In some situations, a person may face a situation where they have additional property; perhaps they’ve inherited it, or they’ve recently moved out of a starter home into their forever home. Then, they’ll be faced with the question, to rent or sell an additional property?
It’s a question that involves thoughtful consideration — as it’s a big decision. Potential considerations may include. . .
One thing to consider when deliberating the question is taxes for selling and renting. Rental income is taxable at your regular tax rate; however, you can write off rental expenses . If you decide to rent and then eventually sell the rental property, there are also tax considerations, as taxes will be payable; the longer you own the property, the larger the tax payments may be.
First is a depreciation recapture tax, as owning a rental property allows you to depreciate the property’s value, reducing the taxable net income. When the rental property is sold, the IRS seeks to get this returned through recaptured depreciation, which is taxed as normal income at the normal tax rate.
Second, capital gains taxes occur when an asset is sold for any amount of profit, categorized as short or long-term. Short-term is a gain on a property held for less than a year and taxed at the same rate as regular income tax. Long-term gain is when a property is held for a year+; taxation is set at 0%, 15%, and 20% (2021), based on your income. There are ways for capital gains taxes not to be charged, but these would require certain aspects to be met.
To best understand the tax considerations associated with renting or selling a property, we always recommend that parties discuss with an expert in the field.
In most cases, if someone is already a homeowner, they use the proceeds from their current home to put towards purchasing their new home. If this is the situation, there is no question of whether to rent or sell.
The real estate market is ever-changing, with prices rising and falling as demand and supply ebb and flow. If prices are low, it may be better to hold onto the home until prices rise. However, if selling is the plan someone is leaning towards, and it’s a seller’s market, it may be better to sell right away — as there may be more involved with bringing it back to a presentable condition after tenants reside in the home.
It would be best to discuss with a local real estate agent when considering the current real estate market, as they can provide a better idea of it and the home’s saleability in the current market.
There are expenses to renting a home to weigh against the cash flow from renting out the house.
There may also be additional expenses, like:
Additionally, if any repairs or renovations are necessary to make the unit rental-ready, these are additional costs to consider before even getting started.
Managing a property can be time-consuming and present challenges; it’s more complex than collecting a rent check each month. There will undoubtedly be issues that require fixing, which will require you to roll up your sleeves or hire a contractor to make the fix. Landlords are also responsible for the big fixes, so money would need to be set aside in case of a significant problem. Additionally, you’ll be responsible for filling the home — screening potential tenants, and showing the unit. Finally, various legal obligations and responsibilities are associated with being a landlord that must be followed.
If you don’t want to be responsible for the property management (but still want to rent it out), you would need to hire a management company to do so — which is an added expense.
Alternatively, you could consider doing short-term rentals, provided your locality allows it; however, this can still be labor intensive. You’ll need to locate a cleaning company that can be on call for your bookings, furnish the home with the necessities (plus any extras to attract guests), manage the booking schedule, repair any broken fixtures, and deal with any guest problems. Again, you could hire a company to handle this all for you, but it will be an added expense.
Some homes just don’t make good rentals, whether that’s due to their location or layout. Additionally, some homes won’t generate enough rental income to cover the necessities: mortgage payment, taxes, insurance, and general maintenance costs.
Also, if you are in a condo association or HOA, some have rules against renting out residences — in which case, selling would be the only option.
You should also consider your own personal life plan when making the decision. For example, do you want to keep the home in your family for a future residence for you or a family member? Are you temporarily relocating for a job or emergency but wish to return to the area after? These may be circumstances where renting out the home to a suitable tenant for a time may be preferable to keep the house for a future date.
Overall, there are solid reasons to consider renting a home out, like:
However, there can be equally practical reasons for selling, like:
If you’re in a situation where you are considering the question of rent or selling, connect with a qualified tax expert and a real estate agent. These experts will be able to provide answers to some of these considerations. If you’re looking for some advice on the Lake Country or Southeastern Wisconsin real estate market, don’t hesitate to get in touch with one of our qualified real estate agents who will be able to assist!
