I don't have a lawn, but I do have some weeds that are getting tall. I am a disabled Veteran and my wife is also disabled. We need help with our yard weeds. Can you suggest something for us?
MammaDrama, just a comment on the NextDoor app, and:
Rangie, if you do consider this option, watch this video first:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xyfkRJQ1aTc
It addresses how personal information can be used against you if you share too much in these apps.
This especially means such information as being disabled and needing help.
Neighbors may be neighbors but that doesn't mean they're safe, law abiding, or helpful.
E.g., I learned quickly not to be honest with neighbors after my father died, as they were telling people who stopped by inquiring about Dad's house that it was vacant since his death. I was also frequently asked by contractors and would-be purchasers or flippers whether the house was vacant. Two even admitted that they peeked into the workshop to see what was inside.
Now I lie or just advise that I don't discuss the house until my father and I are ready to sell.
I suggest joining NextDoor. It’s is an app that connects you with people in your local area. Once you join the site, ask this question. Most likely there is a neighbor who can make a recommendation for you.
1a. Contact info for resources if you're not comfortable submitting name, etc. online: https://nrd.gov/Contact-Us
1b. "How do I get assistance with VA Benefits?" is a broad category, with links which you can research and contact. It may take some time, but you may locate some good resources.
1c. You can use the NRD search function (magnifying glass in yellow circle on the upper right side of the page under the menu bar) to search specifically for landscapers.
2. If your disability is service related, there's a link for the Wounded Warriors.
If the link is too long and doesn't work, search on
"landscaping, veteran owned businesses".
4. I contacted a Veteran owned realtor to handle sale of my father's house, and asked him for suggestions on other Veteran owned affiliated businesses. He knew of a man who mowed lawns. Sometimes you can find people this way as well. And I do know that some landscapers also handle yard "maintenance."
5. I've also found that some Senior Centers have lists of people who will help, but not for free. Some do "landscaping" (now a general term that seems to be used as lawn mowing services try to go upscale.
You don't need to stick to the Senior Center in your area; call adjacent ones as well, and ask for both yard maintenance, weeding and landscapers. Given that lawn mowing companies suffered during shutdowns, they may be anxious to pick up more jobs. But they also may have more customers than they did last year - I found that in my area.
6. If the weeds are all together in the same area, you can solarize them. Lay down either clear or black plastic, secure it with stones, and the sun will do the rest and heat the weeds till they die.
If your disabilities prevent bending over, you could just lay the plastic down, and perhaps a neighbor or two could secure it with rocks or something that prevents the plastic from blowing away. This is the kind of help that you might also find at a Senior Center. Contacting the local VFWs or American Legion are also options.
7. Area Agency on Aging has "same home" service through which they locate services for elders who plan to stay in their own homes. In my area, they provide the services themselves, but at outrageous, highly marked up prices $400 if they did the work vs. $150 which a commercial landscaper charged). Other area may be different though.
Please let us know what you decide to do. The VA itself has home care support, and I would check that out for you but knowing weeds, I think you probably want someone fairly soon.
Our high schools require so many community service hours to graduate and several college scholarships also require service hours, so I would recommend contacting any local schools to see if they have similar programs and someone who could help you out. Local churches and volunteer fire stations could be good sources too.
I mix 1 gallon of white vinegar, 2 cups of Epsom salts, and 1/2 cup dish washing liquid in a garden sprayer. Spray anything you don't want growing on a sunny day and it dies. I use it to keep grass and weeds out of my gravel driveway and around my porches and walks.
There are also light weight battery powered weed eaters. My back won't let me run a full sized weed eater anymore, but I can use the light weight one for short periods of time to keep some grass trimming done.
We have a Scout troop associated with our Church. Mowing lawns for the Church elderly was suggested. We were told that the BS higher ups had banned this for liability reasons. Primarily, if they got hurt on the persons property.
There are some Senior Centers that might have Handymen that do work either volunteer or fairly inexpensive. They may have a list. You could call your local VFW and see if they have any one willing to work. There are landscape or lawn cutting services that might come and either weed whack them down or ..and I hate to use the stuff but there are sprays that will kill the weeds.) And..last but not least..hire a neighborhood kid to do weeding for you.
Rangie, if you do consider this option, watch this video first:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xyfkRJQ1aTc
It addresses how personal information can be used against you if you share too much in these apps.
This especially means such information as being disabled and needing help.
