It helps cool the air.
Lawns, along with trees and shrubs, help cool the air through transpiration. Roots draw water from the soil then release it as vapor through pores located in each blade of grass.
It reduces carbon dioxide and produces oxygen.
Through photosynthesis, your lawn takes in carbon dioxide (CO2) and releases oxygen.
White clover. Pollinator food.
It provides food for pollinators.
Like many Upper Valley lawns, if yours includes dandelions, wild violets and clover, you are providing pollinators with a season long feast. If your grass is not cut too short, the banquet will continue as long as the flowers blossom.
It helps reduce erosion.
Healthy grass develops a dense root network, binding the soil in place. On our hilly Upper Valley terrain, this may reduce erosion during Spring run-off and our increasingly intense rainstorms.
It can help reduce noise, light and air pollution.
Lawns help deflect glare and sound. They also trap airborne dirt, dust and soil.
Tips for a healthy lawn that will help the environment:
Let the grass grow a little bit longer.
Slightly longer grass is better. Let your grass grow to 3 inches or taller, mowing before it gets to about 4 1/2 inches. Taller grass develops longer, stronger roots. These improve your lawn’s ability to withstand drought. They also help to keep weeds at bay and combat erosion.
Cut grass cleanly. Keep mower blades sharp. Dull mower blades shred rather than cut your grass, leaving it vulnerable to disease and drought. Cleanly cut blades of grass stand up better to family and pet wear and tear. They feel delightful under bare feet, too!
Avoid synthetic fertilizers and chemical herbicides. Your lawn is an essential part of your property’s and our Upper Valley ecosystem. What goes on your lawn doesn’t stay there! If you feed your lawn or must eliminate undesirable plants or insects, consider using only organic, environmentally friendly fertilizers and weed or pest control products. If you must apply chemicals, minimize both both amount used and area treated.
Taking in carbon dioxide, releasing oxygen.
Cooling the air, too!