I'm at Mass. Thanks for stimulating my imagination peace from the U.S. 🕊️

  • @dianalieskovsky8729
    @dianalieskovsky8729 Рік тому

    ❤❤❤thank you Nicole you so right.

  • @alyssakuder4161
    @alyssakuder4161 Рік тому +1

    Love it! We’ve been allowing nature to take back about 1/2 of our 2.5acres. We bought the lot former farm land. It’s beautiful wildflowers, raspberries my kids love picking and eating these and trees I found this spring about a dozen pine trees.

  • @temporalsoliton
    @temporalsoliton Рік тому

    This might be your best video ever. Thanks

  • @letsgowinnietheflu5439
    @letsgowinnietheflu5439 Рік тому +5

    Growing up in the 1970's my dad was not that big on lawn keeping. our yard was think with clover and we had years were the honey bees were just thick in our back yard. Got stung more then once when I stepped bare foot on one got to the point were I would just stop pull the stinger and be on my way. Bought my parents home about 15 years ago until last and this year I had not seen the honey bees

    • @TrueFoodTV
      @TrueFoodTV  Рік тому

      Thank you for sharing these thoughts, Cindy! It's mind-blowing how disconnected we've become from nature. But it's heartening there are people like you in this world who care deeply!

    • @letsgowinnietheflu5439
      @letsgowinnietheflu5439 Рік тому +1

      @@TrueFoodTV I will be the 1st to admit that I am very skeptical of the actual ecology movements too many Marxist involved, but at the same time here in the Midwest USA I have noticed a definite decrease in insect and bird life in the last 20 years

    • @MikeR65
      @MikeR65 Рік тому

      @@letsgowinnietheflu5439 yes a lot of these groups use communist tactics and are really just tools of the Marxists. And otherwise nice smart people are duped by them.

  • @tesnard
    @tesnard Рік тому +4

    all cities ordinances should watch this video to learn :)

    • @MikeR65
      @MikeR65 Рік тому

      No that would be a waste of time and infringe on peoples rights to pursue happiness. Let’s not be nature tyrants. It’s not a good look and won’t help the cause.

    • @thepenguin11
      @thepenguin11 Рік тому +1

      @@MikeR65 How the hell would that infringe on peoples rights?

  • @gibbsadventures12
    @gibbsadventures12 Рік тому

    Well said!

  • @sandrelacita
    @sandrelacita Рік тому +2

    Thank you Ms. Jolly! I had no idea that none of our lawn grasses were native! Good info, as always.

    • @MikeR65
      @MikeR65 Рік тому

      Grass is native to this country just not the ones cultivated for lawns.

  • @RareWolf81
    @RareWolf81 Рік тому +1

    Great video 💯

  • @ronmaximilian6953
    @ronmaximilian6953 Рік тому +5

    While growing native plants may be possible for most, rewinding lawns with native "weeds" is harder. Many homeowner associations won't allow it. Realtors and therefore banks claim that it lowers property values. This means that renters, landlords, and owners who feel that they need to sell in the near future cannot do anything but grow lawns.
    And then there are the unenlightened neighbors who will look on your lawn as a source of "weeds."

    • @MikeR65
      @MikeR65 Рік тому +2

      The neighbors are not un enlightened just because they don’t feel the way you do. That’s how the Nazis separated people.

    • @ronmaximilian6953
      @ronmaximilian6953 Рік тому

      @@MikeR65 unenlightened people are not untermenschen. They are simply less informed. The problem is that some of them will actually prevent you from using your property in the way you would like.
      Your reductio ad hitlarium is absurd and obscene.
      I am perfectly willing and able to speak about actual Nazi ideology and it's video logical factions from the Strasser Brothers to Hitler.

    • @ptm374
      @ptm374 Рік тому +1

      Lower property values means lower taxes. I’d emphasize that with the neighbors if they get worked up. Something we can all get behind

  • @VanDerClof59
    @VanDerClof59 Рік тому

    We have a wild yard. Beautiful flowers, bee's , and birds all over. Love it.

