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Unlike cement, asphalt or even dirt, grass doesn't trap heat.
Each blade acts as an evaporative cooler, not only for the turf
itself, but for the environment. Natural turf can even help
reduce the air conditioning requirements — and thus the
energy needs — of surrounding buildings. The front lawns of
eight average-sized homes have a cooling effect equivalent to
the air conditioning systems of roughly 20 homes. Plus, lawns
are critical to absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen
into the environment. A yard of just 50 square feet can release
enough oxygen to meet the needs of a family of four.
The benefits of a natural turf lawn are very real. Social ben-
efits include an increased sense of community; lawns are ideal
for serving as gathering places for barbecues, picnics, games and
lounging. But the advantages don't end with outdoor recreation
and entertainment; grassy areas are naturally calming, stress reliev-
ing and visually appealing. They can contribute to an improved
outlook and quality of life. In urban environments, grass helps to
absorb noise, and well-maintained lawns are a source of pride.
Areas that are kept up are less prone to littering and vandalism,
helping to preserve real estate values, as well.
From social to environmental to economic, natural turf
offers a host of benefits that property owners should be aware
of. Landscape and turf grass professionals need to be able to
communicate the advantages of turf to their customers in
order to contribute to an informed decision-making process.
Natural lawn is not the right choice for every property, of
course, but many customers are misinformed or perceive
major obstacles that are actually relatively easy to resolve.
Property owners want to get the most from their invest-
ments. Landscape maintenance professionals are well posi-
tioned to offer advice on how to add value to a piece of real
estate by ensuring a strong first impression. Whether seeking
to please potential tenants or buyers, or simply looking to
create more appealing and comfortable surroundings for
personal enjoyment, a natural turf yard is a viable option in
many climates and environments. Those landscape profes-
sionals who take some time to educate clients about a natural
lawn may find themselves adding value to their businesses
as well.
Bryan Ostlund is executive director of Grass Seed USA, a
national coalition of grass seed farmers and academic turf specialists
that seeks to inform and educate residential and commercial customers
about the benefits of grass and best practices for responsibly growing
and maintaining healthy turf. For more information, visit www.
weseedamerica.com.
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