Grass is cool. Did you know that front lawns of eight average houses have the cooling effect of about 70 tons of air conditioning, while the average home-size central air unit can only do 3-4 tons? If you can imagine lying on a lawn vs. on a sidewalk the results are not hard to fathom.
A lot of people berate lawns as a costly consumer of natural resources but they are actually a huge natural provider for our ecosystem. Healthy, thick lawns absorb rainfall six times more effectively than a wheat field, four times better than a hay field, and they prevent runoff and erosion of precious top soil. Lawns also trap much of the estimated 20 million tons of dust and dirt released into the North American atmosphere every year. Grass purifies water entering into the water table–it's root mass and soil microbes effectively filter and breakdown all kinds of pollutants. It generates oxygen for improved air quality and it reduces urban noise pollution by 20 - 30%.
According to Dr. Karl Danneberger, a professor of Horticulture and Crop Science at the Ohio State University most homeowners are making large investments in their lawns because they take pride in the beauty associated with them but he maintains, "It’s important for homeowners to know that the beauty they’re creating actually is helping to support the environment.”
Turf scientists say one of the best ways to achieve these benefits is to maintain a thick healthy lawn, which means feeding it on a regular basis with a fertilizer that contains nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium. While some people believe these fertilizers are likely to run off a lawn and cause pollution, the scientists say the opposite is true. “Like human beings, there are vital nutrients that grass needs to be as healthy as possible,” says Dr. Beard, who is also professor emeritus at Texas A&M University. “And just like people, if grass is well-fed, it becomes healthier and stronger. Multiple studies have shown that healthy turf acts as a sponge, actually reducing runoff not causing it.”
It gets better. Lawn grass increases real estate market value and salability. A Gallup Survey reported 62% of all US homeowners felt investment in lawns and landscaping was as good or better than other home improvements. The investment recovery rate is 100-200% for landscape improvement, compared to a deck or patio that will recover 40-70% of installation cost or a pool which is usually a "loss leader". Proper and well maintained landscaping adds 15% to a home's value according to buyers.
Turf scientists say one of the best ways to achieve these benefits is to maintain a thick healthy lawn, which means feeding it on a regular basis with a fertilizer that contains nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium. While some people believe these fertilizers are likely to run off a lawn and cause pollution, the scientists say the opposite is true. “Like human beings, there are vital nutrients that grass needs to be as healthy as possible,” says Dr. Beard, who is also professor emeritus at Texas A&M University. “And just like people, if grass is well-fed, it becomes healthier and stronger. Multiple studies have shown that healthy turf acts as a sponge, actually reducing runoff not causing it.”
It gets better. Lawn grass increases real estate market value and salability. A Gallup Survey reported 62% of all US homeowners felt investment in lawns and landscaping was as good or better than other home improvements. The investment recovery rate is 100-200% for landscape improvement, compared to a deck or patio that will recover 40-70% of installation cost or a pool which is usually a "loss leader". Proper and well maintained landscaping adds 15% to a home's value according to buyers.
Start Greening Now
The Forsythia (yellow flowered shrub) is blooming right now! This is the long agreed upon spring marker for giving your lawns their first and most important feed of the year. Any lawn fertilizer will do. A ten dollar bag will give you very pleasing results. Here are some steps to follow for the rest of the season:
Start in April: First thing, first; wash your lawn. Do this with a cheap hose end sprayer (available in any garden center or hardware store). Fill it with a solution of one cup dishwashing soap, one cup of non-scented household ammonia, a cup of sugar and the balance with water. Spray it on your lawn. This does several things. The soap breaks the soils surface tension which allows water and nutrients to readily pass through to roots. It also cleans all of the winter pollution and grime off of the grass leaves. The ammonia (nitrogen) and sugar act as a quick meal for your lawn. The grass takes it in and immediately perks up bright green and photosynthesis ready. Repeat this every month for the entire growing season. Optional step: Spread Gypsum pellets (available at Pre-Dawn Nursery) on your lawn as you would fertilizer but do it one to two weeks before your first fertilize. Gypsum is a natural mineral which does two things: It sweetens the soil and and it breaks down clay particles that compact the earth making it hard for grass roots to take hold and thicken. Two weeks later you are ready to fertilize. Lay it down according to instructions and water it in. Fertilize again in June and again in the cooler fall months.
Water the lawn regularly. One and a half to two inches a week will keep a lawn lush and green right through the hot summer months. Remember that a brown and dormant lawn is not doing it's eco job effectively. Always cut your lawn to the proper height. Two to two and a half inches is ideal. Shorter than that and you will scalp or burn your lawn reducing its healthy vigour. Longer than that and your grass will get thick blades and grow in tufts. Mow your lawn regularly as needed and leave the grass clippings on the lawn. Cut any dandelions or weeds out by the root with an old steak knife. Thats the whole regimen in a nutshell. Remember...If you're green, your cool.
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