An I-Buyer is, essentially, an instant buyer. It’s a real estate company that uses algorithms and technology to buy and then re-sell homes quickly. So, to put it simply, the company estimates the value of your home, then makes an offer. If you accept, they then sell the home themselves.
These I-Buyers claim they developed due to the frustration caused by more extended, traditional real estate transactions & the more on-demand service many expect in today’s society. There is still a commission to be paid, though, typically 6 to 8%; it can be higher than a traditional commission due to the added convenience of their service.
Although it might seem like I-Buyers and flippers are similar, the homes each target are unique to them. Flippers typically target low-priced homes with more repairs needed; while I-Buyers’ target homes that match the following specifications:
I-Buyers are looking for these styles of homes because they strive for efficiency. They offer and try to close quickly, then try to re-sell the house within 60 to 90 days. That’s why they prefer desirable homes in good condition and don’t typically go after the “as-is” homes that flippers search for. These companies are not only looking for particular houses, but also particular areas. I-Buyers operate in mostly metro, popular places like Dallas, Phoenix, and Los Angeles — the big players are not active in small, more suburban areas.
Perhaps the most well-known I-Buyer is Opendoor, which first debuted in 2014. They had large capital reserves to purchase homes and the technological capability to value properties quickly. From there, other I-Buyers began to come to market, marketing themselves as an alternative that address sellers’ pain points in the “traditional” home sale market. In 2022, the largest I-Buyer companies are the following.
This is the largest I-Buyer, serving 53 metro areas. In Q2 of 2022, they sold 10,482 homes — a 201% from Q2 the prior year. In addition, Opendoor has worked on becoming a one-stop real estate shop, including title, home insurance/warranty, home upgrades, and moving services. They are fee-based, with their charges averaging 5% according to their marketing.
However, things aren’t all rosy. Recently (August 2022), the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) went after Opendoor for misleading advertising that deceived sellers into thinking they would make more by selling to Opendoor. When in reality, it’s usually the opposite; sellers typically make less by selling to I-Buyers. The report also found the following to be deceptive to buyers:
This is the 2nd largest I-Buyer company with 31 metro areas serviced and 3,792 homes purchased in Q2, an 87% increase from the prior year. The fees are also stated as 5% in their marketing.
This is Keller William’s version of an I-Buyer program, resulting from a partnership with Offerpad. This allows them to offer you both the I-Buyer route and the more traditional option if this new method fails to work for you. This I-Buyer program is relatively new, just being started in 2019.
Two other main players in the space were Redfin Now & Zillow Offers; however, both were recently shut down.
Zillow went first. A big name in online real estate, Zillows announcement that it was getting out of I-Buying was a bit shocking to the market. So what went wrong? Well, Zillow put itself in a position where it offered above-market prices to homeowners — which they blamed on their “Zestimates” and the unpredictability of the market. Ultimately, they had to take losses to unload all of their final inventory, around 7,000 homes. However, in August, Zillow and Opendoor announced a partnership, bringing Zillow back into this market and customers to Opendoor. Whether this partnership will be more beneficial and profitable for Zillow than their previous I-Buyer model will be an interesting development to watch.
Meanwhile, Redfin just announced the shuttering of its I-Buyer program in November 2022. They invested quite a bit into this portion of the real estate market but ultimately could not justify the staggering amount of money and risk for the uncertain benefit of it all. All in all, they expect a loss of 22 to 26 million dollars in 2022 from this discontinued venture.
Recently, even the I-Buyers still in the market have pumped the brakes a bit. With the hot market, I-Buyers had to fight for a piece of the action, and they did so with aggressive, high offers. Now, these offers are more moderate due to higher mortgage rates, which has slowed down the market. I-Buyers have also slowed down over fear of having high amounts of inventory that they will not be able to offload as talks of a market dip loom. So instead, they’ve put their focus on selling off their current inventory.
Experts still believe that I-Buyers fill a need in the market and that those still in operations will continue to do business. Whether it’s something that can go national and to what extent it will grow in current markets, still remains to be seen. Most of the research on I-Buyers is a bit dated now, so it’s something that will be interesting to watch develop.
