OUR PRECIOUS PLANET
Being A True Environmentalist Begins Right Under Our Feet
TurfGrass -- Functional, Recreational & Aesthetic
The earth has been good to us, but we haven't always been good to
it.
While industry and technology have provided jobs and goods to make
life easier, the effect on the environment has been substantial.
But we can help restore this precious earth with something as simple
as turfgrass -- the earth's living skin.
The U.S. Congress has acknowledged these positive benefits to our
environment.
"Turfgrass sod in urban areas and communities can aid in the
reduction of carbon dioxide emissions, mitigating the heat island
effect, reducing energy consumption and contributing to efforts to
reduce global warming trends."
Scientific research has documented the many benefits of turfgrass to
our environment. Our turfgrass lawns, parks and open areas:
- Provide a natural, comfortable, and safe setting for fun and
games.
- Release oxygen and cool the air.
- Control pollution and reduce soil erosion.
- Purify and replenish our water supply.
Our Environment
The satisfaction of creating beauty within the landscape can be
rewarding for you and the environment. With turfgrass sod, the rewards
are practically immediate.
- A well maintained lawn and landscape can enhance the "curb
appeal" adding as much as 15 percent to the value of a home.
Pollution Control
Today's improved turfgrass varieties are very effective in reducing
pollution.
- Turfgrass traps and removes dust and dirt from the air.
- 2,500 square feet of lawn absorb carbon dioxide from the
atmosphere, and release enough oxygen for a family of four to
breathe.
Nature's Air Conditioner
Another benefit that everyone enjoys, usually without notice, is
turfgrass' tremendous cooling effect.
- On a hot summer day, lawns will be 30 degrees cooler than asphalt
and 14 degrees cooler than bare soil.
- The front lawns of eight houses have the cooling effect of about
70 tons of air conditioning. That's amazing when the average home
has an air conditioner with just a three or four ton capacity.
- The cooling effect of irrigated turf reduces the amount of fuel
that must be burned to provide the electricity which powers the air
conditioners.
- Watered when the grass plant needs it, turfgrass will very
efficiently and effectively use almost every drop.
A Natural Filter
Runoff water in urban areas carries many pollutants.
- Turfgrass acts as a natural filter, reducing pollution by
purifying the water passing through its root zone.
Soil Erosion
The clean gentle strength of turfgrass is the most cost-effective method
for controlling wind and water erosion.
- A healthy sodded lawn absorbs rainfall six times more effectively
than a wheat field and four times better than a hay field.
- A sodded lawn will absorb greater amounts of rain than a seeded
lawn; even after three years of growth.
Fun & Games
The soft resilient surface of turfgrass is the safest and least
expensive place to play.
- For backyard ball games or the Super Bowl, athletes of all sizes
prefer the green cushion of turfgrass.
- Turfgrass is the only place for putting, picnics or just plain
relaxing.
Our Mental Health
Turfgrass quietly adds to the beauty of our lives and even our mental
and physical health.
- Doctors have shown that people recover faster in a hospital when
given a landscape view, rather than seeing only the walls of
adjoining buildings.
Turfgrass
. . . a continuing source of oxygen and cool air.
. . . a cleansing answer to our environment.
. . . a source of beauty and comfort.
With the benefits of turfgrass working their wonders for us, we will be
able to share a beautiful and healthy planet with our future
generations.
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