| Homes with expansive, green grassy yards are attractive and inviting. But the money, time and energy required for yard work often declines over time especially for people Aging In Place. For lawns that provide enjoyment well into your golden years think about their design, accessibility, seed varieties, maintenance, watering requirements and equipment storage needs.
Design – Modify existing yards and plant new lawns so maintaining them requires less mobility, flexibility, strength and endurance than before. Start small by limiting grass to socializing and play areas then expanding as time and interest permit. Plan a level or gradually sloped surface that is firm enough to support mobility devices like canes, walkers or wheeled equipment. Avoid soft, uneven patches or obstacles that can catch feet and make movement difficult. Consider how the lawn appears in dim light as well as sunlight. Well-designed lawns are enjoyable from both inside and outside the home. Views of a snow-filled yard or autumn leaves on the grass are important seasonal cues for people spending less time outdoors. Feeding and sheltered areas for birds and animals can provide hours of enjoyment for homebound individuals if they are visible from windows. Design the lawn with convenient access to hose bibs and exterior outlets for electric weed trimmers, mowers and other equipment.
Accessibility – Replace stairs or steps to the lawn with gently sloping earthwork or walkways for easier access. Remove any overhanging limbs and protruding objects that are lower than 6 feet 8 inches above the ground. They can be a safety hazard and they interfere with the enjoyment and maintenance of the lawn. Openings or gates in fences need to be 36 to 48 inches wide to accommodate mobility devices or someone assisting another person. Locking gate latches that are intuitive and easy to operate provide simple, effortless access as well as security.
Seed varieties – The appearance and success of a lawn is determined by selecting the right seed varieties for your climate and the specific lawn and soil conditions. Grass varieties not specified for your area will require high maintenance and produce marginal results. Hardy native grasses with deep roots require less water and maintenance. Include grass seed varieties that grow well in shade to create areas for individuals who take prescription drugs that increase sun sensitivity. If children or grandchildren play in your yard, include a small area of hardy native grasses. For other areas consider mosses, shrubs, low-growing perennial flowers or creeping groundcovers that do not require mowing, prevent weed growth and need little trimming. Local nurseries and Extension Services offer free advice on suitable grass species and groundcovers.
Maintenance – Lawn care is good exercise and a great way to enjoy the outdoors. However, Aging In Place means planning for a time when the physical demands of thatching, aerating, mowing, trimming, fertilizing, weeding, re-seeding, watering and raking become too demanding. Planning for maintenance includes two basic approaches. The Do-It-Yourself approach means eliminating many labor-intensive aspects of maintenance. This includes removing as many obstacles like lawn ornaments and vegetation as possible. Incorporating mowing strips or solid surfaces along lawn edges allows the Do-It-Yourself lawn mower to cut the lawn and trim simultaneously. (See example in photo below) Installing weed block fabric underneath the topsoil layer limits weed growth and makes weeding easier. The Pay-As-You-Go approach means selecting the maintenance you want to do and paying to have the rest done. This approach requires evaluating the quality, cost and long-term availability of lawn care services in your community especially if you anticipate extended travels or diminished capabilities while you own your home. A lawn can easily become a neighborhood eyesore if your absence or illness limits your ability to maintain it.
Watering requirements – Water conservation is crucial if your home is on a water meter or in an arid climate. Selecting drought-resistant grasses reduces expenses and frees you from a rigorous watering schedule. Automatic sprinkler and irrigation systems soak grass roots rather than blades, minimize run-off and evaporation, save water and reduce water bills. Cisterns are an inexpensive way to collect rainwater or recycle household gray water for lawn use. Watering a lawn by hand can be difficult especially if mobility, manual dexterity or sun exposure are limiting factors. Make the job easier by installing hose bibs with lever handles raised 36 inches above ground in several convenient locations around the yard. (See example in photo above) Next to them include hose take-up reels to make hose storage easier and eliminate tripping hazards. Rubberized hoses insulate hands from cold groundwater and they are lighter and easier to handle than vinyl.
Equipment storage – Keep hose attachments in a raised container near the hose bib. Store mowers, trimmers and other tools in a secure weatherproof location near the lawn to avoid hauling them long distances. Provide adequate easily accessible space in the storage area to clean and maintain lawn equipment and to store extra parts, batteries and fuel within easy reach.
Realistically projecting your household’s ability to maintain a lawn as family members reach age 60, 70, 80 or 90 is essential. A little long-term planning makes it possible to enjoy a neatly manicured lawn for as long as you live in your home.
|