  • @austincraft327
    @austincraft327 Рік тому +1

    at our farm we have white dutch clover grass and we love it, helps soil and bees and looks nice. they should make clover sod and sell at these sod places. thanks for video great topic!!

  • @joewiltjer5201
    @joewiltjer5201 Рік тому

    Great video, particularly your closing statement. This really is one way to make a small difference, it's too easy and there are no good reasons to continue with the status quo.

  • @HarshIndia19
    @HarshIndia19 Рік тому +3

    I was actually thinking about same.
    We can plant any other food plants, like fruits or kitchen garden, Orchard, orchid etc,

    • @TrueFoodTV
      @TrueFoodTV  Рік тому +1

      Yes, we have to think creatively! There are so many possibilities!!

  • @blenderbenderguy
    @blenderbenderguy Рік тому +1

    Best presentation yet regarding the stupidity of lawns!!!

    • @MikeR65
      @MikeR65 Рік тому +1

      Don’t lose any sleep over it! My lawn is lush and green and not going anywhere!!

    • @blenderbenderguy
      @blenderbenderguy Рік тому

      @@MikeR65 Whatever works for you.... certainly not losing sleep over your lushness 😀

  • @GregCameron2008
    @GregCameron2008 Рік тому

    Definitely an eye opening video.

  • @chandu1473
    @chandu1473 Рік тому +1

    Excellent ! great !

  • @bettymiller1929
    @bettymiller1929 Рік тому

    I was so impressed… I subscribed!
    I want clover and violets!!!!
    Love it!

  • @bethanyhutchinson6714
    @bethanyhutchinson6714 Рік тому

    I hear you, Nicole! Our “yard” is full of clover, violets, dandelions, and other weeds. We took part of our back yard and are trying to transition it to creeping thyme. We’re making some good progress and the pollinators love the thyme flowers.

  • @como3378
    @como3378 Рік тому

    Always a pleasure and a learning experience to watch your videos!
    Do you have any advice on how to deal with Japanese beetles infestation?

  • @nancyyamout8499
    @nancyyamout8499 Рік тому +4

    I'm from a small country in the Middle East called Lebanon. When I moved to the States it really bothered me that Americans cut their trees, put lawn all over, then starts pulling weeds, cutting the grass and just spending ridiculously time and money for nothing. It's been 8 years since I moved and until now that I made some progress convincing my husband to change little bit in our land.

    • @MikeR65
      @MikeR65 Рік тому +1

      What do you think would happen if we went to Lebanon and tried to tell everyone there that what they are doing is ridiculous??

    • @nancyyamout8499
      @nancyyamout8499 Рік тому

      @@MikeR65 nothing! Some will approve and some will not. But for sure people will keep doing what they are doing.

    • @MikeR65
      @MikeR65 Рік тому +1

      @@nancyyamout8499 the point is is that you don’t move to another country and start telling them that they are doing things wrong. Why on Earth would anyone do that?

    • @nancyyamout8499
      @nancyyamout8499 Рік тому +1

      @@MikeR65 I respect what others do and it's definitely not my business, but that doesn't mean I should like it.

    • @thepenguin11
      @thepenguin11 Рік тому +1

      @@MikeR65 lol America does that all the time. They love to order people around. XD

  • @gauravkotian3282
    @gauravkotian3282 Рік тому

    WHY DONT YOU HAVE MILLIONS OF VIEWS. I'm not American but I love your consciousness.

  • @Jana-wz7dr
    @Jana-wz7dr Рік тому

    Thank you. What a fabulous episode. I wish there was a way to make every lawn loving person watch this. I ripped up my lawn about 20 years ago, much to the horror of some neighbours. I have a diverse postage sized garden with native plants, and some non native which eventually will be replaced, mulch and a veggie garden. Yup, in front of my house. Again many people did not like it at first. The cool thing is, over the years our neighbourhood has become only about 50% lawns and there are now many veggie gardens in front yards. Love it!!

