Lawns are important

The public perception of lawns and how they are cared for is at an all time low. Special interest groups and the media have been demonizing lawns and lawn care. Many of these groups are not only against pesticides but against lawns in general. It is important to remind ourselves sometimes how important lawns are to the environment.

Benefits of healthy turfgrass include:

• oxygen production – grass absorbs carbon dioxide and produces large amounts of oxygen through the process of photosynthesis. A 2,500 sq.ft. lawn produces enough oxygen for a family of 4.
• cleaning our air – healthy turf helps clean the air we breath by absorbing pollutants
• filtering our water – the root and thatch system helps to trap, hold and clean water that enters the ground which prevents pollutants from entering groundwater
• temperature control – healthy stands of turf provide a cooling effect due to water loss through the leaves (evapotranspiration) that significantly reduces temperature
• noise control – turf grass can potentially reduce noise levels by 20-30%
• safety – healthy turf provides a safer playing surface for sports and leisure activities and reduce injuries by up to 40% versus a weedy playing surface
• reduces allergens – weeds that cause allergies will not be found in a healthy, thick lawn
• soil stability - provides control over erosion caused by water and wind
• reduces nuisance pests such as snakes, mice, moles, and rats
• provides a buffer against fire
• increases property value by up to 15%
• according to the American Society of Horticultural Therapy, healthy lawns have a beneficial health effect on people by lowering stress, increasing relaxation, and improving morale.

The benefits of healthy turf enhance our quality of life in so many ways that far outweigh the benefits of weak, thin, and weed infested landscapes.

References: Beard, J. Green, Robert L. 1994. The Role of Turfgrass in Environment Protection and their Benefits to Humans. Madison, WI