Our grass is being heavily damaged by cottontails and, in some spots, gophers. The board is aware of the problem and is researching potential solutions. There is no easy fix.
Grass replacement
Replacing the damaged grass is impractical without getting rid of the cottontails first - cottontails are territorial and keep coming back to the same spot. Since there is no legal/practical way of getting rid of the rabbits (short of breeding coyotes), continual grass replacement will simply bankrupt the HOA.
Rabbit scram and coyote urine
These might deter cottontails but need to be re-applied constantly as they get diluted by watering. Some homeowners, especially the ones with children or pets, might object to the presence of these substances throughout the community.
Increased watering
Watering dilutes cottontail urine. Unfortunately, the way our irrigation system is set up, we can only increase watering to the entire project, and not just the required areas, potentially over-watering and damaging the drought-resistant plants many homeowners have installed in their front yards. Besides, water is an expensive resource.
Letting the grass grow taller
Cottontails are less likely to damage the roots if the grass is taller. The drawback is that Mendocino will lose its manicured lawn look.
Replacing the damaged grass with less cottontail-friendly plants
We are investigating state rebates that might be available for turf replacement and new sprinkler heads.
At the last meeting, the board tasked the Landscape Committee with researching potential solutions and presenting its recommendations at the next board meeting.
If you have any suggestions or would like to help on the Landscape Committee, please contact MMS.