  • @patrickpleasant151
    @patrickpleasant151 Рік тому +8

    I'm not a big chemical user at all the more natural the better but lawns do serve a practical purpose. When I moved to the Cross Timbers (Ecoregion 29) from the Northeast years ago I realized that the high temperatures, low summer rainfall and high evaporation would cause massive erosion without grass cover this is not N.J. where it rains twice a week all year long. The best solution is native Buffalo Grass it requires little to no irrigation or fertilizer and prefers to be cut high (around 2 1/2 inches or so). If you use Milorganite twice a year cut every 7 to ten days and water once every week or two in the dry season and mow with a Reel Mower and ditch the power weed whacker for an Ames True Temper manual Weeder and some hand held grass sheers you won't just go green (Our going green won't offset the coal and nuclear power plants polluting to provide power for $70,000 Teslas all of which still need petroleum lubricants, or the unregulated CCP factories producing most of the worlds pollution but it's a step in the right direction.) but you'll get ripped too, so you won't need that Gym membership anymore folks!

    • @RamPuppy
      @RamPuppy Рік тому +2

      Couldn't agree more. I live in an area of Texas noted for having 'expanding clay' soil - we have to water our home foundations religiously or the clay will shrink, leave huge gaps around the foundation, which can then shift and crack. Our native invaders are things like sticker burrs, nettles, poison oak, and grasses that will get 3 or 4 feet high. Maintaining a good lawn is more than just erosion control for us. We also have HOA's to contend with. One of the things this video misses is that there are a ton of people out there that stay as organic as possible in their lawn care, I use organic liquid fertilizer, so no pellets for birds to eat, it also contains soil bacteria cultures. I use High Gluten Cornmeal as a pre-emergent, and granular horticultural molasses as a pest deterrent that also adds nutrition to the soil h Gluten Cornmeal as a pre-emergent, and granular horticultural molasses as a pest deterrent that also adds nutrition to the soil, as well as milorganite, which is a natural source of nitrogen and iron (it has to be broken down by bacteria). The absolute worst pest we have to deal with down here are invasive fire ants. if you do not control them you will get a network of mounds that make it dangerous to walk into your yard, fire ands kill ground nesting birds, and other small native creatures - and there is no effective predatory control species for them. Even using predatory nematodes doesn't work well. But I try to stay organic and use a spinosad based bait. Overall control can mostly be achieved because fire ants don't like healthy soil thats full or roots and organic matter - so a healthy lawn can literally be an area of denial against them. All of my lawn equipment is electric. Unfortunately I can't do anything about coal being the primary source of electricity. I generally like Nicole's videos, but this one felt preachy and haughty. I'd like to see Nicole welcome a colony of Fire Ants into her yard, she won't be sitting in it making videos anymore.

    • @patrickpleasant151
      @patrickpleasant151 Рік тому +1

      @@RamPuppy It's sounds like TX has most of the same issues we do in OK, sand burs or as my Dad who was from here called them Goat's Head Stickers, fire ants (Thanks Brazil, why couldn't they send bikini models?? 😂) Clay and Sandy loam is the soil combination we were blessed with and so I know all about the "foundation dance" I've planned Sea Green Junipers, a Wintergreen juniper a thornless Honey Locust and Manchurian Catalpas to help with shade and to stabilize the soil. It's an adventure in the wicky wicky wild wild west! 😆

    • @RamPuppy
      @RamPuppy Рік тому +1

      @@patrickpleasant151 it can be a trial. lol. one of the things i forgot to mention earlier is there are acceptable degrees of bio-diversity, and unacceptable ones. If I were to allow the native grasses and weeds to take over my yard, ya know what would move in next? ( besides a lean on the house from the HOA?) that would be field mice and rats, vermin that carry disease. after that? now were talking rat snakes, which also like to climb tees at eat native birds, and rattlesnakes. foot long texas ted headed centipedes which you do NOT want biting you. couple that with those fire ants, and now we really have a great yard for Nicole to film in.

    • @patrickpleasant151
      @patrickpleasant151 Рік тому +2

      @@RamPuppy I live right next to the woods two sides of my property border the forest it's mostly Post Oaks, Blackjack Oaks and Buckley Hickories and along with it tarantulas the size of a fist, black and red centipedes a foot long, rattle snakes, copperheads, coyotes, racoons, rabbits, owls and everything they eat and so much more. My Dad was right when he said "When you live next to the woods it's always creeping in twords you and so you have to constantly fight it back." Nicole is freaking lovely but I think she's gotten to used to one environment, they're so many different parts of the country that aren't The Hamptons that strategy won't fly in most of the country. I do appreciate her enthusiasm, ASMR voice and her extraordinarily refined manner of speaking.