Benefits (+)
Overall: it can be a speedier process that allows for more convenience and predictability
Drawbacks (-)
Overall: if your home does qualify, you’ll likely receive less than a market offer and have no power for negotiations (price, repairs, etc.) in the I-Buyer transaction.
According to the NAR, I-Buying only accounts for around 1% of all U.S. home sales. However, it is an option that some home sellers choose to take due to the benefits listed above. We always recommend that sellers consider all options available to them when selling their homes. If I-buying is available in your market, it is something you may want to consider if the benefits are something that will help you in your real estate journey.
Chickens are moving to the suburbs; they used to be commonplace, even in more populated areas, but societal changes and regulations kept them out of city limits. However, recent trends of homesteading and self-sufficiency, as well as the popularization of chickens on social media, have led to changes in city rules as people fight for the right to have chickens.
Recently, a band of chicken lovers got Oconomowoc to alter their stance on chickens, and they are now permitted within the city. However, the ownership of chickens is controlled, with various regulations in place. These include aspects like lot dimensions, coop placement, and number of birds permitted.
So, what is up with city chickens? This blog post seeks to provide a simple guide to chickens, from their history, a step by step to getting chickens, and some different types of chickens to consider getting.
Originally from Asia, chickens rapidly became popular across the World, creating a fervent “Hen Fever.” Chickens in America roamed backyards, raised by families, for meat or egg production in the 19th and early 20th centuries. It wasn’t until ideas on how people should interact with animals changed, mainly due to the push for industrialization, that chicken raising also became industrial. Suddenly, farm animals were seen as unclean; many considered raising animals for food production a “lower-class” activity.
Then, in the 1920s, the US Supreme Court upheld the ability and legality of municipalities to regulate land use; this ruling allowed localities to control chicken husbandry. Urban sprawl, after WWII, only cemented the idea that urban and rural practices should be kept separate. This local control, coupled with the low prices of chicken due to industrialization, limited the practice of raising chicken amongst the masses.
However, with the broader acceptance of homesteading and other self-sufficiency practices, many people have decided to bring chickens back to the backyard, to get dozens of fresh eggs or enjoy their feathered friends company.
Of course, there are some things to consider with city chickens, including . . .
There are believed to be 100’s of different types of chickens (although only 65 are officially recognized), and each breed has a different purpose. Most breeds are divided into four categories: egg layers, dual-purpose, meat birds, and pet chickens.
Those looking to get city chickens will likely want to nix any meat birds immediately, as most localities will not permit raising meat birds.
Below we’ve highlighted a few egg laying and more pet chicken types, although there are plenty more to choose from. This site or this one here are both great resources for learning more about chicken breeds.
Leghorns
Leghorns are a smaller breed of chicken and are more flighty and nervous. They are white with large red combs. They are very heat tolerant but may not handle the cold as well. In terms of egg production, you can expect 280 large or extra large white eggs per year or 5 to 6 per week. Due to their flighty nature, they may not be the best bird for a beginner’s flock.
Rhode Island Red
These hens are reddish-brown and very good layers. They are self-sufficient and low maintenance, but can be more aggressive with other chickens than other breeds. In terms of egg production, you can expect 300 large brown eggs per year or around 6 per week. These chickens are great for beginners.
Plymouth Barred Rock
These black and white hens can withstand cold winters and are traditionally easy keepers. In terms of egg production, you can expect 200 medium pale tan eggs per year or 4 to 5 per week. These chickens can lay eggs for ten years (compared to 5 to 8 years for most other breeds).
Orpington
These chickens come in a few different colors and are quite large. They are very friendly, personal, and cold-hardy. You can expect 200 to 280 eggs per year in terms of egg production.
Easter Egger
Easter eggers are a hybrid breed of chicken. Lots of people like them as they lay eggs that can range in colors, from green, blue, olive, and even pink (however, each hen will only lay one color so if you want the rainbow, you’ll need more than one Easter Egger).
Australorp
These solid black hens are rather large, friendly, and talkative. They are also cold-hardy. In terms of egg production, you can expect 250 large light brown eggs per year or 5 to 6 per week.
