ABC'S OF LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE CARE

Aesthetically pleasing — The value of turfed
areas have been recognized for their beauty
since China’s emperors maintained mowedgrass
areas (157-87 B.C.). Today, lawns are an
integral part of home landscaping and public
parks.
Business improvement — Businesses and
manufacturing complexes that have wellmaintained
grassy areas create a favorable
impression to the general public, employees,
and customers. Lawns increase the value of
property by 15 percent to 20 percent.
Climate control — Turfgrasses create appreciably
cool temperatures, thus working as
exterior “air conditioners.”
Dust filter — Dust and smoke particles from
the atmosphere are trapped by turf, keeping
our air cleaner and fresher.
Erosion control — Grasses greatly control
erosion by intercepting both raindrops before
they disturb the soil and slow-flowing water so
that larger soil particles are captured from the
collected water.
Fire retardation — Buffer areas of wellmaintained
grassy lawns around buildings are
good insurance against fire.
Golf courses — Millions of people play
golf for exercise, relaxation, and business
transactions. In the U.S., more than 14 million
golfers enjoy the highly groomed grass found
on golf courses.
Health promoter — Turfgrasses cushion,
clean air, generate oxygen, and create serene,
beautiful landscapes.
Injury reducer — A soft, resilient turfgrass
surface buffers and absorbs some of the impact
from injuries due to sports and games.
Junk prevention — Garbage is less likely to
be thrown on an area where there is a wellmaintained
lawn.
Knowledge base — The care of turfgrasses
and other plants is considered so therapeutic it
is used in a variety of rehabilitation programs,
including those for the ill, elderly, handicapped,
and the incarcerated.
Landscape of America — Lawns are
estimated to occupy an area of between 25 million
to 30 million acres in the U.S. (equivalent to
the size of the five New England states) and is
increasing along with the population.
Market value — Monetary value is associated
with a well-manicured lawn. As a result, sales
prices of homes may increase up to 20 percent.
Noise reducer — Grassy areas reduce excessive
sound, something especially appreciated
in urban areas. Grassy slopes beside lowered
expressways decrease noise 8–10 decibels.
Oxygen factory — The oxygen generated by
turfgrasses has a major impact on making our
environment habitable. A 50-foot by 50-foot
lawn produces enough oxygen for a family of
four to breathe for one year.
Pollutant blocker — Turfgrasses absorb such
pollutants as carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide,
which renders the air unfit to breathe. Turfgrass
thatch also acts as a barrier that deters
chemicals from entering the soil profile.
Quiet inducing — Grassy areas, whether
aspects of parks, golf courses, memorials, or
homes, affect mood and create feelings of
serenity, thoughtfulness, happiness, or sadness,
depending on our personal associations.
Runoff control — A highly maintained lawn
greatly reduces runoff of water and pollutants.
Dense turfgrass cleans the water, which helps
maintain a high-quality environment.
Safety net — Grassy playing surfaces are
safer than dirt, Astroturf, or concrete because
they provide sure footing and cushioningTraffic cop — Lawn barriers attractively and
clearly direct both vehicular and pedestrian
traffic in areas of heavy movement, whether on
campuses, roads, or neighborhoods.
Urban relief — Urban area lawns offer a little
taste of the countryside, providing a muchneeded
link with nature and reducing stress.
Vitalizer — Young and old alike enjoy games
and come alive on grassy areas. No other surface
material feels as soothing on bare feet or
is as good for playing games and even turning
somersaults.
Water filter — A dense turf enhances
groundwater in two ways. First, turfgrasses
increase water infiltration. They also clean the
water as it passes through the grass so that
underground water supplies are replenished for
our use.
Xeriscaping environments — Creating
beauty in low-water areas is gaining popularity
in appropriate regions. Ornamental grasses and
small grassy areas are key parts of this practice.
Yearly sign—
The cycle of the seasons produce
changes in the color of lawns. Most turf
becomes a duller green or even brown in the
winter months, but is among the first areas to
green up in the spring. This spring greening lifts
the human spirit like little else, and is an event
to look forward to.
Zoned improvement — Areas that are stabilized
by turfgrasses enhance safety on roads
and airfields by reducing flooding, mud, and
visibility — impairing dust.