I really love people who rake their lawns! Quiet and at peace in their yard, what a pleasant way to do a chore. They often wave as I ride by on my bike. No extreme volume of noise, no gas polluting the air, and no disrespect to your neighbors who appreciate quiet and wildlife. What a more peaceful and respectful world this could be.
Sadly we now have a leaf blowing/lawn mowing season that extends from fall to winter, and quickly resumes in the spring. These machines are incredibly loud! Are you aware that this noise causes insects, birds and other animals to flee and not nest there? Are you aware that the chemicals used to treat lawns are often toxic and deplete the soil and kill all the insects in the soil? Are you aware that healthy soil comes from leaves and debris rotting into the soil? Are you aware that you are disturbing everyone around you with a machine that has the potential noise of half a jet engine? Wow, an airport every block in Greenfield!
A leaf blower in my neighborhood recently was five times louder than a backhoe operating in a backyard! Something is wrong here! I am aware that lawn care is a business. Perhaps the state could support a switch to electric equipment, which is much quieter. Many towns are not tolerating this noise and disrespect, and adopting bylaws to offset the invasion. I am encouraging the mayor, City Council and the folks of Greenfield (and other towns) to speak up to help us find a solution that heads in the right direction. Please consider the above thoughts.
John David Boles
Greenfield