Silkies
Silkies are small chickens with fluffy feathers that almost look more like fur. They are not known for their laying ability, but are very personable and considered great chickens with children. They also come in a variety of colors, including: white, black, blue, gray, partridge chocolate, and so many more (some can be seen in the graphic above)! However, they tend to go broody (wanting to sit on eggs), and then they will not lay. You can expect 3-4 small eggs per week when they are laying.
Cochins
These birds are fluffy all the way down to their feet. They are sweet, personable, and very friendly. They come in both standard and bantam (smaller chicken) sizes (the bantam size is displayed above). But, like the silkie, they tend to go broody wanting to hatch out chicks; when they are laying eggs, you can expect 3 to 4 medium light brown eggs per week.
Polish
People love the look of the polish chicken with their hairdo and many color varieties. However, they are very docile, so they will typically be lower on the pecking order. It’s best to raise them with their coop mates, so they are not too fearful. Their feather poof can sometimes get in the way of their vision, but it can be remedied with a quick trim. They are not great egg layers and will only lay 2 to 3 smallish-medium white eggs.
If you’d like a good breakdown of chickens and their stats, from the ability for confinement to heat tolerance, check out this website! They haven’t done every breed yet, but they are working on them.
We’ve only included a few chicken breeds here, but there are many more. Checking out hatcheries or local chicken breeders is the best way to learn about all the different breeds available to you.
For those who live in Oconomowoc, chicken keeping is under Ordinance 21-0997. You can learn more by accessing the following document: Chicken Keeping Ordinance (Oconomowoc).
Remember that even though Oconomowoc may allow chickens, if you live in an HOA, they may not allow them. Additionally, your lot size many not be able to accommodate them.
Chickens are egg-cellent pets, whether you live in the city or country. If you’re city, HOA, and lot (based on your city’s restrictions) allows for the raising of chickens and you can commit the time, money, and energy to them, then you should certainly consider adding some poultry friends to your yard!
It can be difficult to consider walking away from a home sale when you receive an accepted offer as a buyer; however, there are situations where it may be easier to walk away from a sale in the long run.
Recently, many have decided to waive a home inspection to make their offer more appealing (21% did not include a home inspection contingency versus 13% in 2019). However, the findings of inspections are one reason you might want to walk away from a sale.
Home inspections are a non-invasive review of the condition of a home done by a qualified individual; they will inspect the electrical, HVAC, plumbing, roof, foundation, attic, and other structures. They are looking for areas that may be in poor or unsatisfactory condition.
The largest benefit of a home inspection is that you’re more likely to avoid costly surprises later down the line. One horror story is of an investor who bought a home without an inspection, and when she started removing some water-damaged cabinets, she found abnormal wiring and extension cords. The previous owner had DIY-ed the electrical in the home, resulting in having to rewire the entire house. She was out an extra $150,000 with all the new wiring and additional work that had to be done.
The inspection allows you the chance to walk away from a deal if something like DIY wiring is uncovered.
The title is a history of who owned the property, a physical description, and any liens on it. The title company works on behalf of the lender and buyer to ensure that the title is clean. Some potential title problems would be outstanding property taxes, liens against it, or easements.
If there are issues, it can be costly and stressful. It is certainly something you should consider before proceeding with the sale. You wouldn’t want to buy a home and later down the line that someone has claim to it.
When first finding a home you like, it’s easy to be blinded by finding something that meets your qualifications. Then, if you get an accepted offer, rationalizing anything problematic away can be even easier.
However, perhaps after seeing the home at different times, you notice neighbors possibly engaging in activities that bother you (like late-night band practice), or maybe you notice that the neighborhood isn’t particularly pet-friendly and you have multiple pets.
Although it may seem petty in these situations, considering walking away from the sale could be a good idea rather than dealing with neighbors or a neighborhood that is not to your taste.
Sometimes, you might have a chance in your financial situation after putting in an offer for an unexpected reason. In these situations, it might be the responsible choice to walk away from the sale. Also, depending on the change, it might mean that you no longer qualify for financing.
It’s always best to iron out the financial aspect before even looking at homes, but sometimes random things cause unexpected life changes that may make it necessary to walk away from a sale. However, we would never recommend looking to make a significant life change before your closing, as it might affect your ability to get financing.
