Next time you are watching the grass grow, think about the unmatched contribution made by lawns and recreational turf to our society. Lawns can also play an important role in water conservation, as long as the public are informed properly.
Turf grasses play a critical role in the general health and welfare of our communities. As a result of increasing urbanisation and deforestation they are becoming more and more important for human health. Turf is not only a major source of beauty and comfort in our lives but also a cleansing answer to our environment.
Turf is usually the centrepiece of a garden and most people still regard a turfed yard as part of the Australian dream. Turf can help turn a house into a home. It not only softens the look and increases the beauty of homes but can also dramatically increase its value too.
Turf is the perfect environment for people of all ages. Whether your usage is for; raising a family, walking the dog, having a BBQ, playing professional sport or just having a kick around with friends, there’s no better surface. It reduces the incident of personal injuries through its cushioning ability and children in particular are much better protected when playing and falling on grass than any other surface.
Lawns at homes, parks and sports areas improve our environment and our physical and mental health
Lawns at homes, parks and sports areas improve our environment because:
They are a low cost “injury prevention” surface for games and sports.
They filter out dust and air pollutants thereby reducing respiratory diseases.
They help us to relax, are aesthetically pleasing and reduce glare and traffic noise.
“Backyard” lawns provide a relatively safe area for children to play.
They are a focus for social outdoor activities and a “run” for pets.
They reduce global warming.
They are a continuing source of oxygen and cool air, minimising heat island effects.
By reducing peak stormwater run-off lawns reduce flooding and erosion
They allow rainfall to replenish groundwater for trees and shrubs
The likelihood of homes being destroyed in wildfires is reduced by lawns.
Lawn roots (except Kikuyu) do not damage the pavement or block drains.
Open lawn areas provide a feeling of security
They afford visibility (of cars, bicycles & pedestrians), reducing accidents.
Benefits of Turf
Environmental:
Air pollution control/air quality
improvement
Oxygen generation
Dust prevention & stabilisation
Carbon sequestration & sinks
Water filtration and purification
(phytoremediation)
Bioderadation of synthetic organic
compounds (phytoremediation)
Alleviating heat island effects
Reduction in nutrient movement &
loss
Erosion control
Soil improvement and restoration
Biodegradation of synthetic
organic compounds
(phytoremediation)
Alleviating heat island effects
Health:
Safe playing surfaces
Security-visibility
Mental health
Physical health
Aesthetic / Economic:
Low cost surfaces
Increased property value
Entertainment / Beauty
Community pride
Fire prevention
Glare reduction
Perceived Disadvantages of Lawns
Water Use
The public are under the presumption that lawns need a lot of water to survive. They don’t. Most lawns substantially recover in Autumn, even after dry summers. With the right preparation, grass varieties can be the most economical water users in the gardens.
Chemicals
In the past some bad chemicals were used. Now turf professionals use safer products, and with care. Most homeowners use very little, if any, toxic products on lawns.
Summary
Lawns play a very important role in recreational activities. Lawns have the added benefit that in drought cycles, with little or no water, they generally survive, if not they are very cheap to replace.
Lawns are singled out as being of high water use. If excessive water is being used on lawns then it may be because we are not educated properly about actually how much water is needed to make a lawn survive.
