Having a perfect, manicured, bluish-green lawn with nothing sticking out, straight and neat, has long been part of the so-called American Dream. This trend has taken a heavy toll on lawn’s reputation, often considered as a plant to be excluded from landscaping, greedy for water and fertilizer, and requiring the use of control products to remain healthy. In recent years, however, a new concept has emerged: sustainable lawn, that might not look perfect, but will fully fulfill its useful and beneficial purpose, both for the environment and for health.
The benefits of a lawn
Above and beyond its aesthetic role, which should not be overlooked, urban lawn plays an important role when it comes to health and environment, such as:
- Filtering dust and pollutants
- Water retention and filtration during heavy rainfall
- Reduction of heat islands and ambient temperature
- Safe playground
- Reduced soil erosion
Since it’s easy and relatively inexpensive to install, lawns are often the first plant installed on a property: it’s the basis of landscaping.
Diversifying lawns to improve resistance and performance
A lawn is a collection of turf grasses forming a dense and uniform covering. Traditionally, lawns were almost exclusively made of one type of grass, such as Kentucky bluegrass. To enhance the resilience of lawns and their resistance to stresses such as heat, drought, pests, and more, there is an increasing trend towards mixtures that adapt to varying terrain conditions, usage patterns, and user preferences. Some grass seed blends consist solely of grasses, while others include low-growing plants that further diversify lawns:
- White clover
- Millet
- Wild thyme
The more diverse the plant types in a lawn, the denser and healthier it becomes – each type taking over when another faces difficulties. Some grow faster, others respond better to water scarcity, and some tolerate foot traffic more. This ensures a dense, green, and healthy lawn despite weather challenges or infestations.
Lawns are fascinating ecosystems filled with beneficial insects, bacteria, arthropods, spiders, and more. By enhancing biodiversity, we further enrich our lawns for these species that play a crucial role in soil health. Blooming species also provide valuable food sources for pollinators. Diversified lawns are not only beautiful but also highly ecological!
Of course, for some, the pursuit of a perfect lawn free from ‘weeds’ remains strong. With regulations on pesticide use, watering restrictions, and increasing awareness of climate change and loss of green spaces, achieving that immaculate green carpet requires significant time investment. Switching paradigms takes time and adaptation. Let’s broaden our horizons and embrace biodiversity in our yards for a greener future.
