Spring is upon us and the landscape is budding with color as the earth begins to warm and lawns begin to wake up after a winter of dormancy. Shades of green pop up in our yards, reaching for the sun and soaking up the springtime moisture. We can really appreciate the beauty and benefit of our lawns when they finally begin to show themselves in early spring.
Grass is a protector of people and the Earth. Seldom do we consider the immense impact that grass has on our lives and surroundings. But, as we leap into this next budding season, we can care for our lawns with a bit of extra love for the grass beneath our feet. After all, that grass protects and purifies our groundwater, cools your home, mitigates injury during play, and promotes improved mental health. Grass is good for our planet and good for you!
Grass Protects Against Runoff
A healthy stand of grass can provide essential protection against water runoff. Runoff is the draining away of water, and the substances carried in it, from the surface area of land. Water is a precious resource and runoff contributes to the waste and pollution of that water. Grass slows down water as it travels across the surface of your lawn, giving it time to soak into the soil and through the root zone. On bare ground, water moves rapidly, taking soil, nutrients, and contaminants with it. As the water moves through the soil profile, the grass roots purify the water by breaking down pollutants before they reach underground aquifers.
Grass Protects Against Heat
Grass lawns are cool, not just in the way they look, but they are also cool to the touch. Grass lawns make a dramatic difference in the temperature surrounding them. In fact, grass is usually 10℉ to 14℉ cooler than surrounding areas that may be covered in concrete or asphalt. Cooler areas surrounding your home means less energy used to cool it with your AC unit. Neighborhoods that have natural grass lawns enjoy the benefits of a cooler summer while also protecting their homes from the dangers of wildfire. Lawns can serve as vital barriers to preserve homes from the heat of dangerous fires.
Grass Protects Against Injury
Grass lawns and sports fields are safer for kids and athletes when they are playing. When compared to other surfaces like artificial turf and gravel, grass is clearly the safest option. Athletes who play on natural grass fields are less likely to sustain a wide array of injuries. Their ankles, knees and heads are more protected. They are less likely to experience abrasions and heat stroke. Grass is softer, offers better traction, and is cooler than artificial turf. The same principles apply to playgrounds and backyard play structures. Grass is a safer choice for kids to play, fall, and tumble on because they are less likely to get injured while making contact with soft grass.
Grass Protects Mental Health
Grass can make improvements to our mental health. It’s been shown that being outdoors in nature can help restore the mind. A grass lawn is inviting and provides space to move. Physical exercise has been proven to support mental health and grass lawns give us the space to be outside moving our bodies. Grass lawns and parks also provide space for community gatherings. Coming together is essential for us to feel a sense of belonging and is directly related to our mental health. Having access to a comfortable outdoor space can make a world of difference in the lives of many, whether that be a park or your very own backyard.
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