When buying a home, buyers also can include an appraisal contingency. Appraisals are generally required if obtaining funding from a lender; however, the contingency will allow you to have some negotiation ability if the appraised value comes in lower than the agreed-upon price.
Low appraisals may happen for various reasons, but according to data from Case-Shiller, appraisals came in below 19% of the time in 2021. When this does happen, there are a few remedies:
In the last case, where the buyer cancels the contract, it will be due to the inability to compromise with the seller or not being able to increase the down payment. In this case, walking away from a home sale might be your only remedy as a buyer.
Although it can be challenging to walk away, in these 5 circumstances, it will likely be to your benefit to consider it. A good real estate agent will be able to help you through the process and advise you as to whether terminating the agreement is a wise choice.
One thing to think about when walking away is the earnest money situation. Earnest money is to show seriousness to the seller, often considered a good faith deposit. The amount will vary depending on the sale but is typically between 1 to 5% of the purchase price. However, walking away from a sale could cause you to lose out on your earnest money.
If you are walking away for the following reasons, you can expect a return:
On the other hand, if you walk away because you’ve had a change of heart or due to the neighbors/neighborhood — you shouldn’t expect any return. Although, in some situations, it might be better not to get a return and avoid a problematic living situation down the road.
One of the best parts of fall is watching the foliage transform into vibrant colors adorning the countryside. It’s a stunning scene, as a sea of green gives way to an explosion of red, yellow, and orange.
Although the process seems magical, it’s scientific. Fall colors develop as daylight wanes (causing a drop in chlorophyll production) and weather conditions change; as a result, leaves will turn an array of colors, including bright yellow, purple, red, brown, orange, and golden yellow. Although you can always watch this phenomenon happening from your windows, there are some spectacular spots to visit in Southeastern Wisconsin that are dazzling.
To ensure you get the best colors possible, be sure to check the Fall Color Report before you go! It will give you the most up-to-date information regarding when the peak colors will be.
Peak Foliage: October [at time of posting-3rd week of October per Fall Color Report]
Holy Hill is a popular color spot, allowing for tremendous views amidst stunning architecture. The church rests upon a hill created by a retreating glacier, 1,300 feet above sea level; however, for an even better birds-eye view, climb the steps to the tower. From this vantage point, you can see for miles and get an excellent view of the natural forest below. If you prefer to stay on the ground, there are plenty of trails nearby to see the colors up close.
As this is a popular spot, you’ll want to time your visit right to ensure you can find a parking spot. It’s best to get there earlier in the day, as it usually is not quite as busy then.
Peak Foliage: October [at time of posting-3rd week of October per Fall Color Report]
The Devil’s Lake area is said to glow with color each fall as its dense forests change colors. In addition, the lake offers some fantastic hiking trails for various skill levels; if you’re looking for a more tricky hike, try out the Balanced Rock trail. For those who want to enjoy the colors without hiking, picnic areas near the lake provide an excellent vantage to take in all the colors.
Also, for those who want to enjoy the lake at the same time, you can take out kayaks, paddleboards, or canoes. They do have some available for rent on-site if you don’t have any of your own; however, please note that gas motors are not allowed on the lake.
Peak Foliage: October [at time of posting-3rd week of October per Fall Color Report]
Known for its charming downtown and family-friendly fun, Lake Geneva offers a sensational color display. There are a few different ways to enjoy the changing colors in the Lake Geneva area:
Peak Foliage: October [at time of posting-3rd week of October per Fall Color Report]
Located in Grant Park, the Seven Bridges Trail is a shorter trail in Milwaukee that offers an opportunity to see the changing colors near downtown. With ravines, bridges, and a trail end on the shore of Lake Michigan, this trail is a photographer’s dream.
Peak Foliage: September [at time of posting-3rd week of September per Fall Color Report]
The highest point in Waukesha County, Lapham Peak, is an excellent area to view colors, with numerous hiking trails. If you want to get even higher, the observation tower offers a panoramic view of the surrounding cities & landscapes.
