Time for the Mower to Go?

Ben Richardson

 

There’s nothing quite like the smell of fresh-cut grass. It evokes memories of running across the lawn barefoot as a child and in and out of the cold sprinkler water. Or playing tag with friends and siblings or chase with a favorite pup.

 

It’s all quite charming unless you’re the one pushing the mower under the hot sun, battling errant weeds, or struggling with another broken sprinkler pipe.

 

Where there used to be satisfaction in firing up the mower, working hard, and admiring your tidy yard, you might now find mowing a chore you dread. If that’s the case, that’s perfectly fine. If you’ve been considering handing over the lawnmower to someone else, good

for you! This decision isn’t a sign of weakness. It’s a sign of wisdom.

 

Some folks may feel a twinge of guilt at the idea of hiring someone to do their yard care. A little voice in your head might be saying, “I’ve always done my own yardwork. I’m still perfectly capable of doing it.” That’s both true and commendable; however, you’ve paid your dues. This stage of your life is about simplifying what you can, using your time and energy for things that really matter: family, friends, health, and hobbies.

 

Mowing, weeding, hedging, planting, and other yardwork is physically demanding. The

bending, carrying, lifting, and hauling can take a toll on your body, leaving you tired, grumpy, and with a sore back. When your body starts to send signals that it’s time to take things a little easier, it’s a good idea to listen. With yardwork out of the picture, consider the extra time you have to sip coffee on the patio, read a good book, visit with friends, and pursue new interests.

 

Allowing someone to take over the yardwork is an investment in your wellbeing. You’ll have more free time and improved health and safety as you avoid the risk of muscle strain, falls, and dehydration. Peace of mind is your friend as you no longer stress over when and how much to water, finding time and energy to pull weeds or fix a broken mower. The most important task is to sit back and enjoy your lovely lawn!

 

There’s no shame in choosing ease over effort. It’s simply a choice to prioritize the things that matter most to you now. Go ahead and make that call. Find a lawn service and get that first appointment scheduled. This decision isn’t about what you can’t do. It’s about what you don’t have to do anymore!

 

Feel proud of deciding to take charge of how you want to spend your time and energy. Next time you hear the hum of a lawnmower, put your feet up, take a sip of coffee, and bask in your new-found freedom.

 

Not quite ready to let go? Consider downsizing your outdoor chores.

1 Hire help as needed (gutters, seasonal yard work)

2 Move toward low-maintenance landscaping (hardy shrubs, decorative rocks)

3 Downsize your lawn (add ground cover, pavers, bed mulch)

4 Use raised garden beds or containers (easier on the back and knees)

5 Install drip irrigation or soaker hoses

6 Replace high-maintenance trees or plants

7 Choose native or drought-resistant plants

8 Keep your tool collection simple (lightweight, ergonomic, electric, or battery-powered tools)

 

We all love having a tidy yard. Getting help doesn’t take away the pleasure — just the toil. If cost is a concern, research low-cost yard maintenance in your community — you might find a youth work-experience or senior help program nearby. Another option is neighborhood groups online (Facebook or nextdoor).

 

Ben Richardson enjoys helping seniors as a Seniors Real Estate Specialist. He is the principal broker and owner of Ideal Real Estate.