Lawns Do a World of Good
Imagine life without grass. No green lawns with kids playing outdoors, no soft cushion for your bare feet on a hot summer day, and less greenery to clean the air we breathe. Perhaps we take for granted all the great eco-benefits a well-fed, lush lawn provides for us. Yet lawns still get a bad rap because of the assumed negative effects on the environment. Let’s face it; a well-cared-for lawn is better for you, your family, and the environment.
For starters, growing green plants is the best thing you can do to clean the air. And grass is better than other plants — even trees — at removing carbon and other impurities from the atmosphere. Through the process of photosynthesis, grass takes carbon from the air and stores it in the ground. Ongoing studies at The Ohio State University indicate that as a result of this natural process, your well-cared for lawn removes and stores twice the amount of carbon from the air in a year than a tree can in 10. The stored carbon then helps build rich organic matter in the soil that helps purify water and gives grass a fertile base to thrive.
Thriving lawns keep enriching the soil by providing a home for beneficial micro-organisms and insects. These good critters eat nature’s leftovers — like decomposing grass clippings, plant leaves and other vegetation — and recycle nutrients back into the soil. They also pollinate plants and serve as food for other animals, making grass an important part of nature’s cycle.
And did you know that summertime air temperatures above lawns can be up to 30 degrees cooler than above paved areas? Grass is like a natural air conditioner that cools the air as it releases water vapor through its blades. The water evaporates and draws heat, cooling the air in the process. As a result, lawns are a safer surface for children to play on and provide the cool comfort we desire on hot days.
“Homeowners are hearing conflicting messages about lawns and the environment and, as the authority on lawn care, we recognize our responsibility to give them the information they need to make informed decisions,” says Rich Shank, chief environmental officer for ScottsMiracle-Gro. “Caring for the environment starts in our own backyards, and growing a strong, thriving lawn is simple and safe. When we care for our lawns we help build a cooler, cleaner environment — and an inviting space for our families to enjoy.”
The reasons to love your lawn are many. And with good care, like following the tips below, lawns contribute to your family’s well-being and our environment.
- Feed regularly with products made for lawns.
Feeding 3 to 4 times a year makes your lawn strong and full of life. A strong lawn is better able to tolerate stresses like heat, drought and insects. It crowds out weeds, can fend off most diseases and is better able to contribute to the environment. Use a fertilizer made for lawns like Scotts Turf Builder. All-purpose fertilizers like 10-10-10s apply more phosphorus than your lawn needs — up to 6 years worth in one application.
- Follow label directions.
Lawn fertilizers are designed for best results when applied according to package directions. Applying too much product won’t improve results, but it will put down more nutrients than your lawn needs. So why over-feed and waste fertilizer?
- Conserve water.
Water is an important component for a healthy lawn, but only water your lawn when it needs it. If your lawn dulls in color or begins to wilt, then your lawn needs water.
Make sure to sweep any fertilizer that lands on driveways and sidewalks back on to the lawn. This keeps nutrients where the grass will use it — and out of our waterways.
- Mow smart.
Lawns that are mowed high have deeper root systems that can reach water and nutrients in the soil better. Use a mulching mower and leave grass clippings on your lawn. Clippings will break down and recycle nutrients back into the soil.
For more facts about lawns and ideas for enjoying them visit www.LoveYourLawn.us.