Lawns & Our Environment

Turf grass is earth smart--(NUI) Scientist throughout the world are increasingly documenting the significant role of turf, particular in urban/suburban settings where the removal of turf and other vegetation has amplified problems such as the "urban heat effect." In the 1990 Farm Bill, the U.S. Congress noted: "Tree plantings and ground cover, such as low growing dense perennial turf grass sod in urban areas and communities, can aid in reducing carbon dioxide emissions, mitigating the heat island effect and reducing energy consumption, thus contributing to reduce global warming trends." According to the Professional Lawn Care Association of America, a thick, healthy lawn has several environmental benefits including:

 

• Oxygen: 625 square feet of lawn provides enough oxygen for one person for an entire day.
• Temperature: On a block of eight average houses, front lawns have the cooling effect of 70 tons of air conditioning.
• Pollution: Turf absorbs gaseous pollutants such as carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide, converting them to oxygen.
• Dust and Dirt: Turf traps an estimated 12 million tons of dust and dirt released annually into the
• atmosphere.
• Fire Retardation: A buffer zone of grass around buildings helps retard the spread of fire.
• Water Quality: Turf prevents soil erosion, filters contaminants from rainwater and reduces runoff.

HOW TO ACHIEVE A HEALTHY TURF

SOIL TYPE: Grass grows best in soils that have a mix of clay, silt, sand, key nutrients and proper pH balance. Poor soils can be improved.

GRASS: A grass type compatible with geographic conditions will promote the lawn's health, aesthetics and environmental functions.

WATERING: Water only when the lawn needs it, and then water slowly and deeply. Apply an inch and a half of water each time. Early morning watering reduces evaporation.

MOWING: Lawns should be mowed high, often and with a sharp blade. Mowing high fosters proper root development.  

GRASS CYCLING: Leaving clippings on the lawn to decompose returns nutrients to the soil. (See Lawn Care Grass Cycling for detailed information.)

FERTILIZER Most lawns need fertilizer to provide more nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium than moist soils can deliver. Over fertilization can harm lawns. (See Lawn Care  Fertilizer for detailed information.)

PEST CONTROL: Many lawn care companies use a variety of pest control practices and products. Some are preventive and some are done as spot applications for weeds, insects and disease problems.

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