Snyder Research Farm Offers Clinic for Homeowners Managing Large Properties

Introduction

New Jersey, as the most densely populated state in the nation, recently enacted land-use ordinances in rural areas restricting overdevelopment protecting environmental quality. Many townships in northwestern New Jersey require 2 to 10 acre properties for single-family homes.

Over the last decade there has been a significant migration of families from eastern New Jersey to less populated areas of western New Jersey. Typically, these families now manage several acres while previously managing small properties in eastern New Jersey. Many family wage earners commute long distances to the workplace, limiting time available to manage these larger properties.

For the last 10 years the Snyder Research and Extension Farm fielded many inquiries from families regarding lawn care on these large rural properties. Many times homeowners are employing similar lawn care practices utilized on much smaller properties. It becomes quickly evident to the homeowners a major increase in time and expense are required to manage these large properties. The dream house in the country becomes an expensive time-consuming management project.

A review of private and public sector homeowner lawncare educational information finds that there are no specific recommendations for managing large versus small properties. However, comparing similar families residing on large vs. small properties, it is apparent similar financial and time resources are available. The rural properties can readily require many times the family’s financial and time resources.

With the above points in mind, the Snyder Research and Extension Farm developed educational outreach programs specifically directed at the above mentioned audience addressing time and financial issues.

The educational programs primarily addressed hands-on training in dealing with important aspects of lawncare management having the greatest impact on the homeowner’s ability to manage large properties.

Some of the highlights of the program follow.