    • @danarzechula3769
      @danarzechula3769 Рік тому +2

      @@RamPuppy oh anything to keep away the fire ants

  • @AlanHenriksen
    @AlanHenriksen Рік тому

    Excellent presentation! I first encountered these ideas concerning the history of the American lawn in a book by Thorstein Veblen, titled "The Theory of the Leisure Class" (pub. 1899). Here is what ChatGPT has to say about it: "Thorstein Veblen argued in "The Theory of the Leisure Class" that the practice of having a lawn was a conspicuous consumption behavior adopted by the leisure class as a way of demonstrating their wealth and status. Veblen believed that the leisure class in society sought to display their superior wealth and social standing by engaging in activities that required time, effort, and resources but had no practical or productive purpose. The lawn was one such activity, and the leisure class could use their lawns to demonstrate their wealth by keeping them free from productive use, such as grazing livestock or growing crops. The maintenance of a lawn required significant resources, including land, water, and labor, and the leisure class could use these resources to demonstrate their wealth and social status to others." We certainly need to quickly transition away from the traditional lawn, adopting the alternatives you have suggested, as well as exploring xeriscaping.

  • @mylyric9044
    @mylyric9044 Рік тому +1

    What a timing! I was thinking about planting this kind of grass as a vertical garden on our concrete fence to make it green. However I have never use synthetic fertiliser because its kills the soil, instead I mix the planting soil with ground charcoal to save more water and energy. What do you think Nicole, should I continue my mission or abort it?

  • @craigthompson8183
    @craigthompson8183 Рік тому

    Thank you for this excellent, thoughtful presentation. I used a natural lawn care company last year that claims to use organic fertilizer, etc. but I'm pretty sure it's still harmful. I've always known that the manicured lawn was harmful to the environment and you have really reinforced my belief and I'm going to make some positive changes based on your suggestions! I do leave my leaves on the soil. In addition to the awful air pollution from blowers, the noise pollution is another, less often considered, but harmful byproduct of modern power tools. The rake is almost extinct in my area, yet it's a more peaceful and more effective tool than the blower. Sadly, once we create an easier way to manage life, we never look back. Thank you again for sharing such great advice for anyone!!

  • @wateradept88
    @wateradept88 Рік тому

    Great vid, totally agree. I feel it’s important to note that on the west coast where we have wildfires you will still probably want to clear leaves and brush to protect your home. If you leave near forest

  • @cindyjimenez7337
    @cindyjimenez7337 Рік тому +4

    Great video as always! Your videos are so informative and aesthetically pleasing!
    Two things:
    1) Not long ago I went to a lecture by Maya Lin and Edwina von Gal, and one of the things they talked about was this, "the largest irrigated crop in America." They mentioned things that were covered in your video such as not using pesticides and letting different varieties of plants grow to improve biodiversity.
    2) I used to be the secretary for a cleaning company and seeing you seating with all those clovers around reminded me of a time a client complained about the gardener not mowing (she thought) because there were a lot of clovers that wouldn't entirely go away by moving. To be removed, they had to put a chemical to kill the clover and replant grass on the area. It's so sad that there are tons of people obsessed with a certain image of "perfection."

    • @MikeR65
      @MikeR65 Рік тому

      It’s so sad that you concern yourself with other peoples affairs. How about you mind your own business!!

  • @rukshanweerasinghe9436
    @rukshanweerasinghe9436 Рік тому +1

    Good idea madam thank you so much

  • @eliasnayal6616
    @eliasnayal6616 Рік тому

    hi! thank you very much for always inspiring me with you video, i much mo in doing in regenerative organic farming and continue preaching the goodness of balance ecology farming. i hope you can visit Philippines one day. God bless you always and all of your crews.

