As we continue to celebrate Earth Day this week and all of the wonderful things our planet has to offer, people are looking for ways to make a positive impact on the environment. Turfgrass lawns actually offer tons of environmental benefits. Here are 11 ways your turfgrass lawn is helping the environment.
- Climate is controlled at ground level by turf grasses as they cool temperatures appreciably, thus working as exterior “air conditioners.”
- Dust and smoke particles from the atmosphere are trapped by turf which helps keep the air cleaner.
- Noise is absorbed by grass areas which cut down on excessive sound, a growing problem in urban areas. For example, grassed slopes beside lowered expressways reduce noise 8-10 decibels.
- Pollutants, such as carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide, are absorbed by turfgrasses thereby rendering the air fit to breathe.
- Erosion of soil by water is effectively controlled by grasses as they intercept raindrops before they disturb the soil and they also slow the flow of water which minimizes soil loss.
- Groundwater is enhanced in two ways by a dense turf. Turfgrasses increase the infiltration of water and clean the water as it passes which in turn recharges the underground water supplies used by all of us.
- Run-off of water and pollutants is greatly reduced by a highly maintained lawn. Dense turfgrass cleans the water helping to maintain a high-quality environment.
- Zones that are stabilized by turfgrasses enhance safety on roads and airfields by reducing run-off which can cause flooding. Turfgrasses also diminish soil erosion which muddies surfaces and they absorb dust improving visibility.
- Traffic, both vehicular and pedestrian, is directed by lawn barriers in areas of heavy movement of people and on roadsides and medians.
- Fire retardation by buffer areas of well-maintained lawn grass around buildings is good insurance.
- Oxygen generation by turfgrasses has a major impact in making our environment habitable. A 50’x 50′ lawn produces enough oxygen for a family of four
This information provided by The Lawn Institute – www.TheLawnInstitute.org.
Turfgrass plays a huge role in our ecosystems and investing in turfgrass lawns can benefit the environment and your home in so many ways. This week, take a moment to appreciate this planet and do your best to take care of our one and only home.