Neighbors may be neighbors but that doesn't mean they're safe, law abiding, or helpful.
E.g., I learned quickly not to be honest with neighbors after my father died, as they were telling people who stopped by inquiring about Dad's house that it was vacant since his death. I was also frequently asked by contractors and would-be purchasers or flippers whether the house was vacant. Two even admitted that they peeked into the workshop to see what was inside.
Now I lie or just advise that I don't discuss the house until my father and I are ready to sell.
1. https://nrd.gov/
1a. Contact info for resources if you're not comfortable submitting name, etc. online:
https://nrd.gov/Contact-Us
1b. "How do I get assistance with VA Benefits?" is a broad category, with links which you can research and contact. It may take some time, but you may locate some good resources.
1c. You can use the NRD search function (magnifying glass in yellow circle on the upper right side of the page under the menu bar) to search specifically for landscapers.
2. If your disability is service related, there's a link for the Wounded Warriors.
3. Other Veteran companies;
https://www.veteranownedbusiness.com/252/residential-landscape-services
https://www.veteranownedbusiness.com/1091/commercial-landscaping-services and more:
https://www.google.com/search?ei=P2DJXqP5MYXctQbj453QBw&q=landscaping%2C+veteran+owned+businesses&oq=landscaping%2C+veteran+owned+businesses&gs_lcp=CgZwc3ktYWIQAzIICCEQFhAdEB4yCAghEBYQHRAeMggIIRAWEB0QHjIICCEQFhAdEB4yCAghEBYQHRAeMggIIRAWEB0QHjIICCEQFhAdEB4yCAghEBYQHRAeMggIIRAWEB0QHjIICCEQFhAdEB46BQgAEJECOgIIADoFCAAQgwE6BAgAEEM6BggAEBYQHjoICAAQFhAKEB46CAgAEAgQDRAeOgQIIRAKUKw8WMp0YLp1aAJwAHgAgAFuiAH5FpIBBDM2LjOYAQCgAQGqAQdnd3Mtd2l6&sclient=psy-ab&ved=0ahUKEwjjlJeHxMrpAhUFbs0KHeNxB3oQ4dUDCAw&uact=5
If the link is too long and doesn't work, search on
"landscaping, veteran owned businesses".
4. I contacted a Veteran owned realtor to handle sale of my father's house, and asked him for suggestions on other Veteran owned affiliated businesses. He knew of a man who mowed lawns. Sometimes you can find people this way as well. And I do know that some landscapers also handle yard "maintenance."
5. I've also found that some Senior Centers have lists of people who will help, but not for free. Some do "landscaping" (now a general term that seems to be used as lawn mowing services try to go upscale.
You don't need to stick to the Senior Center in your area; call adjacent ones as well, and ask for both yard maintenance, weeding and landscapers. Given that lawn mowing companies suffered during shutdowns, they may be anxious to pick up more jobs. But they also may have more customers than they did last year - I found that in my area.
6. If the weeds are all together in the same area, you can solarize them. Lay down either clear or black plastic, secure it with stones, and the sun will do the rest and heat the weeds till they die.
If your disabilities prevent bending over, you could just lay the plastic down, and perhaps a neighbor or two could secure it with rocks or something that prevents the plastic from blowing away. This is the kind of help that you might also find at a Senior Center. Contacting the local VFWs or American Legion are also options.
7. Area Agency on Aging has "same home" service through which they locate services for elders who plan to stay in their own homes. In my area, they provide the services themselves, but at outrageous, highly marked up prices $400 if they did the work vs. $150 which a commercial landscaper charged). Other area may be different though.
Please let us know what you decide to do. The VA itself has home care support, and I would check that out for you but knowing weeds, I think you probably want someone fairly soon.
I mix 1 gallon of white vinegar, 2 cups of Epsom salts, and 1/2 cup dish washing liquid in a garden sprayer. Spray anything you don't want growing on a sunny day and it dies. I use it to keep grass and weeds out of my gravel driveway and around my porches and walks.
There are also light weight battery powered weed eaters. My back won't let me run a full sized weed eater anymore, but I can use the light weight one for short periods of time to keep some grass trimming done.
You could call your local VFW and see if they have any one willing to work.
There are landscape or lawn cutting services that might come and either weed whack them down or ..and I hate to use the stuff but there are sprays that will kill the weeds.)
And..last but not least..hire a neighborhood kid to do weeding for you.