Peak Foliage: October [at time of posting-approx. 1st to 3rd week of October per Fall Color Report]
The northern and southern units of the Kettle Moraine State Forest offer 50,000 acres of forest; enjoy it all on a 115-mile scenic drive through southeastern Wisconsin. There are places to shop, eat, fish, swim, and historical sites along the route.
The route goes through six counties and is marked by green & white “acorn” signs. Check out the route here!
Peak Foliage: October or November [at time of posting-3rd week of October or 1st week of November per Fall Color Report]
This area of Wisconsin is well-known for towering bluffs and narrow valleys, both of which can be seen at this state park. This state park also has two 40-foot observation towers on either side showcasing the views of the lower Wisconsin riverway, Baraboo bluffs, and the countryside. There are also trails for hiking and off-road biking.
Only 25 miles from Madison, this 1,153-acre park is a great place to visit the forests & its convenient location allows for easy access to Madison’s thriving downtown.
Fall colors certainly don’t last long in Wisconsin, so hit the road and check out the dazzling color displays this fall season before they are gone!
What’s more fall than stopping by an apple orchard for some fresh, local apples straight off the tree? We would argue not much, so make the most of your fall by stopping by one of these apple-solutely amazing apple orchards in Southeastern Wisconsin.
Address: N5648 S Farmington Rd, Helenville
Although many know them for their berries, did you know Jelli’s Market has an apple orchard as well? With popular varieties, like Honey Crisp & Cortland, there’s an apple type that everyone will enjoy.
U-Pick? Yes, Jelli’s Market does offer u-pick, but only on Wednesdays from 1 pm to 5 pm and Saturdays & Sundays from 9 am to 5 pm. However, they also provide pre-picked, which can be bought from their farm store. Their farm store also has other local goodies.
Varieties? Check out their variety list to see their total offerings and what’s currently available here.
Address: 5454 County Road Q, Colgate
You’ve got to check out this family-owned certified organic apple orchard with over 29 varieties. They also offer fresh cider, pies, and other apple products.
U-Pick? Yes, they offer only u-pick with different price options for different sized groups and the number of apples picked.
Varieties? With over 29 types, there’s sure to be something for you. Be sure to check out their Facebook page for current updates!
Address: 1545 Main St, Mukwonago
More than just apple picking, The Elegant Farmer offers a fall experience with FREE Admission on Saturdays & Sundays from September 10th through October 23rd from 10 am to 5 pm. This farm allows you to pick apples from the trees or pick up some pumpkins from one convenient and magical location. You can also purchase one of their famous apple pies baked in a paper bag.
If you’re looking for additional activities (with fees), they also offer hayride and pony rides, a corn maze, laser tag, and a cafe. You can also catch a train ride with the East Troy Electric Railroad.
U-Pick? U bet!
Varieties? Check out their website here to be up-to-date with the most current types currently being picked.
Address: 5006 South Sylvania Ave, Sturtevant
You holler, I holler, we all holler for apples at Apple Holler! This is a stop you won’t soon forget; with apples, farm fun with different farm animals, wagon rides, a corn maze, and a restaurant on-site-you’re sure to have a day full of fun.
U-Pick? Yes, Apple Holler allows for self-pick on their 78-acre orchard.
Varieties? This stop is sure to please with more than 3,000 trees featuring 30 types. Planning ahead? Check out their picking calendar for the scheduled apple-type availability! They also have active pickings on their homepage for the most up-to-date information.
Address: 19760 W National Ave, New Berlin
If you’re an apple connoisseur, this orchard is the perfect stop. Weston’s Antique Apples specializes in antique apple types (it’s even in the name) with over 100 different antique varieties. If you’re looking for more standard apple types, this likely isn’t the spot for you, but if you want to taste Calville Blanc d’Hiver (from France and a favorite of past royalty) or Hawaii (that tastes like a pineapple?!), then you need to check it out.
If you’re looking to stop at their home stand (where the orchard is), these are their hours: Saturday, 3–6 pm & Sunday, 12–4 pm; August through November. However, you can also catch them at the West Allis Farmer’s Market (Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 1 to 5 pm) or the Shorewood Farmer’s Market (9:30 am to 1 pm).
