Criticism of homeowners’ yards needs more sensitivity

A recent letter criticized the appearance of front yards of a number of homes in Cedar Rapids. I plead guilty! In the 15 years I have lived in my home, my yard has never been so unkempt. But have a little compassion.

This has been a miserable summer weather-wise. Many hot, humid and bone dry days have made it difficult for me to spend the time I normally would with lawn care. I recently spoke with an individual at the Iowa State Extension office and she confirmed my suspicions that we are seeing various types of weeds not normally found in the area and felt that different seeds were carried here as the result of the derecho storm. In my yard, the ground has been so hard that it was impossible to even pull a weed. I believe that most homeowners take pride in their yard, but cut everyone, including seniors like myself, a little slack this year.

I hope to be back with a beautiful yard next year.

Lowell Rutz

Cedar Rapids