Lawn care to be more "green" this summer, as consumers turn from gas-powered tools

Next to the smoke from an outdoor cookout and the scent of sunscreen on the beach, the most distinctive smell of summer comes from a freshly cut lawn. But this summer, says the Wall Street Journal, will be different.

This is "shaping up to be the summer of the 'alternative energy' outdoor power tools," the Journal reports. "From battery mowers and garden cultivators to a new propane-propelled string trimmer, manufacturers and retailers are rolling out consumer machines that run on gas substitutes and boast lower emissions and fewer maintenance headaches."

The Journal piece, quoting a Home Depot exec, notes two factors driving the change: the greening of America and lingering caution about rising gas prices. And there could soon be an additional incentive.

"This market may get more heated thanks to newly proposed legislation that would offer consumers a 25% tax credit up to $1,000 toward the purchase of environmentally friendly lawn, garden or forestry power equipment," the Journal reports.

[Image: Neuton battery-powered mower, courtesy Neuton]

--Craig Pittman

Comments

[Tino]

Rising gas prices?

My quarter-acre lawn uses about 30-40 cents of gasoline every time I cut it.

By this reasoning, I should buy an $800 electric lawn mower and throw out my perfectly functioning $200 gas-powered one to save 30 cents a week.

This is why most environmentalists were formerly liberal arts students -- their defective math and logic skills bring us "solutions" like this.

[Cris]

Being green is never better.

[Robert]

We just got our first green mower, the recharge mower and have been thrilled.

[Kimberly]

In the summer of 2007, I had all the grass taken out of my front yard and the whole yard turned into a native bird and butterfly habitat.

The well saves on the water bill. And the well and micro-irrigation give me very loose water restrictions.

On the weekends, I throw 4 or 5 peanuts out in the yard to watch the blue jays eat them. Then, I kick back with the newspaper, a cup of coffee, and watching the wildlife in my front yard.

I do have weeding. But, it's more fun than mowing.

[Kimberly]

One more thing.... Since all but two plants are native to our county, I don't need to use fertilizer or insecticides.

I just let the insects munch away on the plants. The plants are so productive that you don't notice the little nibbles from the insects.

[get-smart]

My lawn is all natural weeds that God waters. I throw out my stale bread, kick back with a cup of joe, and watch the sea gulls battle over the bread with the doves and chic-ca-dees. Much fun and the gulls always win.

Cheers -