  • @oscarcastellanos9270
    @oscarcastellanos9270 Рік тому +8

    I never have been able to wrap my head around an "immaculate" lawn. If it requires that much effort and resources then naturally we are going against nature.

    • @RamPuppy
      @RamPuppy Рік тому +2

      It actually doesn't require a lot of effort if you work to build healthy soil (which would be, by the very definition of healthy, bio diverse) you can easily get a lawn that is so healthy it crowds out everything else.

    • @MikeR65
      @MikeR65 Рік тому +1

      You can’t wrap your head around science but you can wrap your head around a fairytale. Got it.

    • @MikeR65
      @MikeR65 Рік тому +1

      @@RamPuppy you clearly know your lawns!!

  • @user-ey9bt7fs6n
    @user-ey9bt7fs6n Рік тому +2

    I live in the southwest. After seeing what’s going on just west of us we should all go zero scape, convert our sprinkler systems to drip.

  • @l...
    @l... Рік тому +2

    Next native bugs
    Please

  • @NigelFortune
    @NigelFortune Рік тому

    Awesome video Nicole! I make sure my grass grows long so wildflowers can flourish..

  • @butchpedit4871
    @butchpedit4871 Рік тому

    There are many commercial wild flower mixes available. On an old lawn that has not seen fertilizer or pesticides for over 20 years (currently a mix of fescues, clover, violets etc), can I just overseed without turning the soil?

  • @hcusworthful
    @hcusworthful Рік тому +2

    I hope this is watched by lots of people!

    • @MikeR65
      @MikeR65 Рік тому

      And I hope they see through all of the BS in it!

  • @jhawk6014
    @jhawk6014 Рік тому +1

    I was thinking about doing this on one of my rental homes. It was built in the 1960s with a lawn in the front and in the back. I was able to see several photos overtime of the home and I noticed that the yards looked worse and worse over the years. We are currently putting the plans together to bring the property back to its natural state.
    If you are interested in some Time Lapse photos, let me know what angles you want. I’m not good at that photography stuff.

  • @raterus
    @raterus Рік тому

    Just built a new home in the woods, I caught on to these ideas when I was looking to setup for bees before dropping grass seed or sod or some other unholy plant incarnation. They make complete sense!

  • @Upsidedownorangejuice
    @Upsidedownorangejuice Рік тому +2

    Biggest thing for me is always cut your lawn at the longest setting, and embrace long unkempt lawns, knowing that your healthier then your neighbours even if they don't like it... at least ours is more drought tolerant.

  • @lii1Il
    @lii1Il Рік тому +1

    Nice!

  • @libturdcrusher1776
    @libturdcrusher1776 Рік тому

    That is actually funny and learned something new.

  • @crispyapple3053
    @crispyapple3053 Рік тому +1

    I like most of my lawn companions too though my lawn is also loaded with plantain, it's a massive nuisance this year with the dry weather. I don't see much plantain on your lawn. Dry season I let my lawn go yellow, it's turned back green with the rain.

  • @admart99
    @admart99 Рік тому +1

    Love the video Nicole. Didn't know the history. Very interesting! I also appreciated the solutions/options you presented. P.s your new raised beds look amazing!!

  • @topfloor9889
    @topfloor9889 Рік тому

    Watched with open mind. I agree with alot of what you say. Some of us do the best we can. Hand reel mowers when its cool enough. Adjust height to match temp. I never irrigate, fertilize with 90% organic products. (composted chicken poop, milogranite and carbon pro) products.Pull a ton of "weeds" by hand. It is possible to have a show stopping yard with proper techniques and planning around weather. And yes I see super tiny pollinaters get to the rye grass flowers. So some of us really try :) never have I put a pesticide on my yard.

  • @growagarden54
    @growagarden54 Рік тому

    Is the manufacturing of Vego steel, raised beds polluting the air, as opposed to wood, although not as long lasting raised beds? Just wondering if you can do a "how is it made" vego raised bed. Thanks!

  • @PankReview
    @PankReview Рік тому

    Beautiful place where there you are sitting...

