Tana Reiff - The Green Team

O n one side of the fence, Tony Ramrez was mowing the lawn. On the other side of the fence, Bob Jackson was mowing his lawn.

Tony was a young man, just finishing high school. Tony and his uncle lived next door to Bob. He wasnt tall, but he was strong and healthy. Bob was older, bigger than Tony, and maybe bigger than he should be.

The two of them just happened to start mowing at the same time. It was about 9:00 in the morning. They worked at about the same speed. Yet Tony didnt seem to be feeling the work as much. The sun was already beating down hard, but he didnt mind. Bobs shirt was soaked with sweat, and he was breathing hard.

There were other differences, too. The blade on Tonys mower was set high. It cut the grass to three inches. Bobs mower blade was set low. It cut the grass to less than two inches.

Tony pushed the mower round and round in circles toward the middle of the yard. Bob cut his grass in straight lines. He walked back and forth, making sharp turns at the end of each row.

Tonys mower blades ran 24 inches across. He walked about a mile that morning. Bobs blades were 18 inches across. He walked almost two miles to mow a lawn of the same size.

Tony didnt need to mow close to the trees in the yard. By putting down a ring of mulch around each tree, there was less grass to cut. The grass grew right up to Bobs trees. Bob cut in as close as the mower could go. Sometimes his mower hit the tree trunk.

Around 10:00, Tony wiped off his mower blades. Then he wheeled the mower into the shed and went into the house.

He came back outside a few minutes later with a glass of iced tea. He sat on the patio and enjoyed his cold drink.

Next door, Bob was still working. He raked and bagged his grass clippings. He trimmed around the trees. Then he threw chemical fertilizer all over his lawn. At last, he put away his mower. He didnt stop to clean off the blades.

How did you finish so fast? Bob called over to Tony. Our lawns are just about the same size. Am I just getting old or what?

Whenever Tony smiled, his chin turned up and his eyes glowed. He was wearing that special smile now. I have my tricks! he said to his neighbor.

Like what tricks? Bob asked.

Did you see how I mow in circles instead of rows? Tony asked. Its faster to mow in circles.

And why is your lawn all green and mine isnt? Bob asked.

Its better to cut high, said Tony. That keeps sun off the weeds, so they cant grow as much. And the higher the grass, the deeper the roots. The lawn holds more water and stays greener through the summer months that way.

But I do see some weeds in your lawn, Bob said.

I dont see clover and dandelions as weeds, said Tony. Clover is soft and green and the white flowers are pretty. Dandelion greens are good to eat! Some people even make dandelion wine. They are also very good for bees, and we need bees.

Of course, I put fertilizer on my lawn, said Bob. That takes more time.

I fertilize, too, said Tony.

You do not, said Bob, leaning on the fence. I would have seen you.

Well, I dont pick up the grass clippings like you do, said Tony. They break down into good fertilizer and mulch. I do put organic fertilizer on the lawn twice a year.

Bob laughed. They say the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence. That sure is true here!

Grass clippings, higher cut, and sharp mower blades, Tony said. It all adds up to a good lawn.

I have to say, your lawn looks better than mine, said Bob. How does a young guy like you know so much about lawn care?

I dont know. I just see what works best and thats what I do, Tony said. Ever since I was old enough, it was my job to cut the grass. I learned all kinds of little tricks you can use to have a great lawn.

Youre pretty smart for your age, said Bob. You even seem to like lawn work!

It gives me a good feeling, said Tony. After Im done, I like to sit back and look at my work. It makes me feel proud.

I like a nice lawn, too, said Bob. But I really hate the work. Let me ask you something. How much would you charge to take care of my lawn for me?

I dont know, said Tony. Ill have to think about it.

Well, you know a lot. You could make yourself some money doing lawn care, said Bob.

Tony Ramrez smiled again. Why dont you come over and have a glass of tea with me?

Dont mind if I do, said Bob Jackson.

For the next half-hour, the young man and his neighbor got to know each other a little better. They talked about sports. They talked about cars. But mostly, they talked about lawns.

The Green Team

Grass Tricks

The Green Team