If you’re lucky, you might also find some tasty cider for sale at their home stand.
U-Pick? Nope, because the trees bear antique apples, the timing of ripeness can only be left to a professional. Therefore, they don’t offer u-pick at their orchard.
Varieties? Over 100! This page on their site goes over their different types with a short description. Interested in one of the types and want to know the timeline? Check out this projected ripening calendar!
When you describe the classic American dream, what comes to mind? A white house? Two-car garage? Perhaps it’s less material, more about certain freedoms or personal successes? How about a perfectly manicured, green yard space?
For better or worse, the American population has become obsessed with their lawns. They’ve become a status symbol, showcasing position in community and embodying the American dream. Moreover, it’s a symbol of suburb conformity, with many HOA’s establishing rules and neighbors who ensure compliance through passing comments. Sometimes, it goes beyond comments, with fines and even jail time given to those who fail to conform.
However, for something seen as so American, funnily enough, the typical American lawn is not. Instead, it’s a product of European emulation with European grass specimens, which at first, was only for the elite and wealthy. Eventually, the middle-class picked it up, as more became homeowners and it was included as a feature of developments.
In fact, it’s become so pervasive that, according to a research ecologist with the U.S. Forest Service, there is an estimated 163,800 square kilometers of lawn space across the county, including parks and golf courses. This land mass roughly equates to Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Massachusetts-imagine mowing that!
So, what’s the problem with this beloved property feature? Well, there are a few. . .
On average, per The Lawn Institute, lawns require around 1 inch of weekly rainfall to maintain a lush, green appearance. However, this is more rainfall than many parts of the United States now get. In fact, a third of all residential water consumption is allocated to lawn irrigation, equating to about 7 billion gallons of water daily (making it the largest irrigated “crop” in America).
A monoculture is an environment where one plant grows. Monocultures are typically a product of consumerism, allowing efforts to focus on caring for one specific organism, whatever it may be. Simplicity and efficiency are the driving force behind this method of growing. Although worthy aspirations, this monoculture has disastrous effects on the environment for the following reasons:
Although pouring or sprinkling fertilizer or pesticides/herbicides in the yard may seem harmless, it can cause problems for the surrounding environment and the organisms that populate it, even you.
In terms of effects on humans, numerous chemicals in lawn-care products have become the subject of concern; two, in particular, are herbicides glyphosate and 2,4-D. The CDC has proclaimed that long-term exposure to either of these chemicals can have adverse effects from nausea to respiratory issues. This glyphosate is the main ingredient in Roundup, a widely used weed killer, and there is debate amongst different health organizations as to whether it could be carcinogenic. However, this ingredient will cease being used in Bayer residential products, the manufacturer of Roundup, within the US by 2023. These health organizations are also now looking at 2,4-D as a potential health hazard and recommend caution in use.
Besides the impact on human health, fertilizers and pesticides also affect the environment. Although the biggest culprits of fertilizer runoff are large farms, residential homes still have an effect, especially on waterways. Nitrogen & phosphate, the main ingredients in most fertilizers, cause algae blooms when it washes into lakes, choking out the aquatic life–resulting in dead zones. In addition, pesticides and insecticides have been shown to be a contributing factor to the reduction in the bee population.
Perhaps the most apparent impact lawns have on the environment is the equipment used to cut them. The fuel-powered equipment contributes to greenhouse gases; however, the mowing frequency is also an essential factor to note. Lawns cut more often, contribute more gases, and also negatively effect diversity and bees. A study by researchers showed that lawns mowed every two weeks had more lawn diversity and a larger abundance of bees.
The mowers contribute to greenhouse gases through their emissions, that further air pollution and climate change progression. These emissions can include things like methane, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and particulates.
So, if grass isn’t green, then what is? Well, first off, there are ways to maintain your grass in a low-impact way; in fact, your lawn could even become a carbon sink if appropriately treated by. . .
However, if you’re looking for grass alternatives, these are also good options:
These alternatives are not as good:
It can be easy to be green, by making responsible choices–homeowners can work to create a more environmentally-friendly yard!
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