  • @Lailer10
    @Lailer10 Рік тому +2

    When we moved in to our home 2 years ago, I was dissatisfied with the condition of the backyard as the soil is acidic from trees that had recently been cut down. I wanted it to look "manicured" and "lush". I got in to gardening this year (large in part due to your channel!). I found myself finding a wild lawn more beautiful and appealing, and the polished lawn I used to pine for became a lot less beautiful in my eyes. I've been seeing people post about turning their lawns into clover lawns or using ground cover plants to fill their lawns instead of grass. I'm here for that!

  • @tbz1551
    @tbz1551 Рік тому +2

    4:14 "hire servants"?? ... is that how you think Washington and Jefferson managed to keep such tidy lawns? For all intents and purposes you're yadayadaing over slavery in America being a part of "lawn care" in it's origins. Fascinating piece... just a mild omission in the details.

  • @StopThePrejudice
    @StopThePrejudice Рік тому +3

    Love this! I’ve been preaching this ideology for years, especially in my part of the country where we’ve been in drought for such a long time!

  • @jamesp8459
    @jamesp8459 11 місяців тому

    Yep, all true. My plan is to turn the back hill of my yard into a native wildflower garden/shrubland. It will look cool in x years. I'm curious what my neighbor's water bill is every month dumping endless amounts of water on his lawn everyday to keep it emerald green. Some municipalities solved their water crisis by outlawing lawn watering. Lawns are also carbon positive as they remove very little CO2 and more is added to water, fertilize and mow them.

  • @jacobhall4151
    @jacobhall4151 Рік тому

    Congratulations on making Joe knows turf of the Burn and Return Podcast episode 50!

  • @Shrinidhihv
    @Shrinidhihv Рік тому

    That moment of pulling hairs (hat), summarised my feelings.

  • @blucy10
    @blucy10 Рік тому

    It’s funny that my daughter and I were talking about this tonight.

  • @tinkernaut8736
    @tinkernaut8736 Рік тому

    My yard's on its own, I mow and trim to keep it neat..I have what I call weed zones around my garden which brings in pollinators..

  • @AtomicAbby42
    @AtomicAbby42 Рік тому

    Thank you so much for making this video. I try to sing the gospel of no-grass to everyone who will listen. I hope this video gets a billion views!

  • @squeekycheese
    @squeekycheese Рік тому +1

    Thank you for this, I have been preaching this for years. Every year my lawn gets smaller when I plant a shrub or ground cover. The whole idea of a pristine pesticide treated lawn is utterly ridiculous. I have this fantasy of a world without poisons and machinery to produce a lawn that has no practical purpose.

  • @kumarambujsahu3462
    @kumarambujsahu3462 Рік тому

    Emaculate video,
    Emaculate video
    Emaculate video
    Lots of readings you did Nicole.

  • @KamiInValhalla
    @KamiInValhalla Рік тому +1

    Ahh man I hate lawns. Hate it so much as it is wasted space and resources (especially water). Wife said she is scared of snakes and I asked her when she last spent time in the yard. She was not a happy camper.

  • @gauravbhatia1054
    @gauravbhatia1054 Рік тому +1

    Hi , love from India 🇮🇳
    Can you give me an idea , how can I make internal roads on my farm? What’s the cheapest and natural way of doing it so that I don’t disturb the main plantation by constantly walking over it.
    Thanks in advance❤️

  • @johna6917
    @johna6917 Рік тому +1

    I only do organic fertilizing (Miloganite or equivalent and Greene County Fertilizer). No pesticides or herbicides. As for dandelions, if you want you can eat the whole thing, flowers, stems, and leaves.

    • @MikeR65
      @MikeR65 Рік тому

      I have people that can’t just do their thing they want to force everyone else to do it too! It will be a cold day in hell before I don’t have a beautiful lawn.

  • @brandonminiman
    @brandonminiman Рік тому

    Fascinating video. I refuse to water my lawn, that's what rain is for

  • @johnjude2685
    @johnjude2685 Рік тому

    Love my neighbors that buy bags for setting leaves out to the cube and I pickup .I mulch and compose the leaves and them brown bags are better that cardboard as a weed bearer in my garden under compose ( cardboard are sometimes treated beware Amazon treated their packaging!)